1. Japanese Kimonos at Backyard Barbecues
There was a time when our moms would proudly float into the backyard in a silky, floral kimono—usually from a department store clearance rack—and it made them feel worldly. They weren’t heading to a tea ceremony, just serving deviled eggs and potato salad, but the wide sleeves and bold prints gave everything a touch of drama. These weren’t authentic kimonos, of course, but Westernized versions made of polyester and stitched with just enough flair to seem exotic. Sometimes they came with a matching belt that doubled as a headband on beach days says BBC.
It’s likely our parents had never stepped foot in Japan, but that didn’t stop them from treating these robes like they were souvenirs from a globetrotting adventure. They’d wear them over leggings, swimsuits, or even nightgowns, which really made them the Swiss Army knife of ‘80s and ‘90s fashion. The look was equal parts elegance and confusion. But somehow, it worked—especially when paired with a spritz of Charlie perfume and a pair of oversized sunglasses adds the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
2. French Berets Without a Passport
When our moms popped on a beret, they weren’t headed to Paris—they were headed to the grocery store or PTA meeting. These little felt caps were tilted just-so atop their heads, often paired with turtlenecks or long wool coats. They didn’t speak French, and their idea of French cuisine was boxed brie and Pepperidge Farm crackers. But that beret made them feel chic, like maybe they had a mysterious past involving art galleries and candlelit cafés says NBC News.
Dads weren’t immune either—sometimes you’d catch one donning a beret while grilling, for reasons no one could quite explain. Maybe they saw one too many black-and-white movies or got it in their head that it was a “writer” hat. Either way, the beret phase swept through like a breeze from the Champs-Élysées, even if it only made it as far as suburban cul-de-sacs shares the Zoe Report. We never questioned it—we just nodded and said, “Ooh, très chic.”
3. Mexican Ponchos in Snowy Driveways
At some point, ponchos became winter wear in middle America, even though they were never meant to battle 20-degree temps and frozen sidewalks. Our parents would drape one over a sweater and call it “boho,” even though it was more “brrr” than anything else. These woven, fringed garments were inspired by traditional Mexican clothing, but mass-produced in all the wrong materials.
Still, there was something comforting about them—the way they swayed as our parents shoveled the driveway or ran errands in the family station wagon. They gave off a “wanderlust meets carpool duty” vibe that made them look like seasoned travelers, even if their passport had never been used. The ponchos didn’t offer much insulation, but they definitely added flair. And hey, fashion was sometimes more important than staying warm.
4. Dashikis at Church Potlucks
There was a brief, enthusiastic embrace of dashikis during the ’70s when our parents wanted to feel connected to something bigger than their own hometown. These vibrant, patterned shirts—rooted in West African tradition—made their way into closets across the country, often worn with wide-legged pants or bell-bottom jeans. Our parents would show up to a potluck or community event in a dashiki, feeling bold and expressive.
They may not have known the history behind the garment, but they appreciated its color and shape. It was a time when fashion felt like a statement, even if it was a little misinformed. You’d hear someone say, “I got it at the flea market—it’s authentic,” while ladling potato salad onto their plate. And while the execution might’ve been off, the effort to embrace a global style was definitely sincere.
5. German Lederhosen at Halloween
Let’s be honest—most of us saw lederhosen for the first time in a Halloween costume bin. But our dads thought it was hilarious to throw on those leather shorts with suspenders and tall socks and call it a “classic look.” Inspired by Bavarian culture, lederhosen were never meant for trick-or-treating or Oktoberfest-themed office parties in Indiana. Yet there they were—cracking open a cold one and speaking in bad accents.
It was less about honoring German roots and more about finding a fun excuse to wear something totally outside the box. Bonus points if they also carried a big foam beer mug or tried to yodel. As kids, we didn’t get the reference, but we knew it made everyone laugh. And somehow, that oddball fashion choice stuck around year after year.
6. Chinese Silk Pajamas as Dinner Party Wear
There was a phase where Chinese silk pajamas—usually red with golden embroidery—weren’t just for sleeping. Our moms would wear the button-up tops as blouses, pairing them with slacks and kitten heels like they were headed to a red carpet, not a potluck. These glossy, lightweight outfits were often picked up at import stores or tucked into a suitcase from someone else’s vacation.
