Recreating Holiday Memories with Mall Fashion

Let’s go to the mall! There’s nothing quite like the joyful bustle of a mall around the holidays, blending festive energy with a touch of nostalgia. This year, @Niki Detrich brought a creative twist to her family traditions by merging old memories with fresh style. Inspired by her parents’ vintage holiday photos, she set out to recreate those moments—outfit by outfit and store by store—at her favorite Simon Malls location.

If you’re looking for fashion inspiration that blends retro holiday outfits with modern mall finds, this blog post is for you.

The Joy of Recreating Old Family Holiday Photos

Why Nostalgia Is the Best Fashion Inspiration

Family photo albums are packed with iconic ’80s and ’90s mall moments: plaid shirts, chunky sweaters, maybe a cheesy Santa photo or two. Recreating these images is about more than clothes—it’s about reliving happy times with the people you love.

• Tradition meets trend: Update classic looks with pieces from today’s top retailers.
• Quality time: Combine family shopping with laughter as you hunt for the perfect outfit.
• Hand-me-down happiness: Bring a fun, modern spin to your parents’ (sometimes cringey, always lovable) style.

Building Your Own Retro Holiday Outfits

Hitting Up the Mall: Where to Shop for Modern Retro Looks

In Niki’s viral holiday adventure, she and her fiancé hit all the must-stop shops to build their throwback-inspired outfits:

• Forever 21: Perfect for snagging a classic plaid shirt—timeless, versatile, and oh-so ’90s.
• American Eagle: Cozy white sweaters pair with literally anything and bring that iconic holiday feel.
• California Pizza Kitchen (CPK): A pit stop for cheesy pizza and recharging, because shopping is hungry work!
• Mango: The scarf destination—accessories can make (or break) your retro look. A forest green turtleneck from Mango added just the right festive color.
• Abercrombie: For the hoodie lovers, a maroon hoodie brings a pop of color and comfort to any outfit.

Tips for Building a Retro Holiday Outfit Today:

• Mix textures: Pair chunky knits with smooth scarves or cords.
• Go bold: Red, green, tartan, and holiday hues are always a win.
• Layer up: Vintage looks love vests, turtlenecks, and scarf accents.
• Accessorize: Don’t forget scrunchies, beanies, and timeless white sneakers.

Making the Memories Last: Old Photo, New Outfit

It’s Not Just About the Clothes

After crafting their outfits, Niki and her fiancé posed for mall photos inspired by her parents’ old holiday snapshots. The result? A perfect blend of past and present—classic backdrops, new laughs, and a sprinkle of modern style.

How to Recreate the Retro Holiday Photo at Your Mall:

• Study the old photo—note the poses, facial expressions, and backdrops.
• Gather your outfits and accessories before heading out.
• Visit the shops for a snack break or extra inspiration.
• Use your phone or a camera to capture the moment—bonus points for a Santa hat!
• Print side-by-side photos for your holiday cards or Instagram feed.

Bullet Points: Must-Have Retro Holiday Outfit Pieces

• Plaid button-up shirts (Forever 21)
• Classic white or cream sweater (American Eagle)
• Knitted or printed scarves (Mango)
• Deep green or red turtlenecks
• Maroon, forest green, or navy hoodies (Abercrombie)
• Simple gold jewelry or a festive watch
• Comfy jeans or corduroy pants
• Classic tennis shoes or loafers

Conclusion: Bring Back the Magic with Retro Holiday Outfits

Holiday spirit is timeless, and with a little creativity, you can bring those cherished throwback moments into your own family album. Whether you’re inspired by a box of old photographs or just want an excuse to go shopping, exploring the mall for retro fashion inspiration is a tradition worth starting. So grab your favorite people, hit up Simon Malls, and let the good times—and great outfits—roll. Old photo, new outfit, same holiday spirit!

@themall Old photo, new outfit, same holiday spirit @Niki Detrich #SimonMalls #RetroFashion #HolidayOutfits #FashionInspo @shopbreamall @FOREVER 21 @California Pizza Kitchen @American Eagle @Mango ♬ original sound – The Mall

The Mall
Old photo, new outfit, same holiday spirit @Niki Detrich #SimonMalls #RetroFashion #HolidayOutfits #FashionInspo @shopbreamall @FOREVER 21 @California Pizza Kitchen @American Eagle @Mango

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Let’s go to the mall!

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Two of my favorite holiday activities are spending time with family

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and shopping, of course.

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So I figured why not combine the two

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and try to recreate some of my parents old holiday photos?

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I’ll need a full outfit for myself and my fiance.

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I grabbed this perfect plaid shirt for him at Forever 21

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and a white sweater at American Eagle.

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Quick pit stop at CPK to refuel, obviously,

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and then back on the hunt.

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I got really lucky at mango.

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They had a bunch of scarf options and a forest green turtleneck,

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which is exactly what I needed.

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Ricky is more of a hoodie guy,

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so I got him this maroon one from Abercrombie,

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and then it was time to take photos.

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I think they turned out so cute!

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Let me know what you think!