Revolutionize Your Wardrobe: 100 Years of Fashion History
I love history, and fashion history is no exception. Whenever I share Fashion History tidbits with you from when the pencil skirt came into vogue or the backstory on the Canadian Tuxedo, I always receive many positive comments. So, I thought I would devote an entire post to 100 years of fashion from the 1920’s to the 2020’s. Are you ready to embark on a sartorial journey through the transformative evolution of fashion over the past century? Fashion has ebbed and flowed from flappers to power suits to streetwear, and today, it focuses on sustainability. Style has always been a powerful form of self-expression and has been a visual marker of societal changes.
TL;DR
Beth shares a brief Fashion History of the last 100 years
Find shoppable Lookbooks for current styles influenced by trends of the past
Revolutionize Your Wardrobe: 100 Years of Fashion History
The Roaring Twenties: Flappers and Art Deco
Let’s start with the Roaring Twenties, which brought a whirlwind of change to the fashion world, with flappers and Art Deco design taking center stage. At the dawn of the 1920s, the world was still reeling from the First World War. The war to end all wars had an irreversible effect on society, culture, and fashion.
Twenties fashion is often remembered for its glitz and glamor, though underlying this was a move toward simplicity in dress. This era was all about liberation, as women shed their restrictive corsets in favor of loose, drop-waist dresses that allowed for more movement and independence. Coco Chanel helped popularize this style and was a prominent designer during the 1920s and beyond. Both waistlines and hemlines followed similar, though inverse, projections throughout the decade. We saw waistlines drop until 1923 before rising again in 1928, while hemlines rose until 1926, when they started to fall again. The iconic flapper look featured short skirts, bobbed hair, and bold makeup, reflecting a newfound sense of freedom and rebellion. The cloche hat became a trendy accessory that looked best with these short hairstyles.
Meanwhile, Art Deco style brought a touch of glamour and sophistication to fashion with its geometric shapes, metallic accents, and intricate embellishments. This transformative period in fashion history set the stage for the bold and innovative styles defining the rest of the century.
Another women's fashion trend that enjoyed massive popularity in the twenties was sportswear worn as daywear. Sometimes, we think of sportswear or athleisure wear as a recent trend, but not so. And it’s interesting to note that sportswear had long been an acceptable form of casual wear for men, but in the 1920s, it also became acceptable for women. Tennis was the most popular sport for women in the 20s, so it naturally became the most popular inspiration for fashion. By the late 1920s, sleeveless, knee-length shift-like tennis dresses and short-sleeved, pleated tennis dresses were fashionable. Both styles are still worn today.
The Fabulous Fifties: Dior's New Look and Housewife Chic
Let’s briefly touch on the 1940s, dominated by World War II, when fashion stalled. Both men and women were often seen in their uniforms during the war, and if they weren’t in uniform, their clothing styles were dictated by rationing and Utility clothing. However, a key factor in fashion stalling in the 40s was that France had long been established as the center of women’s fashion design. And that stopped just six months into 1940 when German forces occupied Paris, an occupation that would last until late 1944.
While some designers left Paris at the start of the occupation, many stayed and continued to design, including Christian Dior. If you haven’t watched the new drama series The New Look, which is available on Apple TV, I highly recommend it. It’s the story of how fashion icon Christian Dior and his contemporaries, including Coco Chanel, Pierre Balmain, and Cristóbal Balenciaga, navigate the horrors of World War II and launch modern fashion.
But it was in The Fabulous Fifties that saw the rise of Christian Dior’s revolutionary "New Look," which was actually introduced in 1947. The New Look emphasized a tiny waist, full skirts, and a feminine silhouette, bringing a sense of luxury and elegance back to post-war fashion. This iconic look became synonymous with sophistication and glamor, influencing not only the runways but also the wardrobes of women around the world.
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Meanwhile, housewives embraced a polished and chic aesthetic, with tailored dresses, pearls, and perfectly coiffed hair becoming the norm for everyday wear. The 1950s were a time of refinement and femininity, with fashion mirroring the societal values of tradition and elegance. Movies like Rear Window, released in 1954 starring Grace Kelly, epitomized the New Look. Take a look if you haven’t watched this iconic movie.
However, designers Cristobal Balenciaga and Hubert de Givenchy disrupted the overtly feminine silhouette popularized by Christian Dior, creating clothes that were less structured and straighter in cut. Novel prints and colors also marked a playfulness in fashion in the 50s. A good movie to watch that reflects the simplicity of this fashion movement is Funny Face, starring Audrey Hepburn.
