Let's take a trip back in time...
How did fashion become what it is today? Fashion starting in the early 1900s and ranging all the way to 2015 today, varied year to year as fads came and went. What were these trends, and who and what inspired them? Get lost in this fashion timeline. You never know what earlier trends could be making a return into the fashion world today until they do.
1915 & 1925
The 1915s, known for the introduction to practical and patriotic full length skirts with hemlines just above the ankles. These conservative, bell-shaped skirts came to be called "war crinoline" by the fashion press. Due to finds put toward war effort, people were dressing less lavish and extravagantly, triggering the commencement of Coco Chanel's new innovation of costume jewelry; fun, fashionable, and affordable accessories.
Also in 1915, Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubenstein, two major forces and new entrepreneurs in women's beauty, opened salons on Fifth Avenue. Their fashion sense was profoundly Parisian influenced, which attracted some of the most elite woman of New York. It only took a decade for these women icons in the well-off beauty industry.
1925 was classified as a year of rapid change in the woman fashion world. It was the end of tubular dresses, as a more feminine silhouette came into play for women. Full length coats with small collars and large cuffs were typically fashioned, then quickly shifting to knee length, fitted coats, with exaggerated and embellished collars.
1935
Although it was the time of a depression, people failed to dress like it. Fashioned by men were short shorts with tall socks, fedoras, and double-breasted coats. Women continued to wear dresses, as well as fur and floral. Most importantly in the fashion world was the introduction of the women's military look: sure shoulders, plumed hats, gauntlet gloves, low heels.
1945
As men continued to dress formally in their suit, ties and hats, women continued to wear dresses and skirts. Gloves were very popular among women, in addition to fur and animal skins, ranging from lambskin lining to crocodile purses. Women also continue to keep their waist tight and fitted to exhibit roundness.
"Separates" for women were starting to kick off, as shirts were worn in a variety of different colors that could mix well with skirts. Ballet slippers were fashioned in pink, black and even plaid and were matched with tights under skirts and dresses.
1955
The year 1955 was coined the name "siren simplicity" in women's fashion. The seldom waistline was achieved with a belt, bosom was high. Commonly fashioned were half belts and sashes, loosely fitted at the hip-line or under the bosom, that came with suits and dresses. Blazer stripes, plaid cottons, reds, browns, large suits, high strapless colorful thin heels were all current trends. Long evening dresses, such as ball dress cut and bouffant ball dresses, came back. And don't forget the classic 50s Be-Bop glasses available in a variety of colored frames.
1965
The retro-styles that shaped mid-sixties fashion included geometrics, cut-outs, back & white, vintage and pop-art & op-art. For example, crochet dresses were fashioned by those women brave enough. Also single large cut-outs were trending in in the front and back of dresses, along with go-go boots. Also introduced were fishnets and trouser suits.
The pop-art style was inspired by comic-book style art and the band "The Who." Op-art styles were established through the artist Bridget Riley. The artist created mesmerizing works of art using series of black and white shapes and patterns to create optical illusions, which moved before your eyes. Geometric fashion styles consisted of bold colorful fabrics, that accentute the piece rather than the wearer. The geometric pieces were achieved through paneling material rather than patterns.
1975
1975 fashion was shaped by layering, denim, khaki, jumpsuits, parachute pants, for women and European tailoring for men. Highly demanded pieces included Calvin Klein's reefer coats, Yves Saint Laurent's tube dresses, and khaki's in replace of jeans.
1985
The mid-1980s was wide-ranged and colorful. Long wool coats, long flared skirts, slightly taper pants,bulky sweaters, fur coats, large scarves, beanies, leather gloves, and aerobic styles all were featured. pastels, stripy sandals, kitten-heeled sandals, pumps, and even Keds were fashioned by women.
Madonna, the fashion icon and rising pop artist of the 80s, influenced women's fashion with the introduction of her short skirt and leggings pair, fishnet gloves, hair bows, layered beads, and lace ribbon styles.
1995
90s styles ranged from colorful to grungy. Hip-hop and urban inspired styles took off and people began to make casual wear the new precedent, and took great advantage of "casual Fridays" companies now offered to their employees. Cost-cutting women commonly "cross-shopped" by purchasing pieces in upscale shops and pairing with other less expensive pieces. Industrial in military styles snuck into mid-90s mainstream fashion.
Late 90s fashion was similar to styles of today. Additionally, musicians in the 90s, such as those featured on MTV, had a bigger influence on fashion of the younger generations than designers did at the time.
2005 & 2015![]()
2005 fashion introduced strapless gowns, flared jeans, low-rise jeans, hoodies, converse, uggs, flip flops, sequins, studs & anything shiny. Retro, British indie pop inspired fashions picked up in the US and Europe in the mid 2000s also, including cargo pants, vintage classic rock tees, parkas, western 1970s style shirts, etc.
2015 fashion sense is inspired by many different styles, whether older or modern. Retro, chic, indie, or clean cut, people of fashion are dressing to impress. Neutral shades are always a go-to, and can be paired with bold pieces such as chunky jewelry, hats, accent accessories, a fashion sneaker, treacherous pumps, ripped boyfriend jeans, or you're darkest and tightest skinny jeans. 90s inspired fashion is making somewhat of a return in the younger generations. As the year is coming close to an end, it's up to you, what you want to take with you, fashion wise into 2016.
