Events in history influence fashion

War

When war occurs resources and raw materials for civilian clothing were limited

Prices rose and fashion staples such as silk were no longer available. Purchase tax and clothes rationing were introduced

But fashion survived and even flourished in wartime, often in unexpected ways

Depression and economic recession

• when the economy is in decline people ar not buying as many fashion items, they are also not thinking about consuming as much

Economic prosperity

• people are buying more engaging in consumerism at a higher rate, trends moving faster

The development of technology

• media for advertising and sharing messages allows for trends to be shared

• technology and factory developments lead to ability to make garments easily and reduced prices lead to more trend buying and more purchasing

Globalization

• influence of cultures outside of North America having influence on fashion trends in North America

• ideas and info can be shared across space easily(media like TV and magazine ads and now social media)

• ability to outsource production to other areas of the world where labor is inexpensive leads to factories being located in the global south and garments made for less there imported here, exploitation of workers and the environment but more supply means lower costs and ability for consumers to buy more

1910s

rich and exotic opulence in the first half of the decade in contrast with the somber practicality of garments worn during the Great War for the second half of the decade(war was 1914-1918)

Men's trousers were worn cuffed to ankle-length and creased

women wore skirts tightened around the ankle

These skirts looked almost like a longer, more flowing version of the pencil skirts of today. They were often worn with a tunic, jacket, or even a fur-lined coat

big hats with large brims and short hair was fashionable for women at the time

The “Roaring” 1920s

This was a time of economic growth and prosperity where the war was over and people were celebrating until 1929 when the economic recession hit

More people lived on cities than on farms for the first time

GDP was increasing

The most common and famous look of the 20s was the flapper look(functional and flattened the bust line rather then accentuating it. The straight-line chemise topped by the close-fitting cloch hat became the uniform of the day)

short hair under cloche hats and lingerie over corsets and loose dresses were fashionable at this time

This is where we saw Coco Chanel come into popularity and freeing women from the fashion of wearing a corset and lace frills

• Coco Chanel put sailor shirts and wide leg pants on the fashion scene

She is now known for the LBD, costume jewelry, the iconic 2 piece skirt suit and the quilted purse

1930s

The great depression took place during this time and at the end of the decade we saw the start of world war 2 however fashion flourished in this era and was influenced by Hollywood film

Glamorous Hollywood screen stars inspired new looks for women, men and children. Inexpensive fabrics, affordable catalog clothing, and homespun ingenuity let anyone copy styles previously worn by the wealthy

The young and boyish silhouette of 1920s women that was the beauty standard evolved into a conservative, sophisticated shape of being tall and thin, with strong shoulders and slim hips

women most commonly wore dresses with wide shoulders; puffy sleeves; modest necklines; higher, belted waistlines; and mid-calf flared hemlines. Frilly bows, ruffles, buttons, and other details often decorated dresses

Popular fabrics included satin, rayon, and chiffon

Short curly hairstyles were the norm(women wearing hair close to the head)

Children wore frilly dresses(think Shirley Temple)

1940s

War took place 1939-1945

With the first half of the 1940s dominated by the second world war fashion was influenced throughout the 1940s

Boxy utility suits with rounded collars were commonly worn especially in England

Some of these utility suits would be in bright colors to offset the uniformity of the military look

After the war, Christian Dior launched the New Look in Paris, returning women’s fashion to an overtly feminine silhouette, while men, women, and children’s clothing all began to lean towards the sporty, casual American Look

Hair was a bit fuller and longer than in the 30s with intricate waves on the top of the head or around the face

Katharine Hepburn was a major figure in the 30s and 40s

actress and style icon who wore trousers when it was not the norm for women to do so

She had her own personal style that personalized the American look

in her personal life she was a lover of sportswear.

