The 1900s was filled with iconic looks, with the roaring 20s, the wacky 70s and the unforgettable and ever-resurfacing 90s fashion. From flapper dresses to platform boots, and leather jackets, the century was filled with distinct glamour, with each decade embodying its own different personas. Specifically, the 1980s and 1990s left us with many trends, that are still around today, 30 to 40 years later. Let’s delve into these worlds and explore the fashion of that time.
Starting with the 1980s, one of the boldest decades in modern fashion, with over-the-top silhouettes, vibrant colours, and voluminous hair. The 80s were filled with years of power suits, spandex leggings, figure-hugging dresses and angular shoulders. During the 80s, the most popular women’s clothes were usually mom jeans, leg warmers, ripped denim, and statement shoulder business suits.
Some of these trends are still seen today, in 2022, especially the baggy jean look and the resurfacing of powerful statement suits. We cannot forget the iconic scrunchie phase that was prevalent in the 80s. While this was the craze back n 2018, the need for scrunchies has died down recently. Other notable accessories that are still around today, are fanny packs and elegant pearl necklaces.
Men in the 80s often clad themselves with Oxford shirts, and usually polo shirts and turtlenecks as well. Slacks, in khaki, suspenders, striped linen suits, and corduroy, were among some of the hottest fashion trends during this era. In addition to all the trends listed, the 80s saw a huge fitness craze, with brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok gaining so much popularity, that their fitness clothes essentially became streetwear. Much of this influence still exists today. In addition, high-top shoes were made a feature of 80s fashion, especially with famous personas Michael Jackson and Joe Montana helping to make it a statement piece.
While the 1990s may have kept some of the personality and fun from the 80s, this was an entirely different era of fashion. Unlike the 80s, 90s fashions were relatively low maintenance with must-have staples that have made a huge comeback today: slip dresses, Doc Martens, and crop tops. Similar to today’s fashion trends, leather was a huge hit in the 90s, often used in the form of skirts, dresses, and pants. In addition, the blazer fashion was another popular item that was sported during the 90s, one that is still very prevalent today.
For teenagers in the 90s, raised on MTV and staple shows - Beverly Hills, 90210 and Bel-Air to name a few, fashion became a mix of preppy and casual, with a wide range of options. Duster coats, plaid miniskirts (sported by the iconic Cher in ‘Clueless’), and knee-high boots with large cardigans, ripped jeans and baseball hats.
The 1980s and 1990s delivered iconic looks, from in-your-face colours to a little black dress, the decades had amazing fashion sense. Many of the popular trends then are still extremely prevalent in modern fashion, displaying the elite fashion sense of the 1900s.
Sources:
Cerini, Marianna. “1990s Fashion: A Brief History of What We Wore.” CNN, Cable News Network, 29 Apr. 2020, www.cnn.com/style/article/1990s-fashion-history/index.html.
Cerini, Marianna. “'80s Fashion: Trends from the 'More Is More' Style Decade That Keep Coming Back.” CNN, Cable News Network, 8 July 2020, www.cnn.com/style/article/80s-fashion-style-comeback/index.html.
Jonas, Carla. “The Complete Guide to 80s Fashion.” TPS Blog, 12 Dec. 2021, www.thepearlsource.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-80s-fashion/.
Schild, Darcy, and Erin McDowell. “25 Fashion Trends from the 1990s That Should Make a Comeback.” Insider, Insider, 30 Sept. 2020, www.insider.com/best-90s-fashion-trends-2019-7#skirt-suits-often-worn-by-princess-diana-were-always-a-classy-ensemble-14.
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