The 1920's was a majestic time for America and especially fashion. This was the emergence of fashion icons and the need for styles worn by the celebrities. The trend was short "bob" cut hair, a short skirt or flapper dress, and it was the onset of designer clothes like Chanel and Givenchy. Everyone who was anyone wanted to wear the finest clothes so symbolize a high status or power. And this was one of the first times in history that high class women and celebrities were seen wearing trousers.
The 1930's were what many thought to be the return to a more lady like appearance with fashion that showed off women's busts and waistlines that were curvy, as well as the hair looking less edgy. However, women's clothing had to become more practical as they became more productive during the day. But at night women were still adorned with beautiful new fabrics that shimmered with sequins and glass beads. This was also the time the halter neck became a popular fashion style, along with backless evening dresses and clothing that was form fitting.
The 1940's were very different due to the war. Fabrics were rationed, and embellished clothing was thought unpatriotic. Utility and uniformity became the fashion trend. The wedge sole shoe became popular for its sturdiness, the turban and head scarf for keeping women's hair out of factory machines, and the siren suit became popular as it was the first jumpsuit and was easy and quick to put on in an emergency situation.
The 1950's was mainly about fashion accessories. The pre-formed conically stitched bra, beads, eyewear with large wings with rhinestones, gloves of a variety of colors, furs, handbags, stiletto healed pointed toe shoes, and hats to dress out any old outfit. Lavish material began to be used again, and bouffant net petticoats and paper nylon petticoats became popular. And pencil skirts as well as the empire dress were introduced.
The 1960's fashion trends were led by the youth for the first time in history. Much to my surprise, the mini skirt was not popular until the mid 1960's with the fashion of the fifties still holding popularity up until then. Stockings ended, and pantyhose or tights, took flight. Women felt liberated from girdles of the fifties. Low kitten heels and flat boots became popular with the mini dresses. And for a more practical look trousers with a tunic or shirt were worn.
The 1970's were adorned with a variety of clothing that would please women on any given day at any time. Mini skirts were still popular for day wear, maxi dresses were worn in the evening as well as empire line dresses with sequined fabric, evening trousers or halter neck catsuits. This was also the period where hot pants were popular at the discos and animal prints began to stake their claim.
The 1980's was the origination of the power suit for woman. Usually decorated with beadwork or elaborate stitching with shoulder pads. Fine jewelry was popular as well as oversized costume jewelry. Dresses became available in more bold colors and tops with batwing sleeves. Shawls, clutches, hats, embellished tights, and wedge shoes, low pumps, as well as doc marten's were popular.
And lastly in the 1990's people began to dress down. Glitz and glamour were put aside, people began to wear trousers and blue jeans more, pashminas were used to dress outfits up, and camouflage and animals patters became more prevalent. Also, strappy sandals and designer label shoes like Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo became of great importance.
The fashions of the past decade have paved the path for the 21st century and the future. These fashions always seem to revolve and come back at one time or another. It is simply interesting to see where them come from and really try to understand why each style was popular at that time period.
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