Zoya Akhtar is bringing to life a teen-favourite (especially for the 90s kids) comics series on Netflix – with an Indian twist. The Archies (2023) is set in the fictional town of Riverdale in the 60s, and the film is already creating a lot of buzz with its music, dance numbers, and – most importantly – fashionable retro looks!
The cast is taking the internet by storm with their promotional appearances, flaunting various aesthetic outfits. Whether you’ve grown up reading The Archies comics or you are obsessed with the show Riverdale (2017), we’re sure you are waiting to see what the Indian adaptation has in store for Archie and the gang.
We cannot predict what unfolds at Riverdale, Fox Forest, or Pop’s Chocklit shoppe. However, we can help you recreate the stunning outfits that the cast has been spotted in the lead-up to the release. Keep reading to find out how you can enter the world of The Archies , one retro look at a time.
In This Story:
1. Agastya Nanda/Archie
Playing the titular character, Agastya Nanda – aka the beloved Archiekins – embodies the retro vibe in a chequered jacket, striped t-shirt, cargo trousers, and white sneakers. You can also recreate this with a button-down, and add an extra dose of the yesteryear aesthetic with a flat cap and suspenders. Might we add – there’s nothing more Archie Andrews than a collared shirt and loose-fitted trousers; so a big yes to that!
Get the look
2. Khushi Kapoor/Betty
Khushi Kapoor embodies Betty Cooper flawlessly in this chic and classy look. A perfect contender for the ‘Old Money’ aesthetic, this look is giving Audrey Hepburn, especially because of the delicate string of pearls choker. You can also recreate this look with a tweed co-ord set or a plaid skirt and oversized jacket.
Get the look
3. Suhana Khan/Veronica
This playful look by Suhana Khan, who plays Veronica Lodge, is a nod to the essential place that denim shorts have in vintage clothing (roller skates optional). The cherry print cropped shirt is also reminiscent of the 80s, reminding us of the many milkshakes devoured by the gang at Pop’s. You can recreate this look with solid denim shorts or even blue linen pants and a shirt in virtually any print you want.
Get the look
4. Mihir Ahuja/Jughead
While bowling shirts come from the 1950s and 60s, they only remind us of Chandler’s looks from Friends (1994). Whichever your inspiration, these loose-fitted shirts have made a comeback and are available in a variety of prints and colours that you can customise per your style. Tuck them into linen trousers for a breezy look or go for woollen pants and a jacket for warmth.
Get the look
5. Vedang Raina/Reggie
You’d be lying if you said you didn’t envy female protagonists from old teen movies flaunting their (often jock) boyfriends’ varsity jackets. These jackets were all over our Instagram a while ago, and they are the ultimate piece to create an easy-going look. And Vedang Raina’s outfit is proof. Playing Reggie, Raina wears a black varsity jacket with navy trousers, a black undershirt, and a pendant chain. You can choose to add a pop of colour with a multicoloured jacket or a printed or patchwork varsity coat.
Get the look
6. Aditi Dot/Ethel Muggs
Aditi Dot, who plays Ethel, recently graced our Instagram feed in this 80s-inspired floral dress. We have seen similar silhouettes in shows like Mad Men and, more recently, Wanda Vision and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel . You can wear these gorgeous floral dresses with pumps in a complementary colour and add statement earrings and hair accessories, like scarves, to further raise the retro metre.
Get the look
7. Yuvraj Menda/Dilton Doiley
This is your sign to stock up on sweater vests and printed sweaters this winter and pair them with denim. Yuvraj Menda, who plays Dilton Doiley, makes a case for this cosy outfit idea in a printed green sweater vest layered over a black t-shirt and flared jeans. You can also go for cargo joggers or parachute pants with your sweater vests and pair them with black shoes to add a formal touch or sneakers for a casual vibe.
Get the look
A Checklist to Create Retro Looks
Clothing pieces to cop:
- Floral dresses
- Mary Jane shoes
- Linen trousers
- Sweater vests
- Skirts(plaid, check, or abstract prints and bright hues)
- Varsity jackets
If you are concerned about not using these pieces again, remember that retro-inspired pieces are timeless and can easily blend in with basics to create multiple looks. So before you start binge-watching The Archies, remember to clear your wishlist!