The history of fashion is extensive. It began anciently, evolved over decades, and inspired many revolutionary inventions.
The 20th century saw the most significant fashion transformations. When major fashion houses and the world's best designers launched their collections, they created timeless pieces and set trends being recognised by experts today. The fashion business has also seen a fast transformation in the 21st century due to the rise of new designers, social media, technology, and globalisation.
Anyone interested in fashion would do well to study any of the eras. But we're just going to talk about the more recent history of fashion—from the turn of the century to now—in this piece. We will provide a concise overview of the prevailing styles from each decade, including when they originated, who designed them, and the significant cultural forces that helped spread them. Everyone interested in working in the fashion industry should read this article. Therefore, we hope it gives you a good summary of the most crucial information you need to remember about the history of fashion. Without further ado, then, let us explore the COMPREHENSIVE FASHION HISTORY GUIDE.
The History of Fashion Through The Decades
1900s
The S-shape, which emphasised the bust and waist, was the dominant silhouette in the early 1900s. However, a more relaxed cut was popular among women towards the decade's end.
Once, women wore floor-length dresses with long sleeves. The same silhouette was mainly used for evening gowns. However, these dresses' short sleeves and low décolletage necessitated long gloves.
Golf, tennis, cycling, and automobiles became popular male and female sports at the turn of the 20th century, influencing fashion.
1980s
We know from the COMPREHENSIVE FASHION HISTORY GUIDE that the 1980s saw cultural changes and increased self-expression. People's clothing reflected their newfound confidence. They insisted on wearing flashy accessories, bright colours, and designs. Jumpsuits and neon clothing were also popular. Christian Lacroix, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel followed the pattern.
Spandex, off-the-shoulder sweaters, leggings, leg warmers, headbands and fitness-themed movies like ‘Flashback' and ‘Dirty Dancing' popularised the fitness trend.
Women needed new clothes because they were increasingly working and holding executive roles. That's when padded-shoulder jackets (like those by Thierry Mugler and Emanuel Ungaro), daring accessories, and high heels first appeared. Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana, and Nancy Reagan popularised the “power suit” fashion.
2000s
You can know from the COMPREHENSIVE FASHION HISTORY GUIDE that the 2000s had styles similar to those of the late 1990s. Fast fashion and globalization allowed Macy's J.C. Penney and Mervyn's to sell cheap runway-inspired clothes. During that decade, many looked up to Gossip Girl, The OC, and One Tree Hill stars and characters for style inspiration.
The fast growth of technology was another defining feature of the fashion industry. Some designers, like Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, and Yves Saint Laurent, were mainly influenced by the Matrix film and opted to wear nearly all black for their Autumn 2001 collections.
Jeans, along with other conservative, casual, and leisurewear pieces, made a triumphant return to the fashion scene following the horrific events of 9/11. Its most popular styles were pants with a low rise, bell bottoms, slim jeans or denim in any other condition. They became an item that could be worn to almost any event. Sneakers were a vital ensemble component, particularly vintage pairs like the Air Jordans and Yeezys from Adidas. Additionally trendy were Ugg boots and platform heels. Famous people who sported tracksuits included Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, and actresses from television shows.
The decade's most popular styles included boho, hip-hop, streetwear, scene, emo, and athleisurewear. Boho also supplanted grunge in the '90s, when handmade and vintage clothes were all the rage. Each 2000s subculture shaped fashion in its own way.
2010s
In the 2010s, ladies donned fitness attire for more than just sports. The 2010s continued athleisure, a tracksuit-inspired trend from the previous decade.
In the 2010s, social media empowered fashion bloggers and influencers above celebrities.
Maximalist styles also returned in the 1980s. In 2015, after becoming creative director, Alessandro Michele added vibrant hues and patterns to Gucci. Demna Gvasalia and Hedi Slimane of Yves Saint Laurent embraced this approach.
Finally, sustainability issues and trends gained attention in the 2010s. Companies and customers started discussing how the fashion industry affected the environment and factory workers' conditions.
2020s
Fashion changed forever after COVID-19. Cosy, functional apparel took over, and athletic wear triumphantly returned to the runways. After the lockdown, comfort and 1990s minimalism returned. Y2K and 1960s miniskirts and dresses are back in the 2020s.
Conclusion
The COMPREHENSIVE FASHION HISTORY GUIDE over the decades ends here. Here, we covered all you need to know about the biggest names in fashion, including trends, pieces, subcultures, and designers. And which decade do you think had the most stylish clothing? Your message would be greatly appreciated in the space provided below.
