The New Millennium
Styles of the 90s carried over into the early years of the new millennium; whereas the bright, fun colors would fade for a few years, then surface towards the end of the decade. Early on, women wore loose-fitting pants with a high waist, frilly petticoat skirts, but later styles emphasized the female silhouette with high waist and seamed pencil skirts. Women also loved to layer their clothing with cardigans, blazers, (the loose, “boyfriend” look) and peacoats, then top-off their look with designer jeans and accessories (scarves, hats, belts, earrings, bracelets, & long necklaces). Men in the new millennium also became very fashion forward and wore printed t-shirts, slim polo tees, v-neck sweaters, pullover hoodies, button-up dress shirts, pleated slacks, and designer jeans. 1990s
Fashion was very exhilarating during this time featuring bright, neon, and fluorescent colors featuring retro, punk, Goth, preppy and grunge styles. With many inspiring female pop stars and bands (Madonna & the Spice Girls), women became empowered and dressed for themselves, not men. Women wore mini dresses, tube skirts, straight and flared legged jeans, paired with tank tops and oversized t-shirts. Men on the other hand also adopted the grunge look with flannel and plaid shirts. Towards the end of the decade, both men and women adopted the preppy look featuring polo’s, long-sleeve tees, and sweater vests.
1980s
With the economy booming, people were able to spend money on haute couture items, which increased the popularity of brand name clothing. People focused more on showing their wealth through their clothing by purchasing high-end clothes, described as the “yuppie” look. Women adopted a more conservative, smart, and sophisticated look similar to Princess Diana’s style. Men also wore wide shouldered jackets, with a disguised waist that narrowed at the hips. Towards the end of the decade, we would begin to see brighter colors and prints that were used in parachute pants for both men and women. 1970s
The 1970s was a free-spirited decade that consisted of peace movements and punk rockers which ultimately influenced fashion. Men and women both wore bell bottoms, trousers, and platform shoes. Stripes, prints (such as tie-dye), black, and fun colors were also very popular during this time. The main fashion theme was the punk and hippie look; women wore hot pants and mini skirts, where as men wore distressed jeans, open jackets, and t-shirts. Sportswear also became very popular during this time such as track suits and leotards.
1960s
The 1960s consisted of brighter colors along with black and white themed prints such as hounds-tooth. Due to the popularity in pop and rock stars, men and women continued to adopt that style. Women wore mini, midi, and maxi skirts, cocktail dresses, and oversized shirts and dresses imitating super model Twiggy. During this time men wore single-breasted tailored suits and short jackets with narrow trousers. Towards the end of the decade, people began to adopt the beatnik and hippie look.1950s
Just coming out of war, people are very unsure of what to expect for fashion, therefore they prefer the “safe and normal” styles. Women wore sweaters, longer circle skirts that fell just below the knee that flared outward and fitted jackets. In addition, the shirtwaist dress was very popular, which emphasized the waist and bust, with small rounded shoulders. Men were strongly influenced by Elvis Presley’s rocker look wearing fitted sport jackets, cardigans, straight legged trousers and striped shirts.
1940s
During wartime, we begin to see conservative military inspired clothing for both men and women. Women also wore slacks, blouses, sweaters, jackets, along with pleated skirts and nylon stockings. Men chose to wear pin stripe, single and double-breasted, longer suits and coats. Towards the end of the decade, the “New Look” was introduced and which gave women their feminine look back with longer skirts and a more defined waistline.
1930s
Fashion of the 1930s re-defines the feminine look in women’s apparel with more curvy shapes—especially in evening wear. Due to the stock market crash which resulted in a shortage of materials, men and women looked for clothes that would be versatile and classic. Women began to use accessories such as brooches and scarves to alter their outfits to make them last longer during this tough economic time. When it came to men’s fashion, suits were broad with wide shoulders. Also, due to the popularity of gangster movies, the gangster suits were prominent in men’s fashion.1920s
Due to the popularity of jazz music in the 20s, women adopted the flapper look, along with haute couture items; such as Chanel’s jersey sweater, pleated skirt, and little black dress. Chanel created a classic line that gave a masculine look to female dress. Women and men chose basic colors, along with flashy clothing. Men also wore suits, wide-legged trousers, double breasted coats (such as the Oxford coat), and colorful printed silk.
Sources:
- "Fashion of a Decade: The 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, & 90s." Elgin, Kathy. Infobase Publishing. 2007.
- "Fashion and Lifestyles of the Roaring 20s." WordPress.com. 10 Apr 2008.
- "60s Fashion Icon Twiggy." StyleHive. 2009.
- "I Remember Mama: One Evening with the Young Michael Jackson." Davis, Belva. San Francisco Chronicle. 3 Jul 2009.
- "Princess Diana Tribute." DownloadThat.com. 26 Mar 2002.
- "Repeal Day." Zany Holidays. 5 Dec 2008. Blogger.com.
- "Then and Now: Spice Girls." Children of the 90s. 24 May 2009. Blogger.com.
- "On This Day in 1956." Adeli's Music Blog. 30 Jan 2009. Blogger.com.
