Over the years, there have been several decades that have defined and changed the world of fashion forever. While we may have forgotten a few, their influence lives on in the clothes we see today.
Rococo Era
While we don’t see exact Rococo copies in fashion these days, this era of clothing and design was so influential that it expanded beyond fashion, and was seen in architecture and art for decades after its popularity.
Whether you are looking at Melissa platform heels for women, a dress, or even a sculpture you may like, the chances of it having a Rococo influence in some form are much higher than you may think.
Victorian Era
The Victorian Era was defined by opulence and displays of wealth. If you have ever watched Bridgerton or Downton Abbey, you would know that the bigger and more extravagant your dress, the more riches you and your family possessed.
Hats and bonnets were popular amongst women, while long trousers took over men’s fashion at the time. This was the era of overly formal casual wear, and we still see Victorian influence today in suits, ball gowns, and other formal wear.
1920s
The 1920s saw the first push by women to do away with the complex and uncomfortable corsets and massive dresses, and instead, we see a rise in “flapper” style, drop-waist dresses, fringes, and the like.
While the clothing itself wasn’t exceptionally different or unique, this was the era of female expression and breaking away from decades, and sometimes century-old norms, with experimentation booming in popularity, and conformity being ignored.
Hollywood Glam
The 1930s saw the rise of cinema and Hollywood, and with that, movie stars and world-famous celebrities. Along with this came fashion dripping in glitz and glam; think of long gloves, fur accents, jewels, and the like.
For both men and women, this was an era for tailoring and elegance, and wearing clothes that made them look like the celebrities they were trying to dress like.
Post-War
During the 1940s, designers and individuals weren’t too keen on the glamor of the previous decade, but still wanted to dress to impress. This was the era of practical style, and we saw the advent of knee-length skirts, box-shaped shoulders, etc.
After the war, once fabric supplies had been reinvigorated, we returned to ultra-feminine and stylish clothing. The utility and practical aspects of clothing were no longer needed, and designers from around the world jumped on this new need to reinvent the styles of the 20s and 30s.
1950s
The 50s were defined by the rise of couture, with fashion houses such as Chanel and Dior being the go-to designers for the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Ultra-femininity and class were the name of the game.
This was the era of slightly reserved sex appeal, as form-fitting and body-hugging dresses and skirts were paired with petticoats. This is arguably the era of peak sophistication, and one that still influences fashion to this day.
Swinging Sixties
The 60s were the time when many believe modern fashion was born. Mini skirts, go-go boots, bold prints, and colors were all the rage during this time. Men also began to do away with the standard suit, and started wearing more relaxed clothing.
This was another era of self-expression in the world of fashion, as clothing became the mark of rebellion for some, with designers like Mary Quant becoming one of the figureheads and leaders in the pursuit of modern fashion.
Hippie & Boho Chic
The 70s, as we all know, were the time of hippies, peace and love, and clothing choices that we still buy and enjoy today. Think of tassels, ankle boots, platform shoes, bright colors, high-waisted jeans, etc.
The 70s was also an era of clothing contradictions in a way, boho fashion was taken to the next level with ultra-chic and sleek tailoring and styling, with many people looking like they could be attending both an anti-war march, or a celebrity afterparty.
Grunge
The 1990s can be described as the era of “anti-fashion”. Many people had embraced the grunge lifestyle and look, with bands like Nirvana showcasing this look with their attire and music.
Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs were two designers with huge influence during this period, and models like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell showcased that minimalism and grunge were not only rebellious, but also haute couture as well.
Streetwear Revolution
Finally, the 2010s saw the rise of streetwear. This era in fashion is the combination of sportswear and activewear, with high fashion. Sneakers, exclusive brands, jeans, and everything in between were given a street-ready twist that we still see today.
Brands like Off-White, Supreme, Stussy, and Carhartt all exploded in popularity, due to their high-fashion takes on regular items such as t-shirts and sneakers. This era can easily be seen as one that redefined the idea of clothing “staples.”
In conclusion, fashion has changed and morphed over the decades and centuries, with each era borrowing and reimagining clothing that came before. Even now, you most likely own something that was first created a century, or even more, ago.
