From the Victorian hoop skirts to the modern Rom-Com fashion trend of the early 2000s – fashion is an ever-evolving industry that has been constantly adapting to the needs and wants of the current era. Over the decades, fashion trends have shifted from decade to decade and each trend has had a profound effect on the way society views the concept of fashion. Today, let’s take a closer look at the evolution of fashion trends and explore the changes that have transpired over the past decades.
1. Fashion Through the Ages: A Look Back
Fashion is an ever-changing landscape of creativity and innovation. A look back at the history of fashion shows us that this artform has been present even in primitive cultures. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks, for example, used intricate designs and cuts to express their unique identities. The Middle Ages was a time of religious and political upheaval, and fashion reflected this fact. Loosely fitted clothing first appeared in Europe during this period. Vibrant colors, elaborate patterns, and intricate embroidery were also popular.
In Renaissance Europe, fashion as a concept truly bloomed. Bodices and corsets became fashionable for both men and women. Edges of sleeves and coats were embroidered and decorated with fur, lace, and pearls. Men’s suits featured broader shoulders and tight pants to add volume and dimension to their forms.
The 1700s saw sweeping changes in the realm of fashion, as laced collars, skirts, and cuffs became a popular look for women. Simple high-waisted dresses were also en vogue, along with the shift dress and the nightgown. Men experimented more in their dress as well. Blouses, white stockings, and tight vests brought a more flamboyant touch to men’s attire.
The 1800s and early 1900s witnessed a wave of more modern cuts and patterns. Dropped and basque waists were in vogue for women’s dresses, and the bustle was a popular feature of women’s clothing. Men wore neckties and waistcoats more frequently. In general, fashion choices were more focused on comfort and convenience.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the ‘Great Gatsby’ look was popular – for both men and women. Rhinestone jewelry, feather boas, beaded gowns, and high heels were fashionable for women. For men, the look included tailored suits, checkered headwear, and pocket watches.
The 1940s and 1950s saw the dawn of elegant and demure clothing. Long skirts, short-sleeved shirts, and tucked-in belts were popular for women. Men went for crisper and sharper lines in their suits. Accessories such as hats and umbrellas increased in popularity.
Our modern culture’s fashion is a visible tribute to the varied styles of the past. We may never stop changing the way we dress, but its history remains a wonderful reminder of our inventiveness, ingenuity, and spirit of rebellion.
2. A Timeline of Fashion Trends: From Retro to the Cutting Edge
Fashion is always changing! From the period looks of the ’20s, to the over-the-top styles of the ’80s, to today’s cutting-edge looks, there have been many memorable trends throughout history. Here’s a timeline of some of the most defining fashion trends, from retro to the current day:
The Roaring ’20s
The 1920s was a time of opulence and glamour, and memorable fashion trends accompanied the period. For women, the style was all about showing off: dropped waist and circle skirts, jazz-era flapper frocks, and plenty of sequins and lace. Men went for a suave look with tailored suits, two-toned shoes, Oxford bags, waistcoats, and shiny fedoras.
Glam Rock of the ’70s
Spanning through the 70s, glam rock was all about the glitter and androgynous looks. For women, the style was comprised of floor-length dresses, angels sleeve shirts with chunky belts, platform shoes and wide-leg bell bottom trousers. Meanwhile, men sported top hats, ruffled shirts, tight trousers, velvet jackets and plenty of makeup.
The Dynasty ’80s
The ’80s is when excessive and outrageous fashion really hit its stride. Neon colors ruled the street style, with leggings, leg warmers, and oversized shoulder pads – all being must-have items of the period. Women wore everything with sequins, and the bigger the headscarf, the better. Men wore track pants, windbreakers, and bright shirts.
The Grunge and Normcore of the Early ’90s
The early 90s saw the rise of the ‘Grunge’ look. Women wore floral baby-doll dresses, Doc Martins, ripped jeans, and flannel shirts, while men opted for baggy trousers, ripped sweaters, and tartan shirts. Later on in the decade, ‘Normcore’ began to emerge, with women wearing high waist jeans, and men slipping into plain t-shirts, hoodies and sneakers.
Minimalism of the 2000s
The days of glitter, mega-phat jeans, and shiny fabrics gave way to minimalist fashion in the early 2000s. It was a pared back style, with basics such as plain white t-shirts, straight leg jeans, leather jackets, and chunky boots being the staple looks of the time.
The Cutting Edge Looks of Today
Fashion today is all about taking risks and being daring. It’s about being ahead of the trends, and redefining what the modern look can be. While a few minimalist pieces remain, fashion trends are bigger and bolder than ever. Some trends making waves today include:
- Sporty high-end: Tracksuits paired with heels, Dad sneakers, and tailored athleisure.
- Prints and Colors: Floral prints, multi-tonal looks, and statement-making colors.
