Challenge duration: Jan 22, 2026 - Feb 5, 2026
The Assignment: Dust off the lace and grab your favorite knit—it's time to bring a little old-school soul to your modern rotation. Whether you're channeling a 70s rockstar or a 40s starlet, we want to see how you turn "vintage" into "now."
Think: A "70s Laurel Canyon Folk" playlist—the kind of outfit you'd wear to listen to Joni Mitchell on vinyl while the sun sets.
The Muses & Mood:
- Channel the energy of Lana Del Rey, Olivia Dean or the cast of The Talented Mr. Ripley.
What are Parallel Challenges?
If you are new here, Parallel Challenges are how you get discovered and paid for your style. Every week, we drop a theme. You post a fit. The community votes.
Winners take home the Grand Prize (based on votes) or capture our attention for Creator Fund opportunities. It’s the best way to win cash prizes, discover new brands, and flex your wardrobe.
How to Nail the Theme: Retro Romance
The Vibe
The energy we're feeling right now is: Nostalgic, Delicate, and Polished.
- Try experimenting with crochet maxi dresses, delicate lace blouses, midi skirts in soft florals, or pointelle cardigans.
- Consider reaching for vintage-cut mohair cardigans, high-waisted pleated trousers, crochet button-downs, or silk scarves tied loosely at the neck.
There’s no right way to do this, but we’re seeing a lot of creators bridge the gap between "thrift store find" and "modern luxury" through soft textures and intentional layering.
Brands Inspiration
- Kowtow: A must-watch for romantic, puff silhouettes and elegant garments.
- Percival: We love seeing their textures—especially the crochet button-downs that feel like a direct nod to the 70s.
- Bode: The gold standard for turning heirloom-quality fabrics and antique inspirations into wearable street style.
How Challenges Work
1. Post Your Fit: Create an outfit based on the theme above. Upload it to Parallel and tag your items so others can shop the look.
2. The Community Votes: Once the challenge is live, the community decides who wins. Rally your circle to vote for your entries and increase your chances.
Tip: Your vote counts for more if you are an active Creator. The more you post, the heavier your vote weighs!
3. Ways to Win
- Grand Prizes: The community champion is awarded to the post with the most votes. Runner-up prizes are also awarded to those with the next most votes.
- Staff Picks: Special prizes awarded based on the favorites of the Parallel team.
- Voter's Prize: After the challenge ends, a random voter will be selected from the votes from the community champion's post.
Ready to enter? For the official countdown, specific prize amounts, and full contest rules, open the Parallel App.
FAQ
What are Parallel Outfit Challenges?
Outfit challenges are voting-based style contests hosted on the Parallel app. Users submit looks based on a specific theme, and the community votes for their favorites. Winners can earn cash prizes, badges, and increased visibility within the fashion community.
How do I enter the Retro Romance challenge?
To enter, head to the Challenges Page in the app, click "View Challenge" on the Retro Romance banner, and hit "Enter Challenge." You can then select an existing post from your profile that fits the vibe or upload a brand-new look.
Can I win money for voting on outfits?
Yes! While the Grand Prize goes to the top-voted creator, we frequently award "Voter Prizes" to randomly selected active participants. Engaging with the community by voting increases your chances of being rewarded.
What is the best way to style the Retro Romance aesthetic?
The key is balance. To avoid looking like you’re wearing a costume, try pairing one vintage-inspired piece—like a lace top or a retro cardigan—with modern staples like clean denim or contemporary sneakers. Focus on soft colors and textures like crochet and silk.
What happens if my post wins the challenge?
If you take the top spot, you'll receive a notification and an achievement badge on your profile. Any prize money won will be automatically deposited into your Parallel Rewards account for you to enjoy!
