Fashion is not a constant nor will it ever be. Looking at fashion over the past 100 or so years shows just how what is going on in the world affects even our clothes.
With social activism pushing for government regulation, civil rights and public health improvements at its peak in the 1900s and the 1920s, the S-bend corset gained popularity, as it was looser than the previous ones providing more comfort, something that was not always thought of when it came to clothes for women. It was paired with long skirts and tailored blouses.
The hobble skirt started to grow popular even though it was very restrictive. It gained popularity because it was seen as fashionable and elegant, and many designers promoted it as a modern look.
Shorter hemlines, dropped waists and bobbed hair, were popular during the end of the 20’s. These became key parts of the Flapper fashion movement.
Transitioning to the 1930s, during the Great Depression, many people resorted to sewing their own clothes due to a lack of funding they once had. Women often wore longer dresses with defined waists, simple patterns, and bias-cut gowns that used less fabric but still looked elegant.
In the 1940s, the arrival of working women shifted fashion drastically. Skirts yet again grew shorter. Pants also became the new norm for many women. The red polka dot scarf grew in popularity very quickly.
The 1950s post-war introduced what they called Hollywood glamour. For women the iconic poodle skirt was a casual wear staple. Pearls were also very popular.
In the 1960s women started to wear boxy tops such as tailored suits. For footwear, stiletto heels became the new norm. Knee high socks also saw a growth in popularity. Mini skirts also became very popular and were a major symbol of youth and rebellion during this decade. For men it was all about a classy style. This included sweaters, slacks and button down shirts.
The 1970s is known for disco, which included flares and platforms. Many men grew out their hair. On the other hand, many wore punk’s anti-fashion and bohemian looks.
The 1980s brought shoulder pads, especially on tailored suits known as the power style. Bright colors, bold patterns, leggings, oversized tops, and athletic-inspired clothing were also popular. During this era there was lots of female empowerment going on.
In the 1990s, it went from grunge to minimalism, which is seen a lot today. Slip dresses were very popular. Baggy jeans, flannel shirts, crop tops, and platform shoes were also common styles.
The 2000s style, more commonly known as Y2K, brought Juicy Couture velour tracksuits, extremely low-rise jeans, and layering. The less is more mindset was slowly lost again.
While fashion trends have changed greatly over the years, one thing has stayed the same: people use clothes to express themselves and show personality.