- New Silhouettes: Sartorial layers, oversized cuts, winter ruffles, and power suiting.
3. The Greats Who Changed Apparel in Dramatic Ways
Fashion has come a long way from the days of starched collars and stiff corsets. Some of the most influential clothing designers of all time have redefined apparel to fit with ever-changing trends, tastes, and times. From 19th-century couturier Charles Frederick Worth to Yves Saint Laurent and more recently Virgil Abloh, here are some of :
Charles Frederick Worth: Charles Frederick Worth is often referred to as the father of Haute Couture. He was the first to introduce ready-to-wear garments and to make stylish clothing available to the public. Worth created a line of garments for the elite, but his designs were copied by dressmakers everywhere. He revolutionized how his wealthy clients shopped, making it easier and more fashionable.
Coco Chanel: Coco Chanel is one of the most iconic fashion figures of the 20th century. She redefined the modern wardrobe, popularizing jersey fabrics and simplifying clothing silhouettes. She liberated the female form and brought athletic-inspired style and comfort to fashion. She also pioneered the little black dress, which has been a go-to choice for chic occasions ever since.
Vivienne Westwood: Vivienne Westwood is credited for inspiring the punk fashion movement of the 1970s with her outrageous designs. Her eclectic style has always pushed the boundaries of fashion, taking inspiration from historical garments and her own individual style. She wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo and brought a major splash of color and freedom to punk fashion. Her design legacy is extensive, ranging from Westwood-esque cheeky knickers to the elaborate crinoline.
Yves Saint Laurent: Yves Saint Laurent is arguably the most celebrated fashion designer of the 20th century. His designs were always one step ahead of mainstream trends. He was the first couturier to combine menswear principles into women’s fashion, revolutionizing design. He created iconic pieces such as the Mégère Jacket, the Safari Jacket and the Smoky Look makeup. His designs redefined the power and possibilities of fashion.
Virgil Abloh: Virgil Abloh is the first African American to head a European luxury fashion house in the form of Louis Vuitton’s menswear line. He is credited for changing the very notion of luxury with his street wear-inspired pieces. His style adds an edginess to traditional luxury, and he has become a role model for the next generation of fashion creators. The Abloh effect has been seen everywhere from celebrities’ closets to fast fashion retailers.
4. An Exploration of How Styles Have Evolved and Shaped the World Around Us
Fashion and style are constantly evolving, becoming more intricate and refined as time passes. From the voluminous robes and full-length petticoats prevalent in mid-century Royal courts, to today’s minimalist street-style, fashion has been shaped by the culture of the era. This ever-shifting form has constructed a fabric of history and enabled us to look back and reconsider the significance of fashion.
In the mid-1800s, the Industrial Revolution spurred a revolution in the fashion industry. This revolution marked a period where ornamentation was a key component of fashion design, with exquisitely crafted embellishments created in fabrics of all types. This reflected a desire for opulence, proving to be an inspiring era of self-expression for those fortunate enough to partake.
By the ‘20s, things had dramatically changed. The First World War had changed life drastically for a large portion of the world, causing fashion to become more conservative than ever before. This age of somberness saw fitted silhouettes become stylish, with once-ornamental fabrics becoming more practical. During this era of ‘less is more’, it was about being somewhat minimalist, yet still maintaining the elegance of elegance.
The ‘60s marked an iconic time for fashion, shifting culture from one of ostentation to expression. With the dawn of The Beatles and their look of polo-neck-clad boy bands, leather jackets and full-booted go-go dancers, fashion suddenly became a way to express the issues of the time. Geometric shapes, large floral prints, and splashes of bright color were popular with a younger generation, and this trend would influence fashion for decades to come.
Moving into the 2000s, fashion had become more than just a way to communicate a certain sentiment, whether through a particular cut or a particular statement tee. It had become an industry, with trends becoming something that would come and go in a few weeks or months. Influenced by a plethora of streetwear and haute couture collections, the decade was a time when fashion become more diverse than ever before.
Today we are at an ever-shifting moment in fashion. Expressions of individuality through style have never been more popular, and what once dictated cultural class symbols is no longer an indicator of one’s social status. There’s a refreshing free-for-all of choice, a freedom to create a personal and individualistic brand on one’s own terms, for the first time ever.
It’s astonishing how much fashion has changed and evolved over the years. From more traditional looks, to the distinctive and iconic moments of the past few decades, fashion has shaped and defined the world around us whilst always allowing for a certain amount of self-expression. This exploration proves just how powerful fashion can be on culture.
From the bell bottoms and mini-skirts of the 70s, to wasp waist corsets of the Victorian era, fashion has always been a reflection of its time. Today’s trends are no different. As fashion continues to evolve with every new season, let us take a moment to appreciate the influence of past fashion eras, for without looking backward we could never truly move forward.
