Fashion Evolution

Fashion is a huge part of society. What we wear can say a lot about who we are and how we identify ourselves. People spend a large amount of money on clothes to express themselves and their style.

Since the beginning of fashion, it has been dominated by women. Women have always chosen what clothes would be in fashion and what styles would stick around. Due to social media and online shopping, women have even more influence over fashion now.

However, fashion has changed quite a bit over the years! Just like everything else, fashion has gone through phases and transformations. Some changes are more obvious than others, too.

This article will be focusing on the major changes in fashion in the 1980s, 1970s, & 1960s.

Eighties fashion

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The fashion of the past few decades has been heavily influenced by pop culture. For example, movies, music, and TV shows have created fads that last for a few years.

Many of these fads come and go very quickly. From the iconic power suits of the 1980s to the famous pink sweatpants that have been reemerged in the fashion world, everything is cyclical.

Many trends start off as something expensive before becoming more accessible due to globalization and manufacturing. This makes it easier for people to adapt new looks into their style.

Pop culture also influences gender identity in fashion. Many styles are categorized as either masculine or feminine, and people like to match their look with their identity. For example, men like to wear clothing that is perceived as masculine, like leather.

Seventies fashion

The seventies is known for its unique and colorful fashion. This era is remembered for its relaxed fashion standards and maximalism. Maximalism is when many elements are used to create a look.

Many people remember the bright colors, tight pants, and loose shirts as iconic looks from this decade. The color scheme was very bright and incorporated pastels, neons, and brights.

Overall, this trend was all about expressing yourself through your clothes. If you were a girly girl, then wear your brightest dresses! If you were more of a minimalist person, then wear your tight leather pants with a simple t-shirt.

Something interesting to note is that the more masculine styles actually served as the foundation for many of the looks in this decade. Many of the tight leather jackets were originally designed for working women who needed protective clothing.

Overall, minimalism in dress came into play more in the 80s but still remained in some looks from the 70s.

Sixties fashion

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The 1960s was a decade defined by fashion icons like Twiggy, Marilyn Monroe, and Brigitte Bardot. They helped shape the looks of the era with their hair, makeup, and nude/natural looks.

Overall, sixties fashion is characterized by longer hemlines, brighter colors, and looser fits. Skirts got very short with the introduction of the widespread zebra print fabric.

Jumpsuits also became a big look as did turtlenecks and sweaters. Underwear was frequently visible as skirts got shorter and dresses were pulled aside to show them.

Sixties fashion also had some iconic jewelry pieces like long string necklaces and chokers. Earrings got bigger too with the introduction of large earrings called ear-spools. Ring sizes also got bigger to match the bigger rings on wristbands or fingers.

Makeup also changed slightly with lighter foundations and less contour for a more natural look.

Contemporary fashion

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Fashion in the present day is ever-changing and ever-moving. There is almost no limit to what you can imagine seeing in the streets and runways.

Whether it be geometric shapes, liquid looks, or cream of the crop vintage reproductions, it is always interesting to see what becomes popular.

Street style stars also have a pretty big influence on trends. How they mix and match pieces into an outfit or how they show them off gets noted by the big names.

Now, how does all of this relate to feminism? Well, fashion is a way to express yourself! You can be creative and try new things with your looks.

Dressing in a more masculine or feminine way can be done for you or by you. You get to choose your elements and how you present yourself!

Also, there are many ways to buy affordable clothes that are still well-made.

Hipster fashion

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Although many fashion trends have come and gone over the past few years, one has stuck around. That trend is hipster fashion.

Hipster fashion refers to clothing and looks that are off-beat, odd, or unique. These outfits are put together in a way that is very different from mainstream style.

Typically, hipster styles use a lot of black coloration, old or uncommon brands, and different materials like suede or leather. The looks are usually very particular and striking.

Some examples of hipster fashion include ugly earrings, thick-framed glasses, cardigan sweaters, undercut hairstyles like a pompadour or combover, and baggy jeans or pantsuits.

While some people may consider hipster fashion to be ugly or unfashionable, it will probably remain a trend for quite some time due to its off-beat nature. Many people enjoy wearing it because it makes them feel more comfortable in their looks.

One section of fashion that has really changed over the last few years is pants. Hipsters tend to wear pants that are droopy or baggy, and may even have suspenders attached. This style tends to use a lot of different colors as well as printed fabrics. Jeans are often worn slightly damaged or distressed as well.

Something very noticeable about hipster fashion is the choice in hats. Often featuring bold colors and patterns, they show some personality. Fedoras are very common in hipster style also.

Sporty style

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In the past few years, there has been a big shift in the fashion world towards more sporty style looks. This trend is most evident in women's fashion, as magazines and runways are full of sweatshirts and joggers paired with sneakers and t-shirts as tops.

Many people credit the rise of female sports icons like Serena Williams and LeBron James' wife Savannah for this shift. Their confidence, power, and talent has inspired many to adopt a sporty style look.

In addition, the #MeToo movement has pushed many to dress down in order to express their discomfort with traditional forms of fashion.

Around the 2000s, sporty style really took off. Many people referred to this era as the era of leggings. Leggings became a staple and were worn as pants or covered with skinny jeans or shorts.

Along with leggings, tight workout shirts or sweatshirts were popular as well. Loose fleece jackets were worn over them to make them look more fashion-forward.

Sporty hairstyles also became popular. Curls and waves were sought after hairstyles as they looked like you just came off the basketball court or the gym floor. Short haircuts like pixies and fringes were also trending.

Makeup also shifted slightly to look more natural and neutral-toned. Tanning took a little bit of a hit due to health concerns, but lighter foundations have definitely stayed in favor.