10 Famous Fashion trends over time
Fashion trends come and go, but only a select few pieces can stand the test of time. Here are 10 fashion trends that are still influential today.
10 Famous Fashion Trends Over Time
Through each passing year we have seen some iconic looks that shape a decade. Fashion lines come and go, but it is always important to be aware of the history of some of these stunning looks that influence your current style. Here are 10 decades of amazing fashion trends that are shaping the way we dress today.
The 1920s – Flapper Style
For a distinctive look of the 1920s, you cannot forget the flapper style, and for good reason. The relaxed drop waist, feathered accessories, and beaded designs get a larger-than-life appeal from the time. This being said, the most influential flapper design is probably a more subtle look. The 1920s was the decade that brought us the famous little black dress from Coco Chanel, bringing a simple elegance from a piece that was very minimal. At the time, black was always associated with widowers or servants, so the little black dress became a true statement of style and chic.
The 1930s – Bias-Cut Gowns
The 1930s saw a lot of hardship, especially with the great depression spreading among the American citizens. Due to this, the film industry began to see a lot more popularity, offering a world of escapism. Iconic actresses such as Jean Harlow, Bette Davis, and Joan Crawford were seen wearing perfectly tailored suits and glamorous dresses. The silhouettes were a little different from today, offering a more lean and long look, with fabrics allowed to drape over the body.
The 1940s – The Bikini
Due to fabric rationing enforced by the U.S. government beginning in 1943, the two-piece swimsuit became popular as a result of wartime demands. As we are familiar with it today, the first bikini was designed three years later by French designer Louis Réard. It was named after the site of American nuclear tests, and cut below the belly button, a style not fully embraced until decades later by the public.
The 1950s – The New Look
Its wasp waist, structured bust, and voluminous layers of taffeta skirt were antithetical to the restraint of wartime. Dior’s “New Look” silhouette would define the decade that followed. Middle-class women were wearing cinch-waist dresses, mid-calf skirts, and sweater sets, which preserved much of this pronounced femininity.
The 1960s – The Mini Skirt
Hemlines began to take over in the 60s, guided by designer Mary Quant and her London boutique Bazaar. She believed that women with amazing legs would cut their own skirts if she didn’t make them short enough, so along came the mini skirt. The mini skirt was a controversial item in the early stages, but this clearly got overshadowed by its mass popularity.
The 1970s – Platform Heels
Fashion stores during the 70s became flooded with synthetic fabrics, wider jeans, and taller heels. Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren in tartan jeans and tattered t-shirts led the punk scene on the other side of the Atlantic, where Halston’s Studio 54 cool girls helped bring disco trends like Lurex halter tops and palazzo pants to the mainstream.
The 1980s – Leggings
Leggings were as ubiquitous as they are now in the ’80s. Spandex, a fabric commonly used in athletics during the ’80s, has become a fashion trend. However, it was teamed with leg warmers, off-the-shoulder sweatshirts, and scrunchies in those days. Power suits became a staple in office wear for women who were more professional-minded. You might as well wear shoulder pads if you were going to smash the glass ceiling.
The 1990s – Minimalism
After Marc Jacobs’s groundbreaking S/S 93 collection for Perry Ellis, grunge was a natural fit in this decade’s youth-oriented culture. In the nineties and aughts, teens and young adults embraced baggy trousers and floral prints, which they still wear today. Meanwhile, black, gray, and white dominated the runways with slip dresses, sheer fabrics, and a black, gray, and white palette. The MTV generation continued to emulate the looks they saw on Aaliyah, TLC, and Salt-N-Pepa because hip-hop’s influence had extended to the mainstream.
The 2000s – Tracksuits
We all remember the decade of tracksuits very well. Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, and Britney Spears are just a few celebrities who are currently gushing over Juicy Couture’s velour two-pieces, which the brand is trying to bring back. Bags with heavy logos, graphic T-shirts, and bare midriffs also ruled this decade.
The 2010s – Athleisure
In spite of endless articles proclaiming their demise, skinny jeans are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. They gradually gained popularity this decade after making their way into the mainstream. Athleisure is the same. Why would anyone go back after discovering the joys of wearing sneakers, tees, and hoodies all day long while still looking stylish?