Obviously, the fashion trends we see today are very different from fashion that was prevalent 100 years ago.
But after hours of research into the fashion of the past, it doesnt feel THAT obvious.
Of course, the people of 1930 didn’t have high-waisted pants or fitted tops, but they had their own versions of it.
Needless to say, Looking into the past of fashion and how fashion, as we know it now, came into being is interesting!
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s take a fashionable trip into the past!
Here is How Fashion Has Evolved in the Last 100 Years!
The 1920s (100 years ago)
The 1920s was a revolutionary time in all aspects.
Women entered the workforce and were given the right to vote.
World War I ended, and US citizens felt liberated from both the burden of the war and the financial constraints. The US entered a widely prosperous era.
Fashion didn’t go untouched by this revolution. In fact, there were considerable and liberating changes in the fashion industry. The change was necessary as women started joining the workforce in record numbers, and you can’t work in those restricting, uncomfortable dresses.
Women who used to wear elaborate gowns and dresses which extended beyond their ankles with corsets now wore loser, more utility-based clothes.
More masculine styles became prevalent during the 1920s. Haircuts like bob cur, Eton cut, etc., could be seen everywhere. Dresses now showed more of the arm and legs. Women who used to wear dresses that extended far beyond their ankles now wore knee-length skirts.
Figure accentuating dresses became a rarity and straight fitted and loose clothes were THE trend.
The 1920s were indeed a changing point for womens fashion.
So, the next time you wear a skirt, don’t forget to thank the 1920s for it!
The 1930s (90 years ago)
The boyish look of the 1920s disappeared to a great degree by the 1930s. Form-fitted clothes again made the headlines. However, these designs were far from the constricting styles of the past(corsets, etc.)
The 1930s combined the utility designs of the 1920s with the figure accentuating designs of the past perfectly.
What resulted was elegant and perfectly fitted tailored clothes.
The days of loosely fitted straight dresses were long gone, and the “high waisted dress design,” which we so dearly love now, came into being.
Puffed and wide shoulder dress styles became famous as they made the waist look thinner in comparison and gave the look of the idealized “hourglass figure” to women who were not gifted with such a figure.
During this time, zippers became prevalent, and buttons were obscured by the light of this new cheaper rival.
In conclusion,
The 30s were best known for their midi dresses, puff sleeves, bold backless dresses, and classic floral prints.
The 1940s (80 years back)
World war II started in the 1940s, which inevitably brought changes in the fashion industry.
For instance, Due to the shortage of fabric, the length of dresses shortened from calf-length to knee length again.
Subconsciously women’s fashion was given a more masculine, militant look with shoulder pads and puffed sleeves.
In the depressing war times, women wore bright and coloured clothes to boost morale and give stability. With natural makeup and bright coloured lips, Women tried to paint a strong and happy face during tough times.
Overall the 1940s stood for A-line dresses with padded shoulders, high-waisted pants, and colourful designs.
The 1950s (70 years back)
The 1950s brought the next big revolution after the 1920s with respect to fashion. New silhouettes, new colours, and new trends claimed their place in the 1950s.
The 1950s was a remarkable time for any vintage/retro style enthusiast.
Like the iconic saddle shoes and poodle skirts, Most of the vintage/retro dresses you see today are based on the 1950s.
The main trends in 1950 were Swing dresses(A-line dresses snugly fitting from the top and the skirt bells out from the chest), pencil skirts(form-fitting skirts), and high waisted jeans(which is widely popular right now)
The 1950s has undeniably influenced today’s fashion to a great degree.
From sheath skirts to polka dot swing dresses, the 1950s styles can be seen easily today.
The 1960s (60 years back)
The 1960s gave birth to a lot of trends we see today.
For example, before the 1960s, trousers or pants were seen as a sign of masculinity, and women seldom used to wear them, but in the 1960s, it became acceptable for women to wear trousers in everyday life.
Clothes now were more comfortable, and casual wear was often considered unisex, a term that was rarely used for clothing before the 1960s.
A significant invention that came out of the 1960s was the “miniskirt.” The popularity of this design has increased in the coming times. The feminism wave of the 1960s also contributed to the “miniskirts” popularity.
Bell bottoms pants became extremely popular during this decade, and this popularity continued into the next decade.
Bell bottoms are still a huge trend right now and im sure it will continue to be. After all, bell bottoms are a classic!