They had dragons or flowers stitched into them, and the fabric shimmered under fluorescent lighting. We knew they weren’t authentic “traditional Chinese” outfits, but they made our parents feel cosmopolitan. Sometimes they’d even host dinners with matching chopsticks and fortune cookies, making the whole evening feel like a themed event. It was all part of the charm—and yes, it was definitely memorable.
7. Indian Kaftans on Lazy Sundays
Kaftans started showing up in our houses around the same time as macramé and shag carpeting. These loose, flowing garments—popular in Indian fashion—became the unofficial uniform of lazy Sundays and “no-bra needed” afternoons. Our moms would float around the house like royalty, coffee cup in hand and slippers on feet, looking equal parts glamorous and relaxed.
They came in jewel tones and sometimes had sequins or beading, though most of ours were from mail-order catalogs. The spiritual or cultural aspect may have been completely lost on them, but kaftans were comfortable, colorful, and made folding laundry feel like an event. Plus, they covered a multitude of sins—including mismatched pajamas underneath. That alone made them a household favorite.
8. Russian Ushankas in Freezing Weather
If you’ve ever seen your dad wearing a big, fur-lined hat with ear flaps in the middle of January, you’ve seen the American take on the Russian ushanka. Originally designed to survive brutal winters in Siberia, these hats somehow ended up in Midwestern garages and snowball fights. They were probably bought at army surplus stores or inherited from someone’s cousin who thought they were “neat.”
Our parents didn’t know much about Russian fashion, but they knew a warm hat when they saw one. And even if it made them look like a Cold War spy or a cartoon villain, they wore it with pride. Sometimes the flaps were tied on top, other times they were down to block the wind. Either way, it was impossible not to stare—and smile.
9. Moroccan Babouches as Slippers
At some point, someone’s aunt brought back a pair of babouches—those pointed Moroccan slippers—and suddenly everyone had a pair by the door. Our parents called them “fancy house shoes,” and they were usually in bright colors with embroidery or sequins. They weren’t especially supportive or practical, but they did make walking to the mailbox feel like a runway moment.
Most of them were knock-offs sold in import stores, but that didn’t stop them from becoming a thing. We’d see them kicked off by the couch or left by the kitchen island, glittering slightly in the afternoon sun. And even if our parents couldn’t locate Morocco on a map, they sure appreciated the flair. They might’ve been uncomfortable—but they were unforgettable.
10. Scottish Tartan Kilts at School Events
Once in a while, a parent would show up to a school recital or holiday event in what could only be described as “Scottish chic.” Usually this meant a tartan-patterned kilt—sometimes a wrap skirt, other times an actual pleated version—paired with tall boots and a turtleneck. Did they have Scottish ancestry? Maybe. But more often than not, it was just about the pattern and how festive it looked.
Kilts gave off a “dignified but daring” energy, even when paired with a giant snowflake sweater. We’d hear things like, “It’s vintage,” or “I wore this in college,” as they adjusted the pin at the waist. And for a brief moment, gymnasiums and cafeterias were filled with the spirit of the Highlands. Even if the only bagpipes nearby were playing on a cassette tape.
11. Greek Toga-Inspired Gowns at Formal Dances
Our moms didn’t go to ancient Greece, but you’d never know it by the way they rocked those one-shoulder, draped gowns at weddings and school galas. These dresses often had gold belts, flowing fabric, and a whole lot of confidence. They were trying to channel Aphrodite, even if they were just headed to a high school auditorium for a fundraiser.
The style was elegant and flattering—and usually picked straight off a clearance rack with names like “Athena” or “Olympia.” Add some gold bangles and a chunky heel, and the look was complete. Sure, the only mythological creature nearby was someone’s kid dressed as a centaur for a school play, but that didn’t matter. It was all about the drama and flow.
12. South American Alpaca Sweaters on Camping Trips
You knew a camping trip was about to get real when your dad pulled out the thick, itchy alpaca sweater. These came in earthy tones and had llamas or geometric patterns knitted into them, usually bought from a traveling market or through a catalog that promised “genuine South American craftsmanship.” Our parents didn’t hike Machu Picchu, but their sweaters made it feel like they had.
They wore them while roasting marshmallows, chopping wood, or just sitting by the fire with a mug of instant coffee. The sweaters were bulky, a little too warm, and always smelled vaguely of campfire and bug spray. But they were part of the tradition—and definitely added a rustic flair to otherwise standard camping trips. We still think of those trips every time we see anything alpaca-related.