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1850s Fashion
The fashionable silhouette of the 1850s was defined by a small waist, drooped shoulders, and a voluminous skirt that grew in size over the decade. Men at this time generally wore suits. Technological innovation had a large impact on clothing in this period, from the invention of the cage crinoline to the increasing availability of the sewing machine. -
1870s Fashion
In the 1870s, women's dresses were elaborate and highly decorated, while men's clothing remained simple and solemn. Some popular colors from this time were green, mauve, golden fawn, blue purple, brown, and red and black with darker colors. During this time women's clothing became increasingly complex, colorful, and restrictive, while menswear was marked by an industrious sobriety. -
1880s Fashion
Basque bodices with lace trimming were highly fashionable for women in the 1880s. Ruffles, pleats, and draped fabrics were staples in fashionable dresses. During this time women accessorized their dresses by wearing boots, bonnets, and hats, often decorated with lace and ribbon. -
1890s Fashion
In the 1890s, the Levi's company created its first pair of Levis 501 Original Fit Jeans, which would go on to become the world's best-selling item of clothing. The 1890s was also a transitional decade from the stiff Victorian Era to a new century. -
1900s Fashion
In the 1900s, American women wore tailored blouses and skirts. This was a popular fashion trend for women to wear while they rode their bikes. Men's fashion was dependent on the time of day. During this time, fashion began to soften as the decade progressed. -
1920s Fashion
Fashion began to lean more towards casual wear in the 1920s for both men and women. The most well-known trend in the history of fashion from this period is the flapper style. This style was common for women who wanted to attract attention. Men still occasionally wore suits in public. During this time, women's dresses got shorter and looser, while men's clothing saw more suits and less stuffy formal wear. -
1940s Fashion
Fashion in the 1940s faced many restrictions because of the war. Men's fashion changed in the late 1940s with styles trending away from the military look. Christian Dior was one of the most influential fashion designers during this time. Women's fashion was heavily influenced by clothing rationing and utility attire during the war. -
1950s Fashion
1950s fashion was casual yet formal and elegant. Women's fashion became more sophisticated, sleek, and slender. As the decade progressed, men's wardrobes became more textured, colorful, and casual. Many men wore conservatively-colored, baggy suits with narrow ties. The clothing of the 1950s grew out of the return home of the American men after World War 2. -
1970s Fashion
The 70s fashion began with a continuation of the 60s hippie style. The early 70s was the time for crazy bright colors, long, flowing skirts and pants. During this time, it marked the first time in history when women could choose their own style. This time was also an era of economic struggle, cultural change, and technological innovation. In the 70s, the average household would invest about 10% of its income in clothing, including shoes. -
1980s Fashion
The 1980s was possibly the boldest decade in modern fashion history, an era of silhouettes, teased perms and saturated colors. During this time, fashion had moved away from the hippie look and overdressed disco style of the late 70s. Athletic clothes were more popular than jeans. The 80s was a decade distinguished by its "power dressing". This reflected a shift in women working in high-powered positions and using fashion to be taken seriously. -
1990s Fashion
Casual, chic outfits defined by baggy t-shirts, slip dresses, and sportswear significantly shaped 1990s fashion. During this time, fashion evolved from a regional industry dressing high society to a global phenomenon. The looks of the decade were influenced by pop culture, the rise of hip-hop and urban culture, and the grunge movement led by rock 'n' roll. Fashion during this time sparked a wave of minimalist looks, breaking away from the big hair and shoulder pads that dominated the 80s. -
Todays Fashion
Fashion trends have always been defined by the elite in society. Fashion has changed over the last 20 years due to the decline of main brands, changes in size of clothes, and the comeback of old brands. Fashion is crucial to history because it sets the tone for how people present themselves in every era. Many women now wear jeans and t-shirts for more comfort.