She showed the world that ‘men shape’ clothes also can suit women and elegantly show the body shape. In that way, straight pants became popular and actually just came back as a fashion

received a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in recognition of her influence on women's fashion

1950s

hairstyles in the 1950s involved very full curls all over or a sleek top with cascading curls to one side. Deep side parts made

The poodle skirt was very common as well as soft and feminine blouses, lots of polka dot pattern

The 50s saw mostly conservative fashion- it was the 1960s where most people started wearing more bold clothing(think Grease)

Marilyn Monroe was a major influencer of fashion in the 1950s but was a fashion, singer and model

Marilyn's ability to dress according to her desires made her a fashion visionary

Major contribution to fashion and beauty was how she embraced her curvy, seductive figure

She is known for her classic effortless styles, white halter dress with flowy skirt getting blown up in the wind, satin cocktail dresses, wiggle outfits(dress whose hem is narrower than the hips, causing the wearer to walk in short strides with legs close together, producing a sway or wiggle of the hips) and blue jeans with white collared shirts

1950s

Elizabeth Taylor also an actress started to be a style icon in 1950s with nipped in waists and full skirts and high octane jewelery of diamonds and/or pearls

She had a fashion sense that can be described as fearless. She introduced to glamour with her plunging necklines, fur wraps, feather boas, and eye-catching headpieces

1960s and 70s

Fashion started being truly American at this time in America(prior to this was very French influenced). During the war the connection was breached and this gave rise to American styles

Art and youth movements has a large impact at this time in history on fashion

African culture inspired clothing and reflected the civil rights movement

The feminist movement was influential in seeing mini skirts and women showing more skin and wearing clothing for careers

Grease the movie

1960s

Audrey Hepburn was a major fashion influence in he 1960s with the Breakfast at Tiffany’s performance and Old Hollywood photos we still see today. This look includes the simple Givenchy column gown, 3-strand pearl necklace, large tortoiseshell sunglasses, sleek updo, diamond earrings, and long cigarette holder

She believed that women should find their own complementary "look", rather than rely on trends, and accessorize it seasonally. Hepburn invested in quality pieces, and put intentional thought into her ensembles by occasion. She admired simple lines and elegant looks, designed to complement her, rather than stand out

Coco Chanel created the first iconic LBD but it was Audrey Hepburn who really started wearing them

1960s

Both men and women wore frayed bell-bottomed jeans, tie-dyed shirts, work shirts, Jesus sandals, and headbands

The beehive hairstyle was invented in the 1960s, by the end of the decade it was Long, voluminous straight middle part styles that were in

1970s

Hair styles reflected hippie and looser, longer more relaxed styles

1980s

People wore bold colors and neon shades

Headbands and scrunchies

Pop culture influences included movies and music like Michael Jackson and Madonna

80s athletic looks like spandex leggings and leg warmers, headbands. Tight and bright was in at this time as a way of expressing the self

Rise in 80s rock fashion where rock stars like Guns and Roses wore leather jackets, black clothing and big hair styles were in. Hip hop fashion was also emerging at this time with big gold chains and rings, timberland boots and white baggy shirts, tight fitted jeans in women

Preppy 80s fashion were influenced by Ralph Lauren’s tennis skirts, knee high socks and polo shirts

Madonna very quickly evolved as a fashion guru in the 80s and showed how extravagant look is not only for the stage. She was the fashion girl who adopted the tomboy look and can be called the icon of the future artists shows fashion.

1990s

Very inspired by the music industry such as Grunge and alt rock was coming in at that time inspiring fashion as well as spice girls

Emphasis on matching sets and elaborate and flashy trends

Mainstream adoption of tattoos and body piercings in the fashion in the west

Hip hope inspired looks such as blue jeans that were low rise with baby tees, men in cargo pants, baggy jeans and big graphic tees or men’s and women’s combinations of these

Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks with Y2K fashion were important influences

Slip dresses, bomber jackets and scrunchies were some major pieces of the time. Also platform boots, maxi skirts, animal prints and overalls and ,mesh on top of another fabric

More minimalistic hair coming in from the big hair of the 80s. Frosted tips, floppy middle part hair in men and Blow outs such as the Rachel look from friends

Preppy style was influenced by the clueless movie

2000s

Mostly inspired by artists like Usher, Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears, Rihanna and Nelly R and B and hip hop music

Low rise jeans, cargo pants and small tops/baby tees that were airbrushed inspired by Y2K as well as rhinestones, sequins and tiny purses, kitten heels

Belly button rings came into style at the time

Mini skirts and slip skirts were very in fashion

Chunky highlights, curled and crimped hair and butterfly clips as well as micro braids and relaxed hair

Layering of clothing like skirts over jeans or shirts over a tank top and scarves on top as layers

Oversized jeans, t shirts and jerseys as well as du rags, bucket hats and bandanas were in at the time