What does "retro" mean?

1. (imitation of past style) looking like something from the past, especially in a cool or fashionable way. 2. (past fashions or trends) styles or clothes that were popular in the past.

Is it correct to say "I bought a retro dress from 1960."?

No — say "I bought a vintage dress from 1960.". Use 'vintage' for actual old items; use 'retro' for new items made to look old.

retro

adj. · n.

US //ˈɹɛtɹoʊ// UK //ɹˈɛtɹəʊ// retro

1 imitation of past style (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

looking like something from the past, especially in a cool or fashionable way.

imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past.

Example

The café has a retro look with neon signs and old posters.

Example

The interior designer opted for a retro aesthetic, incorporating mid-century modern furniture and bold geometric patterns reminiscent of the 1970s.
- vintage style
- old fashioned
- nostalgic
Pitfall

I bought a retro dress from 1960.

I bought a vintage dress from 1960.

Use 'vintage' for actual old items; use 'retro' for new items made to look old.
2 past fashions or trends (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

styles or clothes that were popular in the past.

clothing, furniture, or styles that are characteristic of the recent past.

Example

She loves retro and spends her weekends looking for old vinyl records.

Example

The collection is a sophisticated exercise in retro, blending silhouettes from the 1940s with modern technical fabrics.
- nostalgia
- revival

Origin

Borrowed from French rétro, ultimately from Latin retro.