Fashion over the Years
By Sierra Barnett
Over the past 100 years, fashion in America has changed dramatically. Many looks have
come back from the past, but some styles are totally new. Old looks come back in style every
20-30 years. “50 years ago people’s lives and needs were different, there was a lot of home
sewing as buying clothes was expensive, new with China made being so inexpensive, it is now
expensive to do home sewing” (Cosgrove). Since the 1900s, clothing choices have become
much more revealing and people now seem to follow many different styles rather than just one.
Clothing was never important in terms of looks until around 1910. The People History informs,
“Some fashions are classic, meaning that they stand the test of time and may never ‘go out of
style’.” However, other clothing items are just “fads”, meaning that they are only in style for a
short season and then no classic, meaning that they stand the test of time and may never “go
out of style”. One seems to not want to wear those certain clothing items any more. Now,
clothing styles are a way of expressing yourself and showing who you are. However, between
the 1900’s to the 1980’s, there was one set fashion that people followed. So how has fashion
changed over the past 100 years?
In the 1900s, women were wearing layers upon layers of clothing including underskirts,
trains, scarves, hats, and gloves. Though doctors advised women not to wear corsets due to
health reasons, they were used anyway. In the first decade of the 20th century, women needed
different dresses for special occasions. This included morning dresses, simple dresses,
afternoon dresses, and evening dresses. “Different wear for different times of the day was also
a norm for men in this decade that included morning coats, lounge suits, dinner jackets and
other formal wear” (Lalwani). Men’s casual fashion of this time was a cane, stiff collar, bow tie,
bowler or straw hat, and pants that had a width of 24 inches. During 1910, women began
gaining confidence and independence leading them into wearing shorter skirts. This began a
new era. During the second decade, exotic fabrics and patterns arrived, including skirt lines
being above the ankle. These new arrivals prepared people for the 20’s which was the
beginning of modern fashion.
The 1920s introduced women to short pleated skirts, gathers, and slits. Flapper dresses
and low-cut necklines became big in the 20’s Women began having red lips, bobbed hair, and
cigarettes” (Rosenberg). As for men, spectator shorts were a new popular piece of clothing.
Teens of the 20’s wore clothing very similar to adults. Girls usually wore outfits that consisted of
a gathered skirt with a hemline below the knee, a v-neck button-down jersey knit cardigan, a
while collared shirt, a tie, and a beret. Some teens often wore cardigan sweaters, cotton frocks,
canvas shoes, and sometimes sandals.
The 1930s was a dramatic time period for fashion. Due to the Great Depression, women
were taking their old clothes and altering them into new ones. In style was the sophisticated
Garbo look which included a hemline that flowed at the hips and natural hemlines as well. Nylon
stockings were also worn in the late 30’s and pleats, fur, and elegant looks were popular. Skirts
became a little longer and perfection was key. Teens would try to dress similar to a movie star
which, at the time, was a hard look to accomplish due to the given situation that included the
Great Depression.
In the 1940s, two completely different looks were what everyone was wearing. One look
included padded shoulders, and skirts which were a knee length. Women also began wearing
sportswear, and pants were worn more often due to WWII. The war affected fashion greatly. Silk
became a good use for parachutes, and was no longer fashionable. Tights were not affordable
for most women, so eyeliner was used to paint on long lines down the back of of their legs to
look like seams. The 40’s consisted of teens clothes being made of the same fabric as adult
clothing. When new clothes were needed, drapes, pillow cases, sheets, etc. were used.
Christian Dior created the “new look” in the late ‘40s which included a nipped waist, long
lengths, and full skirts. He created elegant, frothy styles which moved into the ‘50s as well. The
1950s included more feminine fabrics and cuts. Women wore hats and gloves, while shoes and
handbags always matched. Poodle skirts, pencil skirts, and full skirts were worn to bring
emphasis on a narrow waist. Teens in the ‘50s wore clothes such as oversized sweaters,
buttoned cardigans, and a simple long tweed skirt. Some groups also would wear baseball
jackets rolled up loose jeans.
In the early 1960s, short hens above the knee and fitted fabrics grew popular. Clothing
related to music was very popular and fashion became a way to express your individuality.
