Fashion has changed immensely over the past century, with certain trends coming and going and several staying as ‘timeless classics’. We can quite often pinpoint an era or a time frame, especially when analyzing a photograph based on the styles the people in it are sporting. Very.co.uk are celebrating the last century’s fashion choices with their new app ‘100 years of fashion‘. Available online or through your smartphone, it’s a great addition for those who love fashion inspiration, fashion history or just fashion in general. Sorted decade by decade, you simply click on your desired ‘era’ before the 10 ‘key’ pieces of that time frame are revealed.
Since this topic absolutely fascinates me, I decided to feature the key items in this post also, however for more detailed information and links, I’d definitely recommend checking out the web link itself (here).
1910
With women gaining more and more power, notoriety and of course – votes, more ‘modern’ fashion exploded. Corsets now a thing of the past, bat wing sleeves and hobble skirts were taking over, with the popular ‘smocking’ technique becoming more popular later into the decade. Nautical chic imploded onto the scene, as did pleated jersey skirts and chemise dresses.
1920
The roaring twenties are known world wide for their love of fringing, flappers and feathers. It’s definitely one of my favourite eras, and is certainly one of the most coveted at parties! The ‘dropped waist’ was becoming increasingly popular, with luxury, velvet and silk materials making their way into more designs. Beading, stoles and shrugs were accessories every 1920’s fashionista didn’t leave the house without and similarly, trousers were being introduced as not only a menswear piece, but also for women too.
1930
The 1930’s really was the decade for ‘Hollywood Glamour’, with many of the icons we still love and admire today beginning their careers here. V-necks, polka dots and backless evening dresses were loved by the upper class women throughout the 30’s and were seen regularly on the equivalent of our ‘red carpets’. Ruffle sleeves, trilby hats and geometric prints were also making their way forward, creating a much more diverse, stylish and feminine fashion trend.
1940
War-time chic, bikinis and the peplum was born in the 40’s, a decade renowned for it’s influence in fashion, even with regards to the modern day. Even snoods, believe or not, were created and sported during this time, in addition to the famous LBD! The cocktail dress, leather gloves and suits for women were also popular.
1950
The 50’s were all about pin up girls, polka dots and prom dresses – so probably a decade I would have felt right at home in (well polka dot and prom dress wise). Shirt dresses, puffball skirts and halter necks made their grand entrance onto the fashion scene, with pencil dresses, pearls and capri pants following in close succession.
1960
The 60’s brought the introduction of the ‘mods’ and the ‘rockers’ to the scene, in addition to the monochrome trend and shift dresses with what we now refer to as ‘peter pan collars’. The more hippy, carefree trend was also rife, spiraling tie dye, drainpipe jeans and psychedelic florals.
1970
Disco fever swiped the fashion world during the 70’s, resulting in flares, ruffles, short shorts and leopard print. Wide brimmed hats, chunky platforms and jumpsuits were also extremely popular fashion items, in addition to wrap dresses and feminine trouser suits.
1980
The mantra ‘girls just want to have fun’ exploded during this era, with ‘power dressing’ being the phrase of choice. Legwarmers, parachute pants and studded leather started to make more and more of an appearance, whilst shellsuits, oversized or slouched and mini skirts were popular choices also.
1990
Spice mania wiped the UK (and the world) during the 90’s, setting the trends and sporting ‘girl power’. Platforms, double denim, grunge and skorts were just some of the styles you could regularly see on the high street, in addition to jelly shoes, crop tops and dungarees.
2000
Although not too long ago, the rise of the ‘noughties’ brought a whole host of new trends to the fashion arena. Leggings and jeggings, a trend we all love to hate (but still love and wear) became increasingly popular towards the end of the decade, whilst boho chic, oversized sunnies and skinny jeans also made their way forward.
If you’d like to check out the decades in full, visit the Very site here.
Which is your favourite decade? Do you think any of the key pieces are still wearable today?
