Recently, as I was exploring YouTube, I came across a series of videos by the creator Glamour. Titled: "100 Years Of...," the series details the different fashion trends of each decade, starting with the 1910s. Instantly, I was hooked. I'm pretty sure I watched every video in the series, from the different trends involving nail polish to shoe size. If you want to check out their videos, the link to the playlist is here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1TPHg7HzcUosdBrWFVwZK6jKfN1nljfS
As a self-proclaimed fashionista, I thoroughly enjoyed the series. I found it fascinating how trends change so rapidly. Even looking at the styles that were popular five years ago, they're completely different from what is considered stylish today. So, I thought it would be interesting to dive deep into how style has grown and varied throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. So, on today's installment of Understanding Gen Z, we're going to explore how fashion has changed and how Gen Z's sense of fashion has developed.
In terms of judging how fashion has evolved throughout the years, I think it's important to judge it in relation to other time periods in terms of modesty and inclusivity. I think it's also important to note how the production of clothing has changed.
Let's start at the beginning of the 19th century. The 1910s, also known as the Edwardian period, saw a rise of softer silhouettes. The decade saw a decline in corset-wearing, especially corsets that severely changed the way the wearer appeared. As seen in the picture below, skirts typically fell to the ankles and necklines were up to the neck. So, in terms of modesty, the 1910s saw lots of it. Also, in terms of production, outfits required expensive fabric; and large quantities of it. So, only the very wealthy had extravagant wardrobes.
Also, WWI had a significant impact on fashion. Women began to wear very simple, utilitarian clothing. Some women even began to wear uniforms to work in factories or other laborious jobs. However, the effects of the war on the fashion industry became even more evident in the 1920s.
After WWI, women wanted, above everything else, comfortable clothing. The 1920s were seen as new; modern; innovative. The silhouette was straight and masculine; a stark contrast to the previous decade. Especially after the Suffrage Movement in the 1910s, women had more freedom and opportunities to express themselves through style. Hemlines became shorter, almost knee-length, and clothing became more colorful. Since clothing typically used less fabric, clothing was cheaper. Also, since more emphasis was put on what one was wearing, women had more exorbitant wardrobes.
The onset of the Great Depression set the tone for the 30s. Unlike the 1920s, styles no longer encouraged vitality or comfort. Returning to a more feminine silhouette, fashion became sleeker and hemlines became longer. Also, fashion became much cheaper. Many companies sold fabric with an accompanying pattern so women could sew their own dresses. If women couldn't afford fabric, they would use spare fabric from curtains, bags, or even food sacs.
If I had to describe 1940s fashion in one word, it would be "practical." Hemlines returned to the knee and styles often made encouraged an hourglass figure. However, masculine features were also added, like shoulder pads. The purpose of fashion was to look "put together" while also being functional enough to work in, especially during WWII as women took the factory jobs usually occupied by men. Also, red lipstick gained popularity, as it was actually thought to boost the morale of troops fighting overseas.
For the most part, style remained unchanged throughout the 1950s. However, patterned outfits became more popular, as seen above.
60s fashion followed a few main trends; "a continuation of the previous decade’s ladylike elegance, the youthful styles of Mary Quant and the Space Age influence, and the late 1960s “hippie” style (Reddy)." Inspired by female icons like Jackie Kennedy, the decade continued to feature the feminine silhouette inspired by trends from the 1940s and 50s. Also, the mini-skirt was born, often paired with colorful and playful designs. Go-go boots, unique material, and short hemlines were all the rage. Finally, we saw the birth of the stereotypical "hippie" style.
Many of these trends were perfected during the 70s, including the iconic "flower child" look. Flared pants made an appearance, along with platform shoes. Skirts were replaced with flowy pants. Also, the 70s saw an increase in diversity for both the modeling and entertainment industries. For the first time ever, American clothing wasn't marketed to only white women with slim figures.
The 80s. One of the most iconic decades in fashion, the 80s popularized neon colors, bold silhouettes, and an eclectic sense of style. No matter what one chose to wore, it needed to be loud. The 80s were a time for experimentation, and singers like Madonna exemplify this fact. Colored hair also rose to popularity.
The 90s managed to utilize every style of fabric available. Denim, leather, flannel, you name it, it was used. One of the most popular movies of the decade, Clueless, exhibits this style flawlessly. There wasn't a set silhouette, but different silhouettes highlighted different fashion trends. For example, a mini skirt and blouse usually represented a preppier style, and baggy jeans and oversized tees highlighted a more grungey look.
Finally, the 2000s. Like the decades prior, the 2000s had an eclectic collection of fashion trends. However, some of the defining styles include low-waisted jeans, chunky boots, and tracksuits. The decade was big on denim paired with layer tank tops, as shown in the picture below.
The 2010s. I'm not sure exactly how I would describe fashion today, but I can say one thing; it's incredibly casual in comparison to past times. With the rise of athleisure and street style, fashion is becoming increasingly informal.
Another trend this decade includes inclusivity in the fashion industry. Now, there is more diversity than ever. There is clothing that looks great on everyone, regardless of shape, size, or color. Before, that was really rare. While we still have a ways to go, we have made so much progress.
Also, looking back at the past decades, what has become socially acceptable varies greatly. Now, women have much more freedom to wear what, the want, how they want. There is no "ideal" style or modesty level. Because there are so many different styles that make sense, the decade is hard to define. What's great about this is the flexibility that this decade has allowed. There is no one "look." As someone who enjoys a lot of styles, I love this newfound versatility.
However, the sheer amount of clothing styles have an unexpected impact. More styles result in more clothes, which result in more waste. Fast fashion companies produce clothing using unethical methods and cheap materials to make incredibly inexpensive clothing. While cheap might seem to equal "better," cheaper clothing lasts shorter periods of time before it rips or is ruined, and ultimately results in more scrap. Also, the production of such clothes is often much more wasteful, using more amounts of water and energy.
While we still have a number of problems to work through, the fashion industry is growing and improving every day. It's unbelievably exciting to see the developments occurring every season and every trend. It's a great time to be a fashionista!
As always, thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed and feel free to voice any questions, comments, or concerns. Thanks again!
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