What’s good, fam? 🔥 You ever peep your grandparents’ old photos and think, "Wow, this fit actually slaps!"? Or maybe you’re like, "Bruh, what were they even thinking?" Either way, fashion is that one thing that’s always changing, keeping us on our toes like a TikTok challenge. From the sharp suits and flapper dresses in the 1920s to today’s normcore vibes, fashion trends have evolved like crazy. And trust me, each era’s got its own flavor that’s worth vibing with. But how did we go from flapper girls to VSCO girls? How did we move from wide-legged pants in the ’70s to baggy jeans in 2023? Spoiler alert: It’s a wild ride, so buckle up and let’s dive into the evolution of fashion trends, Gen-Z style.
The Roaring ‘20s: Where the Party Started
Okay, let’s take it waaay back to the 1920s—a time when jazz was poppin’ and Prohibition was tryna keep a lid on the party (good luck with that one, lmao). The 1920s is that era where fashion became more about expression and less about just looking prim and proper. For women, this was the heyday of the flapper dress, a new type of silhouette that allowed much more movement than those restrictive Victorian gowns. Picture shorter hemlines (scandalous at the time, but finna timeless now), fringe details, and some serious bling. Pearls, feathers, and that iconic bob cut—THEY. HAD. THE. DRIP.
For the guys, it was all about the tailored suits, but they weren’t as formal or exaggerated as before. Think more fitted, with a lot less of that stiff upper-lip vibe. And let’s not forget the trends that started here, like the women wearing more casual daywear and men experimenting with sportswear. This was the beginning of fashion as a vehicle for social change, challenging what was considered “acceptable."
The Chill 1930s and 1940s: Survival and Simplicity
Fast forward to the 1930s, and the world was lowkey recovering from the stock market crash of 1929. The Great Depression had everyone shook, and fashion had to ease up a bit. It wasn’t the time for extravagance; people were keeping it simple, but don’t get it twisted—it was still stylish. The aesthetic became more about durability and less about flexing. Men and women in this era embodied practicality in their wardrobes: smart, low-key fits with minimal accessories.
Then came the 1940s, and things stayed hella practical, mainly because of WWII. Clothes were rationed, and materials like silk and nylon were used for the war effort. Yet people were still pulling up looking chic AF. Women turned to DIY fashion, sewing their clothes, recycling old garments, and creating new looks out of necessity. The classic wartime suit—boxy, structured jackets with knee-length skirts—became the default style. For men, it was all military-inspired fashion. When they weren’t dressed in uniforms, they were rocking civilian suits with broad shoulders, narrow waists, and always in muted colors like navy or grey.
The Glamorous 1950s: The Golden Age of Fashion
The 1950s? Bruh, that was the golden age of Hollywood, and fashion was big on the GLAM. Post-WWII, the scene changed completely. People were literally done with the drab vibes and were all about living lavish now. Christian Dior’s “New Look” dominated the scene: tiny waists, full skirts, and long dresses that just screamed femininity. Everything was structured, every detail was perfect, and women spent a whole lot more on clothes than they had in the previous decade.
Men were still on the suit game, reclaiming that classic, well-tailored style. The ’50s was also when casual wear became a thing for everyday folks, not just teens. Jeans, T-shirts, and leather jackets (thanks to James Dean) made their way into mainstream fashion, birthing the greaser look. Also, socks became pops of color and patterns, and loafers became the go-to kicks for any occasion. 🌟This era was all about reclaiming that sense of abundance, like every day was a reason to flex your finest outfit.
The Radical 1960s: A Whole New Vibe
The 1960s was like a mood board on steroids. Trends were popping off left and right, and the world said goodbye to restrictive silhouettes and hello to vibrant colors and patterns. Basically, everyone was trying to outdo the next person with the drippiest outfit. Youth culture emerged as a dominant influence, redefining what fashion was, thanks to movements in music, art, and social change. Yeah, it was a whole vibe.
This decade introduced mini skirts (and women were lit about it!) and mod fashion—sharp geometric patterns, block colors, and bold accessories. British youth influenced the whole planet, thanks to icons like Twiggy and The Beatles. Men’s fashion stepped it up with skinny trousers, tailored jackets, and rounded-off by some iconic footwear: Chelsea boots. Oh, and if you’ve ever wondered where the tie-dye trend started, look no further than the rebellious spirit of the late ’60s counterculture. Groovy, right?
The Funky 1970s: All About the Vibes
Now, let’s talk about the ‘70s: nothing but disco, hippie vibes, and a dash of punk for good measure. Bruh, the ’70s was like an endless summer that never turned down the volume. Fashion was LOUD: bell-bottoms, platform shoes, and fringe everything. Plus, the whole free love movement had people ditching the rules and really leaning into personal expression. It was lowkey chaotic but in a good way.
The ‘70s also brought us polyester—lots and lots of it. It was shiny, stretchy, and came in the wildest prints. And don’t even get me started on men’s fashion: flared trousers, unbuttoned shirts exposing chest hair (if you had it), and oversized collars that could basically take flight any minute. Punk rock was shaking things up too, introducing edgy style elements like ripped jeans, leather jackets, and graphic tees with anarchic slogans.
