Clothing has been around for centuries and women's fashion in America has evolved over many decades. In this post, you will get to understand what styles were trending during each decade.
1920s
Starting in the "roaring" 1920s, women often wore dresses below the knee. The dresses were usually long straight dresses but had a little movement toward the bottom. Dresses were designed to be loose and have elegant draping. Some dresses also included fringe. Women accessorized with long necklaces, suttle earrings, wraps, and small hats when outdoors. They also paired the dresses with t-strap heels and styled their hair in a short bob haircut. Women with this style were known as “flappers”. The 1920s consisted of simple but classy looks.
1930s & 1940s
In the 1930s, movies and Hollywood came to light. With Hollywood being so new and bright, many women aspired to be like the famous actresses and dress like them. The actresses usually wore elegant and form fitting dresses. This period also saw the Great Depression and World War II. Though Hollywood was a big thing many women did divert from fashion and survival became most important. Due to the war many products disappeared from shelves, including stockings. But don’t fret women, used eyeliner or foundation to create the "seam" of stockings.
1950s
After the war, products were back in stock and materials were no longer sold out and designer brands blossomed. Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Coco Chanel are some of the many. Women of the 1950s had a new standard of beauty. They were expected to focus on the role of being a homemaker as their husbands returned from war. Outfits often included calf or ankle length, hourglass dresses with a flowy skirt. Women who worked wore more of a form-fitting knee-length pencil skirt and a girdle to emphasize their hourglass figure
1960s
During the 1960s, women's fashion started shifting. They called it “Mod fashion”, which consisted of bright colors and geometric shapes. Many more women started wearing pants that were high waisted and slim fitted with low heels, flats, pump shoes, and sneakers. Turtlenecks and white collars also made their debut.
1970s
During the 1970s, unisex clothing became the norm because there were more women in the workplace than ever. Pantsuits, sports jackets, and pleated pants were very trendy. The hippie style was also very in, including bell bottom pants and graphic t-shirts. Maxi dresses or skirts were also a big hippie trend.
1980s
In my opinion, the 1980s were the boldest as far as colors and outfit choices. Many pushed boundaries with patterns, color combinations, and unique styles. Women usually wore leggings with a chunky sweater, off the shoulder tops, and crop tops, while parachute pants were also trendy. They accessorized with hoop earrings, bangles, bold makeup, and big hair.
1990s
The 1990s were much more laid back as far as fashion and ushered in the grunge era. Flannel shirts, chunky black boots, skater shoes, spaghetti strap tank tops, and crop tops are what many women wore. Darker colors also emerged from the bold colored 80s.
2000s
Known as the “mash-up decade”, the 2000s women's fashion became more feminine once again. Low rise jeans, halter tops, miniskirts, and capri pants were the hot items of this decade. Many designers also began getting inspiration from vintage clothing from many different decades including the 60's, 70's and 80's.
2010s
The 2010s fashion was a little all over the place as women rocked items like ankle boots, skinny jeans, mom jeans, but overall, the main theme was street wear or skater fashion.
2020-present
Present day is possibly the most confusing fashion era but also the most perfect in my opinion Women wear whatever they want: jeans, dresses, skirts, you name it. There are not many huge trends or specific looks to go for and it is just based on whatever you are feeling that day. Many even dresses based on previous decades, or what activities they are doing that day. You can wear a dress from the 60s or sweats. Fashion today is so fun and carefree; it is fun to experiment with many different styles. If you haven’t found a look that makes you feel comfortable and confident, then why not try a throwback look? Everything goes right now!
