Fashion is an ever-evolving art form, and every decade brings with it unique looks and signature styles. As we look back on the past, it’s easy to identify certain fashion moments that defined each of the decades and remain iconic today. From the mini skirts of the 60s to the grunge inspired looks of the 90s, iconic fashion moments can tell us a lot about the culture of each era. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic fashion moments that defined each decade.
1. Breaking the Fashion Mold: Iconic Fashions that Set the Stage
When it comes to fashion, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every one of us has our own unique style, and there have been plenty of iconic fashion moments that have stepped away from traditional conventions to create trends that are truly unforgettable. Here is a look at some of the most iconic fashion choices that have shaped the world of fashion.
- Marlene Dietrich In 1930, actress Marlene Dietrich caused quite the stir when she wore a white tuxedo with tailored evening trousers to the premiere of Morocco. This outfit caused such a shift in traditional standards that Dietrich became one of the first symbols of women challenging gender roles.
- Marilyn Monroe Marilyn Monroe is best remembered for her iconic white, halter dress in the film The Seven Year Itch (1955). The wardrobe popularized this simple, yet eye-catching fashion staple, and left a lasting impression on the fashion world throughout the 1960s and 70s.
- Pat Cleveland Pat Cleveland was one of the first original African-American supermodels. She made an impression on the fashion world by wearing her Afro with pride, and styling it in unique ways to challenge the standard look. Cleveland also popularized wearing dresses with kimonos and other layering techniques, and her combination of traditional African elements with contemporary dress has greatly influenced today’s fashion world.
Not only were these iconic fashion moments memorable for their style and boldness, but also for breaking down the ideas of tradition and challenging the status quo. All of these fashion moments have set the stage for modern fashion, and have helped to shape contemporary fashion trends.
2. Out with the Old, In with the New – Decade Defining Fashion
The 2010s have brought us a plethora of fashion statements, some of which will surely go down in history as iconic looks for generations to come. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest fashion trends that the decade has seen:
- Skater Skirts and High-Low Hemlines: High-low hemlines and skater skirts can be seen everywhere from upscale fashion shows to everyday streetwear. These are easy to dress up or down, creating the perfect look for any occasion.
- Chunky Sneakers: Chunky sneakers are a full-on phenomenon nowadays, and no look is complete without at least one pair. From high-top to low-top styles, these can be dressed up or down with ease.
- Oversized Blazers: The oversized blazer was extremely popular in the early 2010s and seems to have made a strong comeback. Whether you’re wearing it casually over a pair of jeans or dressed up for a formal occasion, it’s sure to be a hit.
Denim: From boyfriend jeans to mom jeans, denim has come back with a vengeance in this decade. Jeans are extremely versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Animal Prints: Animal prints were everywhere in this decade, from leopard print blouses to zebra print shoes. Whether you choose to make a bold statement with head-to-toe animal print, or just add a few subtle accents, you can’t go wrong.
From streetwear to high fashion, the 2010s have seen a massive variety of style trends. Some of these have been around since the beginning of the decade, while others have come and gone over the years. But one thing remains clear: this decade has definitely been a defining time for fashion!
3. Influential Icons and the Styles They Brought to the Table
From the glamour of the silver screen to the fashion-forward runway, many icons have left a lasting impression on the way we view style. Here are a few who have pioneered their own unique trends and have provided inspiration to many.
- Coco Chanel: The pioneer of the iconic ‘little black dress’, French fashion designer Coco Chanel revolutionized modern fashion with her tailored, ready-to-wear clothing designs. She crafted a style that was ahead of its time, introducing comfortable staples for women and paving the way for classic looks that have endured the test of time.
- Marilyn Monroe: Glamourous and often imitated, actress Marilyn Monroe became iconic for her sultry style and wardrobe. From pearls and furs to glamorous Hollywood gowns, Monroe epitomized femininity and redefined what it meant to be beautiful.
- James Dean: Actor and star of Rebel Without A Cause, James Dean had an influence on men’s fashion throughout the 1950s. Taking influence from traditional work wear, Dean’s style was rugged and effortlessly cool. His signature look of jeans, white T-shirt and a leather jacket still stands strong in men’s fashion today.
- Grace Kelly: Princess Grace of Monaco was always poised and refined in her style choices. She epitomized femininity with structured outfits and silhouettes, as well as her signature hairstyle – a perfect chignon. Her timeless style is highly sought after today.
No matter the era, each of these influential icons left an indelible mark on style and continue to be sources of inspiration for fashion lovers of today. From the classic and traditional to the edgy and unique, these figures have influenced a trailblazing style that is echoed through the decades.
4. Reimagining What Fashion Can Be: The Lasting Legacy of Iconic Styles
The fashion world is ever-changing, but certain iconic looks have been, and continue to be, beloved by many. From the 20s retro-vibe of the flapper dress to the mod 60s silhouette of the mini skirt, these pieces have made their mark. Here’s a look at why these timeless styles have maintained their relevance:
- The flapper dress is synonymous with the roaring twenties, when young women first won the right to vote. The loose fit of the dress symbolized a liberated spirit, plus the shimmering beading and fringe was downright glamorous.
- The mini skirt of the sixties represented the swinging times of the era. From fashion arbiters such as Mary Quant to style icons like Twiggy, the mini embodied the spirit of the era.
These iconic fashion looks were influential then, and continue to be made relevant by today’s fashion designers and celebrities. Whether embellished for a more contemporary look or worn in its classic state, these legendary styles serve to inspire today’s fashion creations.
The influence of these iconic styles can be seen in less obvious ways as well. Contemporary additions to the fashion world such as modern dance and new takes on classic beauty products, draw their inspiration from the past.
The evolution of fashion has always been shaped by the people who wear it. From statement pieces to timeless silhouettes, fashion has been redefining the way we dress for centuries—leaving an indelible mark in time. As we look back on iconic fashion moments and see how they helped define an era, we can certainly appreciate these moments for the defining role they’ve played in shaping our contemporary style.
