Fashion, I think, is half creating new stuff and half bringing back old stuff. Creating new stuff is pretty simple and self-explanatory. But bringing back old stuff — now that can get tricky.

You see, “old stuff” in fashion are not the pieces from, say, two seasons ago, like Burberry totes or Lacoste polos with popped collars. Those are not quite old enough to be vintage.We’re talking looks from 20 seasons ago.

And only certain old stuff, at that. Platform shoes? Still in the ‘70s. Super bell bottoms? Leave them to the ‘80s. I’m not quite sure who the fashion gods are that get to make these seemingly arbitrary decisions, but, as a slave to fashion trends, I just do as I am told. And with my help, you could, too.

So if not platform shoes and bellbottoms, what exactly is coming back, you ask? Excellent question. Just a few of the past decades’ trends are coming back this season, and, with a few pointers, you could look as hip as the class of ‘77 did when they were your age.

High-Waisted Jeans

After years of the super-low, muffin-top bearing, ass-crack revealing slightly bootcut jean, the high waist is back with vengeance. Accompanying both the skinny and wide-leg jeans, the high waist has been seen on Ciara, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel Bilson, Mischa Barton and Sienna Miller, just to name a few. The key to this look is to keep your top half feminine. Both fitted tanks or tees and ruffled silky blouses will work for this. If you’re going with the skinnies, try a loose balloon cardigan to mix up your streamlined look. If you’re opting for wide-leg, a fitted blazer will top off your outfit nicely.

Some of my favorites:

Seven for All Mankind Gingers in Lightweight Mercer, $134.00: RevolveClothing.com

J Brand Mary Richards High Rise Jeans in Ink, $187.00: shopbop.com

Boxy Dresses

Harkening back to the mini-dresses and the miniskirts of the 1970s, this season’s dresses are cut to show a lot of leg. Looser, flowier upper halves balance a revealing bottom. Floral, geometrical or mod prints complement the simple A-line cut. The best thing about this trend? It’s almost impossible to make it not work. Cold out? Throw on some solid tights and flat riding boots, and you’re good to go. In warmer weather, strappy sandals or flats look just as awesome.

Some of my favorites:

Microdot Floral Dress in Rust, $24.00:

Forever21.com

Knit Jumper in Dark Brown, $28.00:

Forever21.com

Oversized Clutches

OK, so maybe clutches were never exactly a big fashion trend. But I’m fairly certain they were worn by old ladies in Chanel suits at book club meetings at the country club sometime in the early ‘90s, and my mom’s got a bunch of old Judith Leiber ones sitting in her closet, so they must have been, at least in some respects, a trend. And they’re back. Oversized leather clutches were on the arms of tons of celebrities at this season’s award shows, and though you might neither be a celebrity nor need to go to awards shows, you’ve still got occasion to carry a clutch. Girls’ night out? Dinner date with a hot guy? Just pop your cell phone, keys, wallet and lip balm into your clutch , and you’re free to frolic in the streets! Trust me, you will be the envy of your large-pursed friends.

Got all that? Good. Now go raid your mom’s closet.