Geometrical shapes and patterns were worn by many. In the ‘60s, mini skirts and mini dresses
were popular for teens. During the late 1960s, teens sometimes wore long flowing “hippie”
dresses. Tie-dye clothing, bell bottoms, loose shirts, and flowing hemlines were popular for both
women and teens. The late ‘60s hippie look was carried on into the early ‘70s. The 1970s
included jeans, jersey knits, patchwork, and pullover sweaters. Long hair for both women and
men was popular. Mini skirts and really short shorts known as “hot pants” were the most
popular. In the mid-70s, glitter and high waist pants were in style. The trend of hippie clothes
continued into the 70’s teen fashion including bell bottom jeans. Teen clothing had much
individual expression. The late 70’s included the disco era and new wave, moving into the 80’s
fashion.
The 1980s ranged from the disco era to the gothic and preppy look of the late 80’s.
Many young girls and women followed the trends of MAdonna, the fashion icon. This trend
included a tulle skirt, and lingerie with leather gloves and much jewelry. Skin tight jeans or
leggings with loose ripped sweatshirts were also popular. Headbands, shoulder pads, and
workout clothes were in style again. Men’s fashion during this time period was white suits, rolled
sleeves, and a blow-dried hairstyle. The 80’s for teens consisted of overalls, swat suits, spandex
sportswear, cotton jersey dress, and baseball shirts, parachute pants, straight or narrow jeans,
sneakers, and denim shirts or jackets. The early 1990s consisted of ripped up pants, combat
boots or Doc Marten’s, and flannel shirts. Goth and anti-style appeared along with body art
including tattoos and piercings. Later, the look from the 60’s and 70’s made a comeback known
as the “alternative” look. Hip-hop was also popular including tight clothes to accentuate curves.
The 90’s teen fashion also was about individual expression like the 70’s. One group would wear
just jeans and a t-shirt. Another group would wear bell and flare bottom jeans, and other groups
would wear ripped jeans, spiked or colored hair, and body piercing. “As I was growing up in the
90’s, I was influenced by many different things, and (I’m going to put it out there . . . my teenage
years were influenced by the rise of hip hop culture, this culture was reflected in my clothing. As
a 16 and 17 year old, I wore basketball singlets and high top sneakers (cringe!!)” (Cosgrove.)
Fashion then became a free for all.
Today’s fashion includes many different eras of style. In the 2000s, clothes were bought
based on ethical credentials. Faux fur, organic fibers and other products that benefit the
environment were popular. Now the style is whatever you feel most comfortable in, whether it;s
clothes from the 70’s, or looks of the 40’s and 50’s. Designers are bringing back styles of the
past that are good for all body types. Some high school students wear bell bottoms and hip
huggers, with some 40’s and 50’s glamour (The History). Now teen clothing is diverse, meaning
fashion is much more relaxed, while showing our personalities in some way.
In conclusion, fashion since the 1900s has changed due to availability to more material
and the new ways people express themselves. Cosgrove asks, “Why has fashion changed? The
range of fabrics is huge now. The construction dyes, and usability is amazing. And of course
designers of fabrics and garments are not inhibited to try anything.” Clothing has now turned
into a way of showing who you are as a person. from the time when fashion only included one
style or look, people’s clothing looked alike. Now, styles are various and everyone’s outfits look
different. Groups of friends, or “cliques,” dress similar to each other and people sometimes try to
dress like one specific clique.
Works Cited
Cosgrove, Natalie. “How and why has Fashion Changed over the last 50 years?”. 18
June 2010. Fashionz.com. 22 January 2012.
<http://www.fashionz.co.nz/advice/.html>
Lalwani, Puja. “1900s Fashion”. 24 August 2011. Buzzle.com. 22 January 2012.
<http://www.buzzle.com/articles/1900s-fashion.html>
“More Than Seventy Years of History of Fashion.” The People History.com. 16 January
2012 <http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/fashions.html>
Rosenberg, Nancy. “A Brief History of Fashion Trends”. 1 February 2007. Helium.com. 16
January 2012. <http://www.helium.com/items/.html>
“The History of Women’s Fashion: A look at 100 years of what was in style”. 20 February
2009. Bukisa.com. 16 January, 2012. <http://www.bukisa.com/articles/.html>