1900s
In the 1900s, women’s clothing shifted in favour of more comfortable pieces as the suffragette movement began. Frilly blouses, long flowing skirts and corsets which created an hourglass silhouette were extremely popular.
1910s
In this decade, S-bend corsets which emphasised a smaller waist proved popular among women of the time. Dresses usually featured long flowing skirts which tightened around the ankle (known as hobble skirts), and wide brimmed, colourful hats were an important accessory.
1920s
In this period (known as the Roaring Twenties) jazz music was making its emergence. The freedom associated with the music genre caused the rise of flapper fashion. This type of fashion involved shorter dresses and looser clothing, which allowed greater freedom of movement. Flappers defied social norms, favouring drinking, dancing, and smoking.
1930s
This period was characterised by the Great Depression and beginnings of Old Hollywood. Such circumstances caused women’s fashion to shift in favour of maturity and glamour, and film stars became fashion icons to emulate. Puffy sleeves and slim waistlines were especially popular.
1940s
The 1940s was plagued by the conflict and aftermath of the second world war. The men went off to war and women were left behind to join the workforce.
Swing, big band and jazz music continued to be popular and the popularity of big bands led to the rise of Bobby Soxers. These were American teenage girls who were zealous fans of traditional pop music singers (especially Frank Sinatra). The fashion involved bobby socks (white, folded-over ankle socks that gave them their name), saddle shoes and blue jeans or poodle skirts.
1950s
Touted as the ‘era of elegance’ by Harper's Bazaar, new styles for women were emerging such as tailored dresses with full skirts, polka dot prints and large overcoats with fur trim.
1960s
The Groovy Sixties were a “decade of opposites.” Those from the baby boom of the previous decade were growing up, and there came the emergence of the ‘teenager.’
For young people, life was all about retrofuturism (the past’s vision of the future) and many became hippies. The fashion of hippies became popular with peace signs, bell-bottomed jeans and headbands becoming popular with both men and women. Psychedelic, tie-dye shirts and long hair became the trend. Mini skirts were invented by Mary Quant, a British fashion designer, in 1963. The 1960s also saw the rise of the Beatles.
But among the older and more wealthy generation the sophistication of the 1950s still lingered. Beehive hairdos were also very popular.
1970s
The decade placed more of an emphasis on tailored silhouettes. Flares, bell sleeves and bell bottoms all gained traction.
1980s
1980s fashion included high waisted jeans, neon accessories and leg warmers. Countries such as Japan began to catch on to the American’s ‘preppy’ way of dressing and clothing trends became more widespread.
1990s
One popular style in 1990 was the “power dressing” look with suits and padded shoulders inspired by the increasing participation of women in the workplace. Another popular look was grunge fashion which included ripped jeans and combat boots. Finally, the “hip-hop” look was popular, which included baggy and athletic clothing.
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