Women fashion through the

years
Through the decades, fashion has altered significantly. As time changes, so does fashion and its
trends. Sometimes fashion trends come, go and then come back again. Trends are constantly
changing.

Uses of clothes:

1. Adornment: Added decoration or ornamentation.

What is Fashion?

Fashion is a form of self-expression and autonomy at a particular period and place and in a
specific context, of clothing, footwear, lifestyle, accessories, makeup, hairstyle, and body posture.
The term implies a look defined by the fashion industry as that which is trending.

Why is it important?

Clothing is an essential part of people's lives. They offer many health and beauty benefits. Fashion is
crucial to history because it sets the tone for how people present themselves in every era. Everyone
lives through fashion, sometimes by choice and sometimes because of societal rules.

1910s
The Edwardian period was still very conservative within politics, society, and fashion. Women
were often seen in loose dresses, always wearing stylish hats. Lace was the most popular fabric
used in designs and the waistline was cinched in, usually with a sash. Hemlines began to move
past the ankle, although there wasn’t a significant change in this department until the next
decade

1920s
The Roaring Twenties was a period of change and development. The post-war world was tired
of the old, constrictive fashion and wanted something free and casual. The most iconic fashion
trend of this decade was the flapper dress. The relaxed drop waist style, joined with
embellishments highlighted the extravagance of the time. This, alongside a simple headband
and short bob hairstyle, demonstrated how youth was taking over and they wanted to feel
empowered and fabulous.

1930s
The 1930s is seen as a difficult time for many. After The Great Crash in 1929, it seemed that
many people stopped spending so much money on new clothes. Fashion had moved away from
the embellishing of the 1920s and towards simple patterns. Known as the ‘Golden Age of
Glamour’ however, silk, velvet, and chiffon evening gowns started to become more popular.
Another new introduction during this decade was the rise of trousers.
1940s
The fashion during the 1940s was far more structured. Many women would be seen wearing a-
line button-up dresses with simple heels as well as puffed sleeves. The wartime rations also
meant many people were repurposing their clothes. This could mean using old clothes and
fabrics to make new ones, wearing old clothes, and styling it differently.

1950s
The next decade is the 1950s, which included swinging, beautiful skirts with a changed
silhouette – the hourglass. These exaggerated feminine styles were extremely popular, moving
on from the more conservative looks of previous decades. Different fabrics started to be used
such as tulle and chiffon which made the skirts much fuller and accentuated the waist. Tea-
length dresses were becoming extremely popular during this period. This soon included elegant
evening gowns and coat dresses.

1960s
The swinging 60s were known as a time of freedom, social change, and improved lives. One
big change during this decade was the miniskirt. Hemlines had risen significantly by this point
which also included the babydoll dress, which was worn repeatedly by different celebrities,
including Twiggy. Women had moved away from the ultra restricting and conforming styles.
Although very controversial at the time, these trend signalled social change and the rise of the
Second Wave of Feminism. This look also featured chunky heels or knee-high boots. Bright
colours were also very popular at the time.
1970s
Known as one of the most stylish and iconic decades for fashion is the 1970s. This decade was
ruled by autumnal colours; dark greens, browns, and oranges were almost everywhere. From
crazy flares and platform heels to miniskirts, this decade had so many unique trends and styles,
which still inspire many today. Leather, fur coats were also vastly popular. Many of the trends
during this decade were borrowed from previous eras; this included the revival of the flapper
look, the Victorian age coming back in full force, and 50s classics

1980s
The 1980s trends were a stark contrast to those that had come before. The rise of denim and
leather jackets highlighted the change of aesthetic and the changing world. Double denim was
also a big fixture in the change; showing that anything could be considered fashionable if you
tried hard enough. Loose blouses were often paired with loose-fitted jeans, now known as
‘mom’ jeans. Shoulder pads were everything – the bright colours and big shoulds were
extremely popular.

1990s
The change between the 80s and 90s was HUGE. Bold prints were shifted into minimalistic,
simple styles. Sleek, sheer slip dresses became the most prominent look. The satin fabric was
almost everywhere, alongside the spaghetti straps and slinky dresses. Midi dresses and skirts
were a popular look, which could be dressed up or even down for any occasion. Makeup was
also very simple – any look could be completed with a fab red lip.

2000s
The 2000s was definitely an interesting time socially but also when it came to fashion trends.
Who could forget the low-rise? The bootcut? Paired with small heels and a bandeau top, you
couldn’t go wrong. Halter neck tops were also very popular, as were the bare midriff
silhouettes. The 2000s was also the decade of the tracksuit. Loved by so many famous names,
almost every single celebrity seemed to own a velour tracksuit. Juicy Couture’s pieces are
considered ‘vintage’ now and have a nostalgic bearing to them.

2010s
In the past decade, we have been blessed with so many different fashion styles and trends. The
rise of 90s and y2k inspired clothing has been a pleasant surprise. But the most iconic period of
looks had to be around 2014. We just had so much. The band tees, the skinny jeans, the
bodycon dress, the logo-heavy t-shirts, And of course, the denim shorts and black tights combo.
For a more personalised look, you can also add a PVC patch on your jeans or outfits for a
unique y2k style.