Phyllis Brown
Andrew Bolton, Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute curator, says, “Fashion functions as a mirror to our times”. The clothes people wear indeed reflect the spirit of their time.
From the glamorous allure of flappers to the bold flair of punk rockers, many fashion trends go beyond mere clothing. Decades may have passed, but these iconic styles are cherished and worn today.
Take a walk or trip down memory lane to see fashion trends in the past and celebrate the enduring charm of vintage fashion.
1. Women in low heels and flowy dresses in the 1920s
By 1922, women’s fashion had shifted away from the cinched waists and corsets of the early 1900s. Dresses with dropped waistlines, straight silhouettes, and loose fabrics became popular, creating a “garçonne” or “boyish” look.
Paired with low-heeled pumps or T-strap shoes, these flowy dresses defined the style of the 1920s. Some women complemented their attire with short, curled hairstyles, completing the fashionable ensemble of the era.
2. The woman next to the mailbox
In the 1930s, fashion embraced simple and feminine silhouettes. Women favored dresses with belted waists, large collars, and hemlines reaching their calves or ankles. These dresses often featured fabrics in understated colors or subtle prints, reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the era.
3. Three women crossing the street in 1944
In the 1940s, women’s coats often featured loose-fitting designs with a cinched waist, aiming to accentuate or create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Trench coats and long overcoats emerged as popular choices during this era.
4. A group of men wearing zoot suits in 1948
Some believe the zoot suit appeared when people started to tailor regular suits two sizes too large. This distinctive style features loose, high-waisted pants with tapered cuffs and a jacket boasting large lapels and shoulder pads.
Worn by activists like Malcom X and Cesar Chavez, as well as jazz musicians such as Cab Calloway and Dizzy Gillespie, the zoot suit was also favored by young Mexican-American and African-American men in the 1940s.
5. A woman wearing in dress with detachable cape in the 1950s
In the 1950s, dresses often featured capes, fabric pieces designed to cover the shoulders. The woman in the photograph wears a removable cape made from the same fabric as her dress.
The prevailing fashion trend during this decade was dresses with cinched waists and full skirts, aiming to accentuate an hourglass figure. Floral-print fabrics were also popular, whether worn or used in home decor.
6. Women outside boutique in the 1960s
In the 1960s, shorter hemlines became trendy for dresses and skirts. Women embraced slimmer-fit pants in vibrant colors and patterns.
Iconic figures like Cher popularized long, straight hair, inspiring many to follow suit.
Voluminous hairstyles such as the beehive and bouffant were also fashionable during this era.
7. Two men in Chicago, Illinois, in the 1970s
In the early 1970s, American men embraced unconventional styles inspired by non-Western cultures like India and Africa.
This era saw the rise of “hippie” street fashion, characterized by jeans, vibrant colors, vests, and fringe.
The men in the photograph are sporting platform heels, a popular footwear choice during this period for both men and women.
8. Women in bolder clothing in 1980s
In the 1980s, with more women starting working than before, street style embraced bold looks like shoulder pads, wide pants, tucked blouses, tights, and pencil skirts. This trend was called “power dressing.”
9. A woman wearing oversized jackets over crop tops
In the 1990s, street style was all about mixing lengths and layers. People wore tiny crop tops under oversized jackets for a grungy look.
Denim was super popular, especially if it was ripped or patterned.
10. Girl selling flowers by roadside, Oklahoma, 1973
11. Bathing beauties in vibrant Kodachrome, 1944
12. Punk guy with a kickass Mohawk, 1970
13. Two stylish couples in Harlem, New York, 1970s
14. The fashionable Greta Garbo
15. Flirtatious Brigitte Bardot in a white swimsuit, 1950s
16. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip at the horse races, 1968
17. A gang of young and vivacious girls, 1930
18. Actress Joan Bradshaw turning heads on Hollywood Boulevard, 1957
19. A couple dancing in a 1950s “Be Bop” theater with onlookers
20. A woman enjoying the 1961 Buick “Flamingo” with a rotating front seat
21. A scooter girl, 1969
22. A high school girl setting a groovy fashion statement, 1964
23. Mary Jane Russell in a Dior dress, Paris, 1950
24. Women in racing stripe coats, 1965
25. Girl walking with a bag over her shoulder