The Swinging Sixties: Space Age and Youthquake
The 1960s brought about a cultural revolution with the rise of pop music, youth subcultures, and a newfound sense of freedom and rebellion. Fashion reflected this shift, with designers like Mary Quant and Pierre Cardin leading the way in creating futuristic, space-inspired designs. Mini skirts, bold patterns, and psychedelic colors became the uniform of the younger generation, challenging the conservative norms of the past. The Swinging Sixties were a time of experimentation and innovation, where fashion became a form of self-expression and a symbol of social change.
Broadly categorized, there were three main trends in 1960s womenswear:
Trend #1 was the lady-like elegance inherited from the previous decade seen on the likes of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, that epitomized this look during her husband’s presidential campaign and short presidency. We can all agree she was admired worldwide for her put-together, lady-like look consisting of boxy skirt suits, sheath and A-line dresses, and luxurious coats–all accessorized with white gloves, pearls, and a matching hat.
Trend #2 was the fun, youthful designs popularized by Swinging London.
The 1960s brought about a cultural revolution that was reflected in the way people dressed. Mini skirts made their debut, challenging traditional notions of modesty and femininity. Designers like Mary Quant and André Courrèges were at the forefront of this trend, pushing boundaries and redefining what was considered fashionable.
Mary Quant, led the way with “Youthquake” and all things hip. It was a phenomenon that focused on youth, spotlighting music and fashion. It brought us The Beatles and the miniskirt Twiggy and The Who. One of the most revolutionary designs attributed to Quant was the miniskirt and minidress. Along with the miniskirt came a craze for the playful, innovative use of new materials and a focus on scientific progress.
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This was the decade that culminated in the Moon Landing. Newly developed materials such as acrylics, polyesters, and shiny PVC were used in women’s clothing, while designers were inspired by pop art and space. I vividly remember donning a pair of white go-go boots thinking I was the epitome of style at the tender age of six!
Trend #3: the Eastern-influenced hippie styles of the late 1960s.
Hippie fashion also gained popularity, with its free-spirited and carefree aesthetic. Tie-dye, bell-bottoms, and fringe became staples of the hippie wardrobe, reflecting a rejection of mainstream society and a desire for peace and love.
Youth rebellion was at the heart of 60s fashion, with young people using their clothing as a form of self-expression and defiance against societal norms.This was the advent of the Age of Aquarius, which was emphasized with suede, headbands, kaftans, Afghan coats, beads, they were called love beads, and other non-Western elements of adornment. Flowing skirts and secondhand clothing were also embraced.
The Bold Eighties: Power Suits and MTV Influence
Next let’s look at The Bold Eighties, which marked a shift towards power dressing, with sharp, structured silhouettes and bold colors dominating the fashion scene. This decade saw Yours Truly get married in 1983 and become a young mom. It was also the decade influenced by the rise of 24/7 cable television, particularly MTV, and this era saw an explosion of new trends and styles that embraced excess and glamor. The MTV generation brought a new wave of fashion inspiration, with music videos serving as a visual platform for experimentation and creativity. Who can forget Madonna’s “Feel Like a Virgin” or “Material Girl” videos or “In the Groove” at the end of the decade? Young girls everywhere emulated the fashion depicted by Madonna.
The iconic power suit, popularized by Nancy Reagan and Princess Diana, symbolized female empowerment and success and reflected a shift in women working in high-powered positions using fashion to be taken seriously. Padded shoulders and bold accessories made up this look.
Though the dominant trend of the 1980s was bigger is better, taffeta and bright colors, other designers emerged and created their own styles. For daywear, American designers such as Perry Ellis and Ralph Lauren turned to classic menswear styles such as blazers, button-downs and hand-knit sweaters to create casually elegant womenswear. These styles came to represent casual American style and were adopted as a “preppy” style in the US.
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Though this decade was typified by its “power dressing,” the 1980s opened with stylish sportswear encouraged by a fitness craze; women increasingly wore stylish gym wear in their daily lives. This was captured in Jennifer Beals’ attire in the 1983 movie Flashdance. And the ever popular off-the-shoulder sweatshirts and leggings, encouraged by Jane Fonda’s exercise videos. Anyone else remember “feel the burn?”
It’s safe to say the Eighties was a time of bold, statement-making fashion choices that embraced individuality and self-expression.
The Modern Era: Streetwear, Sustainability, and Digital Influencers
As we transition into the modern fashion era, streetwear has become dominant, blurring the lines between high fashion and casual wear. In addition to streetwear, sustainability has taken center stage in the fashion industry, with more brands focusing on ethical production processes and eco-friendly materials. This shift towards a more environmentally conscious mindset reflects a growing awareness of the fashion industry's impact on the planet.
