1920’s Fashion

The 1920’s saw a dramatic change to western fashion. No doubt the end of WW1 and the suffragette movement contributed to this as women opted for a more comfortable and practical look. Skirts became shorter and looser with a less structured silhouette, dresses were simplified with clean lines and suits became an option to wear. The most iconic look from the 1920’s has to be the Flapper dress.

1930’s Fashion

The fashion of the 1930’s was glamourous and elegant. The Financial crash and Hollywood influenced this decade and the girlish style of the roaring twenties was replaced with nipped in waists, bows, ruffles, longer midi hemlines, modest necklines, puffy sleeves and flat brimmed hats tilted to one side.

Photo by Social History Archive on Unsplash

1940’s Fashion

1940s fashion was heavily influenced by the WW2 giving some of the fashion its somewhat military feel. The silhouette was clean with slim lines and nipped in waists. Playsuits and trousers became popular attire. Long sleeves were out and padded shoulders, tea dresses, close fitting jumpers, jackets, blouses and skirts were in.

1950’s Fashion

The fit and flare style, as it is known today, of the 1950s was inspired by Christian Dior La Coralle collection which was shown in Paris February 1947. Fashion was fun, big prints and Gingham were popular. Fashion was eclectic with many styles including : jeans, high waisted shorts, cropped trousers and pencil skirts. Another side to 50’s fashion was the fitted dresses, today known as pencil or wiggle dresses.

Photo credit Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash

1960’s Fashion

The 1960s fashion was very diverse there was a continuation of the elegance from the previous decade with gloves pearls, hats fitted dresses and tailored suits. British mod and pop culture influenced a new youthful style of mini skirts, geometric prints, boots and monochrome. The Hippie style came to Britain in the mid 60’s with tie dye prints, flared jean’s tent dresses and maxi dresses.

1970’s Fashion

Seventies fashion was diverse and creative. There was a rise in disco, glam rock and punk with the continuation of the hippie style. Jumpsuits, platform shoes, bell bottoms, pheasant tops, wrap dresses, leather jackets as well as tie dye shirts were popular. Vivienne Westwood, Mary Quant were iconic designers of the 70’s in Britain. Photo by Les Anderson on Unsplash

1980’s Fashion

The decade of the power suit. Padded broad shouldered jackets with pencil or pleated skirts and sometimes trousers of bright or primary colours were the preferred choice. Sportswear became popular on the street with tracksuits, trainers and the famous shell suit as well as denim jackets, skirts and jeans. Legwarmers and fishnet gloves, bright neon colours reflected the upbeat music and dance moves of the decade.

1990’s Fashion

In contrast to the vibrant look of the1980’s the nineties returned to a minimalist look. The decade of grunge, preppy style, hip hop, goth, punk, Britpop and rave styles with some mixing some elements from each style. Iconic items from the nineties include: slip dresses, kitten heels, Union Jack flag, biker shorts, crop tops, platform shoes, denim jackets, dungarees and neon colours.