Fashion Inspired By the Decades
Lately I have been noticing a lot of old trends coming back into style; plaid, blazers, 80's style frock-tops, ect. It made me wonder how modern day fashion is able to transform the styles set by past decades into something of it's own. In my search, I came across articles posted by Tuft University called: Fashion Trends Through the Decades, which provides detailed descriptions of each decade of fashion beginning with the roaring 20s. It was interesting to see the styles of the past, repeat themselves in the modern day fashion world. Using this reference, I have been able to scope out some modern day pieces that revive the looks of the past decades to show that it is possible to delve into the fashion of the past while keeping up with current trends!
Then:
Now:
1920's: Modern Vintage
T. Babaton RYAN WOOL COAT ($250 - aritzia.com), Mercedes Dress ($125 - boutiqueonze.ca), Uniqlo Women Crochet Hat ($15 - uniqlo.com), Sofft Fiona in Chianti ($119 - shoeline.com), Jessica Simpson Bow Cloche ($37 - piperlime.gap.com), Pearl Chiffon Swag Necklace ($9.50 - wetseal.com),You've Got a Fringe Dress ($65 - modcloth.com), Bella Vita Cindy ($97 - shoeline.com), Leopard print angora beret ($17 - dorothyperkins.com), Lapel Neck Wool Cape Coat ($109 - udobuy.com), Mocha sequin embellished dress ($79 - dorothyperkins.com), Sofft Farra in Blush Black ($110 - shoeline.com)
From fringed frocks to oversized coats, the roaring 20's is a style that will always re-appear in the fashion world. Although when one thinks of the 1920's fashion, bold and daring pieces come to mind: The black fringed flapper dress, feather boa's, bob haircuts, long silk gloves and nilon tights. In the modern world, this cliche 1920's look is often thought of as burlesue-like or used as halloween costumes. However, there are certain pieces of 1920's fashion that are have been revived into modern fashion, being presented on the runway in a more subtle, romanticized way. Instead of the typical flapper dress, we may see the use of fringe in crop tops or short skirts. Fringe is now usually added to more fitted pieces as opposed to the frock style dresses of the 1920's. Frock dresses have been revived in modern fashion as well, however, today's frock dress is presented without overstated embellishmenst such as fringe, sequins, or feathers. Instead these modern-day frocks are simple, light, and plain, only representing the roaring 20's look in size and shape. The 1920's outerwear has also made a revival in modern day. Oversized peacoats and pillbox hats are a common 20's style feature seen on the runway. However, where the 20's style outerwhere was fitted and with many buttons, the modern take on this vintage look created by keeping the peacoat less fitted and giving it a shawl-like visage. Another modern take on the peacoat would be to add fur lining, a long slit on the bottom, and/or adding a hood. These changes keep the 1920's style subtly alive, while creating a new refreshing and modernized look.
Then:
Now:
1930s-1940's Modern
Chaser Structured Blazer ($97 - amrag.com), Kovach Pant ($98 - allsaints.com), Miss Selfridge Embroided Western Yoke Shirt ($65 - missselfridge.com), Rockabilly Wire Pin up Headband ($9.89 - etsy.com), Sofft Farra in Black ($110 - shoeline.com), Reiss Olga V-Neck Gathered Dress ($170 - reiss.com), Miss Selfridge Metallic and Black Clutch ($38 - missselfridge.com), Catarzi Exclusive To Asos Animal Bow Pill Box Hat ($19 - asos.com), Sofft Manhattan in Black Suede ($119 - shoeline.com),Cocktail dress H&M (shopping.louloumagazine.com), Miss Selfridge Nude Chain Panel Clutch ($26 - missselfridge.com), Mimco Sinatra Headband ($62 - mimco.com.au), Isola Badre in Ivory Patent ($97 - shoeline.com)
The 1930's - 40's was a big change from the fun, charasmatic attire of the 1920's, it was more conservative and proper with below the knee length dresses and emphasis on the empire waist-line. Heavier clothing such as long, pleated skirts and wool dresses were also a large aspect of fashion. During the WWII, fabric and other resources were preserved for military reasons and the price of fabric went up dramatically. For most middle class women who did not have the money to buy a new dress or skirt, took to wearing trousers. After the war, style glammed up much more with V-necklines and ankle-strap heels. Dresses were hourglass shaped and as the 1940's moved forward to the 50s dresses became tighter fit. In modern times, this 1930's - 1940's look often times is seen in pin-up girls headbands and gaucho trouser pants.
Then:
Now:
1950's Modern Retro
Outerwear for Women ($95 - modcloth.com), Black lace peplum midi dress ($57 - dorothyperkins.com), Sofft Broadway in Black ($115 - shoeline.com), Flora Dress ($70 - modcloth.com), Sonia Rykiel Retro sunglasses ($130 - monnierfreres.co.uk), Aerosoles Caricature in Brown ($75 - shoeline.com), Miss Selfridge Floral Lace Skater Skirt ($60 - missselfridge.com), Wedgewood Blue Curve Hem 3/4 Sleeve Jumper ($16 - newlook.com), Nixon Floppy Sunhat ($23 - swell.com), Sofft Malabar in Sand Patent ($101 - shoeline.com)
The 1950's is all about hour glass shaped dresses, high waistlines, and crazy patterns, bringing a whole new genre of fashion to life. When I think of the 1950's I picture the all-american housewife in the suburbs with the apron in the kitchen, or malt milkshakes, suburban conformity, and mass production. The 1950's style is oftentimes referred to as retro. It was edgier, more colorful, and boldly stated with dramatic angles and exaggerated waistlines. The common fabric was tweed and other synthetic fabrics because they were easier to maintain. The modern twist to this familiar 1950's retro style is to continue with the all so famous hourglass dress, but adding more modern fabric, such as lace, cotton, or velvet with deeper, more dramatic tones. Instead of the retro bright reds, polka-dots, and 50's style prints, you will find the modern retro to be more subtle, delicate, and richer in color. The modern retro dress is also much shorter, going from the 1950's mid-calf length dress to Now, mid-thigh. 50's bright colors and unique patterns are also seen in modern-day fashion, but are used moreso as accent pieces or in separates rather than in the dress pattern itself.