A Journey Through The History of Fashion

Fashion is a determinant of identity yet a way of expressing oneself. Over the years, fashion has developed into a variety of concepts: Y2K, athleisure, boho chic, animal print, punk fashion, etc. Nevertheless, have different trends and styles changed? In order to achieve a sense of style, it is necessary to have different eras of looks. We have put together a detailed and orientated timeline of trends to help you find what is best for you.

Source: Pexels

1950-1960:

Looking for something that brings out the colour in your eyes? During this era, fashion shifted to a more youthful look and took inspiration from pop art and opera to experiment with different styles to create a new trend. The hippie aesthetic emerged during the late 1960s as a way to go against ordinary fashion. But such style was left around later in the decades around the 1970s for a more classy and captivating appearance for the ‘disco era’ to enter.

1970-1990s:

During the early 20th century, sportswear paved its way to fashion for women. The ‘Sleeping bag coat’, sweats, and a ‘Parachute’ by Norma Kamali initiated this trend and quickly gained popularity. As soon as the 80s hit, what people wore was a way to express themselves, and it reflected both their character and style. They gravitated towards bolder colours, jumpsuits, and accessories. In movies, fitness is shown multiple times and increases in popularity. Pop music and hip hop were also factors in what inspired fashion, from big hairstyles to sparkly makeup, clothing and jewellery.

The fashion trend ‘power suits’ entered when women took over more powerful positions in the workforce. High heels, bold jewellery and jackets with padded shoulders elevated that confidence and power in women, whereas other designers like Ralph Lauren and Perry Ellis approached the ‘preppy look’ by appearing more chic and elegant.

The early 1990s were the peak of the supermodel era, led by Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington. While sportswear remained popular.

Fashion soon shifted to become minimalistic, the primary trend being the slip dress. The rise of ‘heroin chic’ was led by Kate Moss, replacing the glam supermodel look.

The three main 90s subcultures that changed fashion are grunge, through flannel shirts, ripped jeans and Doc Martens. Another style is preppy, along with plaid skirts, oversized shirts and high-waisted jeans. Lastly, the punk style is characterised by leather jackets, chokers and ripped clothes.

Trends like overalls, leopard prints, cropped tops, and scrunchies were also big. Britney Spears, the Spice Girls, and the movie Clueless were the big culture icons of pop and heavily influenced the 90s style. 

2000-2020:

Fashion in the early 2000s still continued trends in the late 90s. But fashion was soon influenced by fast fashion and TV shows like Gossip Girl and The OC. Jeans during this era were super popular, whether they were low-rise, ripped, skinny or flared. People wore sneakers, Uggs, platform heels and velour tracksuits. Popular styles included boho, hip-hop, Y2K, and emo.

Athleisure (wearing workout clothes casually) became a big trend. On social media, influencers started setting up trends more than celebrities. The 1980s style returned through bold, colourful styles inspired by Alessandro Michele of Gucci. As well as people caring about sustainability.

Finally, the pandemic due to COVID made people prioritise comfortable and cosy clothes and activewear, which marked the return of minimalism. Old trends like Y2K, mini skirts, and 90s style came back into fashion.