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2020 was a pivotal year for not only fashion but the world as Covid changed our lives overnight. Stores shuttered, flights were grounded, and weddings were canceled. Alongside the shift from brick-and-mortar to digital came a change in what desirable clothes looked like in a newly locked-down lifestyle.
Sales of formalwear, tailoring, and partywear fell; there was an uptick in demand for loungewear, home exercise wear, and outdoor clothing. It’s still a young decade, and we’re just beginning to regain our footing after the global shutdown, but I’m hopeful that fashion will inspire us for the rest of the decade. As we look toward the future, it is clear that a dynamic mix of streetwear, sustainability, and digital influence defines the modern fashion era.
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These elements continue to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and inspire creativity in previously unimaginable ways. Fashion is no longer just about what we wear—it reflects our values, aspirations, and ever-evolving cultural landscape. As we navigate this new landscape, we will see even more exciting developments and innovations in the fashion world.
Alongside the rise of streetwear and sustainability, digital influencers have become powerful voices in shaping trends and influencing consumer behavior. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have provided a stage for these fashion-forward individuals to showcase their personal style and connect with a global audience. Collaborations between influencers and brands have become commonplace, with social media playing a pivotal role in driving sales and shaping the overall narrative of the fashion industry. This is where channels like mine step in, sharing style tips for every season of the year and every season of your life.
Revolutionize your style, revolutionize yourself, and embark on a journey of endless creativity and self-discovery. As Coco Chanel once famously said, "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." So go forth, and let your style speak volumes about who you are and who you aspire to be.
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In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Beth shared Classic Wardrobe Staples with a Navy Blazer. Click the title or image below to read the article.
I loved the ’80’s look. I loved “Golden Girls” not only for the comedy but the fashions (especially Dorothy’s clothes).
I lOVE this post -its fun to see fashions from the past, so interesting.
Thank you
Wow! This was a very interesting post and must have been very time consuming. Appreciate all the time and effort you put into this. It was fun going back in time while reading this. Thanks.
LOVED your post today! The clothes in the 40s and 50’s were awesome. I live near Kent State University and there is a Fashion Museum on Campus that I want to visit.
What a wonderful trip down memory lane. I could insert my own pictures beginning with my mother in the 20s, my tiny waist (19 in) skirts and dresses, on to my Mary Quant suit I made (you could buy designer patterns) to power suits when I went back to work. I’m inspired to make a scrapbook of fashion starting with my grandmother. Thank you!!
I live fairly close to Kent State also. And have been saying for several years I want to visit too. I wish their fashion/design major existed when I was college-age!
As someone who works in higher ed, and who did my MA part time in my 30’s while working, fixing up my house, getting pregnant and having my daughter (she was 2 1/2 when I graduated), I very much encourage you to think of your entire life as being ‘college-age’. Life long learning is a thing. I work with several students who are in their 30’s and 40s, and know there are students in their 70s+ in other parts of the university. No reason you can’t explore the Kent State classes and see what they have available for continuing education etc, especially since they have that major that’d be so interesting for you!
Loved this article! Thanks for your research and relevant commentary – very much enjoyed!
What a great trip down memory lane! I remember those styles starting with the 60s. Was and still am fascinated by Jackie Kennedy’s style. But my closet held those tailored suits for work and bell bottom pants ( I still remember a great pair in Apple green) and crop tops.
Then went into law enforcement work in the mid 70s and uniforms were front and center. I never really lost the dressing well idea, it just didn’t fit into my profession.
Now that I am retired, I’m really having fun finding
my new style. My closet is looking really well rounded.
Thank you so much for your posts, I look forward to each one,
I enjoyed the history lesson! My mom was born in 1923 and her mom in 1900. Seeing these pictures and reading about the decades was fun for me because I (now 67) have memories of them in some of these styles.
I thoroughly enjoyed this stroll through fashion history! I too had go-go boots and fake ( can’t even say faux, they were that bad) white leather pants. Fortunately, there are no pictures remaining!
What a great post! I remember the 80’s and 90’s very well. Padded shoulders and pastels. Oh my!
Thanks for this fun post, Beth. I adore fashion of all ages!
I LOVE today’s post. Thanks for all the work you put into this…..you write so well. Such a talented person you are!
Beth,
What a great post! Absolutely loved it…
Colleen
My Aunt just passed away,nearly 100 years old. I just reviewed her century of photos,demonstrating exactly what you have shown here. Most amazing was the flapper era beachwear including stockings and spats! You did a fabulous and thorough job. My Aunt was always glamorous and understated in pearls, skirts and coiffed hair. Grace and Jackie would be honored.
Fun post!