The 1970s (50 years back)
The 1970s was a highly experimental time, and much like the 1960s, the 1970s shape most of the trends we see today. From chokers, flared pants, and tie-dye to the trendy pastel hues, all are a comeback from the 70s and 80s.
At the start of the 70s, the hippie look was immensely popular; however, the trend dampened in the mid-70s when women opted for more classy and casual looks.
Fitted T-shirts rose in popularity with slogans written on them with bold colours and prints.
Women started to enter the workforce at a much higher rate, and therefore, more business style fashion became prevalent.
In the late 1970s, disco style became very popular, and sequin dresses, tube tops, sequin shirts became the norm. Aside from the disco style, baggier clothes and a triangular silhouette became famous.
Overall, the 1970s truly influenced a lot of the trends we see today.
We’re getting closer to 2021 now aren’t we. How are ya’ll liking the article “HOW FASHION HAS EVOLVED IN THE LAST 100 YEARS” let me know what you think in the comments down below!
The 1980s(40 years back)
As more and more women started holding powerful positions in the workforce, their fashion sense had to reflect that, giving birth to the term “power dressing”. Power dressing included padded shoulders and chunky accessories, which gave these women an air of power and authority.
Another phrase that the people of the 1980s was “the bigger, the better”, From big shoulder pads and oversized accessories to poofy/voluminous hair, the 1980s were known for their extravagance.
Sportswear like leggings and off-the-shoulder sweatshirts became increasingly popular among the masses due to the increasing awareness about health and fitness.
The 1990s(30 years back)
As I mentioned, the 1980s were known for their extravagant and larger than life dressing, but this style didn’t last through the 1990s.
The concept of minimalism enamoured the people of the 90s.
Often inspired by supermodels, women now looked to wear casual and minimalistic styles.
In the mid-90s, this minimalistic style turned more feminine. The “school girl” look became popular now, and with it, the popularity of sweaters, skirts and knee-high socks also rose.
In the later part of the 90s, bohemian styles became popular. Low rise jeans and crop tops became the norm.
On a more elegant scene, like dates etc., minimalistic slip dresses became popular.
Overall, the style of the 90s have an uncanny similarity to today’s minimalistic trends, and I couldn’t be happier about it!
2000s(20 years back)
With the rise in technology and extensive globalization, the 20s had their share of fashion trends that hit big and burnt fast.
Inspired by an array of movies and the much-acclaimed Britney spears, women started wearing low rise flared jeans, mesh tops, crop tops, shiny pants, and leather skirts.
Streetwear styles became extremely popular in the 20s. Oversized sweatshirts, distressed jeans and casual sneakers with some jewellery consisted of this look.
Another popular trend was the “scene” look, a mixture of indie, punk, and rave fashion. This look included biker jeans, studded belts, and neon t-shirts.
Needless to say, the popular aesthetics you see today were most likely born in the 20s.
The 2010s (10 years back)
The 2010s were all about body positivity, breaking fashion stereotypes and overall just having fun with fashion.
This decade saw many fashion icons, including harry styles, who revolutionized mens fashion, lizzo, who spread body positivity all over the world and much more.
In addition to all this, accessories, more precisely handbags, got a lot of traction in the 2010s.
The 2016 US presidential elections were a big reason for the widespread popularity of women suiting and power suits.
Another huge trend in the 2010s was the cold shoulder trend which spread from the fashion runway models to small girls in remote towns.
Floppy hats and mom jeans also deserve an honorary mention when talking about the 2010s.
Overall, the 2010s were a truly revolutionary time for fashion.
NOW
The pandemic also has had a massive role in fashion today. Now, you are not expected to be dressy on all occasions; you can bust out your sweatpants on a date night or wear shorts to an online conference call (because it’s not like they’d see your bottom half anyway!)
Fashion has become very accepting and inclusive for everyone. Social stereotypes and gender norms are being broken every day. Boys are wearing nail polishes and honestly killin’ it!
This pandemic has given us all a lot of free time, which helped us all realize our aesthetic and find out own fashion sense. This realization has given birth to a NUMEROUS aesthetics you see commonly today.
Overall, I think it’s safe to say, fashion has NEVER been this inclusive before, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
To get even more info on the history of fashion you can check out this website.
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until next time adios!!
