Evolution of Fashion Trends from the 1950s to Present Day

Fashion trends emerged from the Industrial Revolution through the development of factories that could rapidly create clothing. This mass production allowed brands to ramp up their output and maximize profits by making new clothing quickly. In addition, the shift from making clothes as a necessity to buying clothes based on style made fashion fun. It also made detikindonesia.id ready-to-wear options available in department stores that advertised the need for new looks every season. As a result, the constantly changing trends have distinctively marked each decade in fashion.

1950’s Trends 

1950’s fashion was casual yet formal and elegant. Shoulder lines became more softened, corset waists became smaller, and rounded hips with long skirts became popular. The iconic gray felt poodle skirts emerged with white bobby socks and saddle shoes. All the while, boys launched the youth culture during the ’50s by dressing casually like the working class. The James Dean uniform of a red jacket, white t-shirt and jeans were also avidly copied during this time.

1960’s Trends 

Hippie culture influenced fashion through bold florals, crochet, tie-dye, bell-bottoms, go-go boots, and mini skirts. Bikinis grew in popularity from the rising rebellion of the Women’s Liberation Movement. Women started to express themselves more than ever before and began wearing pants more regularly. The fit and flare dress also became a staple silhouette for going out. Additional trends during the 60’s include turtlenecks, which were popularized by celebrities like Johnny Carson, Steve McQueen and Paul Newman. Black turtlenecks specifically became an iconic statement for the Black Panther Party.

1970’s Trends 

The ’70s continued to see the presence of bell-bottoms and tie-dye clothing, but platform boots and shoes became a massive hit. In addition, everyone wanted to be taller. All the while, high-waisted jeans and feathered hair became the norm. Corduroy became popular and round sunglasses, made infamous by John Lennon, circulated within the fashion scene. Military/safari looks emerged through khakis, green rucksacks, camouflage jackets, belts, and boots. Meanwhile, punk enthusiasts rocked black leather jackets, studs and messy hair. Additional trends in the ’70s included wearing hot pants, the chevron pattern, large collars accessorized by necklaces, and the use of love beads, mood rings, and puka shells.

1980’s Trends 

Fashion during the ’80s was marked by saturated colours, perms and extravagant silhouettes. Puffed shoulders, flashy skirts, power suits and spandex leggings were the norm. Leg warmers, velour, and parachute pants were also highly worn. Eclecticism dominated the fashion scene, and the punk rock aesthetic of leather, tight trousers, and lace developed and evolved during this time. Political fashion was also common with shirts circulating with slogans like “Choose Life.” In the business world, career-driven women wore tailored power suits with big, padded shoulders with exaggerated silhouettes while more prominent and brighter styles emerged. The street’s predominant “anything goes” attitude was marked by brightly coloured and shiny hoop earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

1990’s Trends 

The ’90s was an era where icons were embodied through clothing. Madonna’s looks included wearing satin bustier tops, ripped jeans and heeled shoes. Julia Roberts’ Pretty Woman look was copied through menswear shirts, high-waisted culottes and court shoes. Trends during the time also included wearing Skidz pants, Air Jordans, tapered jeans, baseball caps, and mullets. Grunge fashion also emerged through flannel shirts, hole-ridden jeans and Doc Martens. Key trendy accessory pieces included the use of chokers, hoop earrings, and scrunchies.

2000’s Trends 

2000’s fashion screams Juicy Couture tracksuits, True Religion jeans, The Chloe Paddington bags, low risers, bedazzled bottoms and ribbed tank tops. Dresses over jeans were a distinct combo look, as well as skinny scarves, wide and flashy belts, pocketless jeans, von dutch hats, tank tops over other shirts and tube tops. Uggs were favoured alongside chunky necklaces, Livestrong bracelets, Pashminas, and skull scarves. Boho vibes through the use of flowy maxi skirts and ruffle details were also common.

2010’s Trends 

Fashion during this time was covered in different shades of millennial pink. Out on the streets, sneaker wedges and skinny jeans dominated. They were accessorized with fanny packs, merch shirts and fringe details. High-stretch and pocket-less leggings also emerged and were worn for all sorts of different social occasions. Loafers with fur and ankle boots were stapled footwear options, while deconstructed denim was commonly worn as well. Key accessories during this time included headbands, novelty handbags, and floppy hats.