Sesame Street debuted in 1969 and was in full swing by the mid-seventies. The 1976 JC Penney Christmas catalog was all over it.

November brings brisk temperatures and chilly winds, but you can't sacrifice style for warmth! You're gonna need a sharp cover-up. Tailored coats with gold buttons and reversible rain capes? Yes, please.

TGIF! It's time for another edition of Let's Shop. Today we travel back in time to 1983. The weather's turned cool, and after braiding each others' hair, we're going to collapse on the couch and watch Webster, Dallas and Falcon Crest. Better pick a pastel pullover. Which one do you want?

Glamour styled in Hollywood. For a carefree summer. Which is your favorite? Curly top Cleo? Lady Bird? Bubble? Larger images below.

It's Friday night in 1988. You turn on the radio. Taylor Dayne's "Tell It To My Heart" segues into "Need You Tonight" by INXS. Hot. A full night awaits — dinner, dancing — and you've already sprayed yourself in Lou Lou. But what are you going to wear?

Is your town experiencing what the weatherfolks are calling "excessive heat"? Better hit the pool/beach/park/backyard sprinklers/sidewalk in a new swimsuit.

Ooh, Glo-Ray lingerie!

Memorial day is almost upon us, which means it's time for a new swimsuit.

Straight out of the 1986 Sears Christmas Catalog, here are Jem and the Holograms, ready to "rock you into a world of fantasy and fun."

My stars! Gatsby's coming to town tomorrow, and you haven't got a stitch to wear. Perhaps a new blouse is in order?

Have you heard? Sky-high heels are so over. One- and two-inch heels are fresh for spring.

And here, in these pages from the 1940s, you've got lots of options. On the left, the 1943 Lane Bryant catalog offers cute striped wedges, but remember, ladies: They are NOT rationed. On the right, "youthful" pumps and sandals by…

Ladies, your spring wardrobe is incomplete without "boy-cut" and "updated" jeans.

The year is 1983. You've got the scene all set: A roaring fire, some Riunite on ice, Remington Steele playing softly on the Magnavox. A swift check of your Swatch confirms that your beloved will arrive at any moment. Time to change into something a little more comfortable. What'll it be?

It's getting to be that time of year again: Weddings, graduations, garden parties, ice cream socials. Heavens! Have you anything to wear?

Spring has sprung, and here at the HQ it's too mild for a coat and too cool for a blouse. Adorable short-sleeved sweaters are the answer.

Do you like big, harsh-looking sequins and synthetic fabrics? You're in luck! These images from vintage Colorifics catalogs selling cheerleading, band, drill team and choir uniforms are dazzling. With these get-ups, no one will ever doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion. Go team!

Ah, the 1920s. When you could get a really great hat for $1.95. What's that you say? You like the $2.95 hats? Pardon me, big spender. The image on the left is from Retronaut's new site, Anywhen; the one on the right was seen on Pinterest. But more pressing: Which hat do you want to buy?