The Bold 1980s: Bigger, Better, Brighter
The ‘80s? It was like the decade that never learned the word “chill.” Everything was bigger, better, and bolder—from hair to shoulder pads. Bruh, it was extra, and we’re here for it. This was the era that gave us power dressing, making women look like they were ready to run the boardroom and rock the club right after. Think shoulder pads, cinched waists, and statements with a capital “S.” The silhouettes were sharp AF, much like the decade itself.
Graphic tees, acid-washed jeans, neon everywhere—the ‘80s were wild out here. High-top sneakers, bold prints, and designer brands were flexed in music videos and movies like never before. Men had mullets and were unironically into chunky gold jewelry. It was also the decade where athleisure first made its debut—thanks, hip-hop culture! Tracksuits became the drip, repped by rappers like Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J. This is where those rare kicks suddenly became a status symbol, and the sneaker game officially began.
The Chill 1990s: Effortlessly Cool
Following the intensity of the ‘80s, the ‘90s came through with an effortlessly cool attitude. The vibes were laid-back, and the fashion was uncomplicated yet iconic. This decade was a masterclass in minimalism but with a healthy dose of grunge, hip-hop, and preppy style thrown in. Lowkey rebellious, the ’90s era was about taking fashion cues from countercultures and streetwear rather than the runway.
Grunge? Say less. Nirvana was blasting on your Walkman while you rocked flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots. And let’s not forget about the rise of hip-hop fashion: oversized everything, from jeans to jerseys, complete with crisp sneakers and baseball caps. Preppy fashion was also making waves, think ‘Clueless‘ with plaid skirts, knee-high socks, and little cardigans. Oh, and thanks to iconic shows like "Friends," we got the "Rachel" haircut, and chokers were everyone’s go-to accessory. Throw in some butterfly clips, slap bracelets, and you had the ultimate ‘90s lewk. ✨
The Y2K 2000s: Techy and Trashy (In the Best Way)
Now let’s step into the new millennium, where the future was now, and fashion was all about digital culture vibes—think shiny, metallic, and a little bit of chaos. Welcome to Y2K fashion, my friends, where low-rise jeans reigned supreme and bedazzled everything ruled the streets. This era felt like the wild west of fashion. Boundaries? Nah, we weren’t recognizing them, fam.
The early 2000s had everyone rocking trucker hats (thanks to Von Dutch), Juicy Couture tracksuits, and tiny flip phones as accessories. Wild color combinations like lime green and hot pink were everywhere. People wore going-out tops that were essentially just glorified handkerchiefs. Layered looks were all the rage: double tank tops, layered skirts over jeans, and don’t even get me started on the chunky belts.
Then there were those tiny shoulder bags (the smaller, the better) and massive sunglasses covering half your face. You could be channeling your inner Britney Spears one night and flipping to “The OC” preppy aesthetic the next day. The ‘00s were all about experimenting with eclectic looks, brands, and subcultures, even if it sometimes meant committing some wild fashion crimes (but let’s be real, we would still rock butterfly hair clips again today).
The 2010s: Just Do It… All Of It
Hello, 2010s! The decade where we all lived on social media and where fashion became for the people, by the people. 🎉 Streetwear popped off, and what started in urban neighborhoods made its way onto high fashion runways. That’s right, everyone from Balenciaga to Vetements was serving us couture street fits. Hoodies, graphic tees, ripped jeans, and big logos made a massive comeback, and that’s not even the half of it.
But while streetwear was front and center, this decade was all about blending different aesthetics. Minimalism returned, but with a twist. Sleek, monochromatic looks were everywhere, and normcore made "deliberate blandness" a THING. Add the rise of athleisure—leggings and sports bras worn outside the gym suddenly became socially acceptable. Celebs like Kanye West and Rihanna were not just style icons; they were trendsetters. High fashion became intertwined with casual wear, creating a new hybrid genre that the fashion industry couldn’t ignore.
Sustainability also started to trend hard! From thrifting to sustainable brands, fashionistas began caring about where their clothes came from and their impact on the world. Retro revivals (we see you, ‘90s babies) were also mad popular in this decade, and everyone was vibing through different aesthetics in this fashion buffet.
The 2020s: Fashion in Flux
Enter the 2020s, a whole new vibe, and let’s just say—it’s been a wild ride so far. The pandemic flipped everything upside down, and fashion was no exception. Quarantine forced everyone to rethink what they wore and why. Comfortable, homebody styles became a huge trend almost overnight—sweatpants suddenly had their moment in the sun. The athleisure that took root in the 2010s evolved into full-on loungewear. Let’s be real, no one was trying to put on skinny jeans during Zoom meetings.
Sustainability went from being a cool kid’s trend to a full-blown movement. Fast fashion’s environmental impact became impossible to ignore. Brands started focusing more on ethical fashion, upcycling, and longevity. This interest in sustainability even kickstarted a new wave of handmade and DIY fashion. 🔄
Also, don’t sleep on the new wave of expressionism blurring the lines between gender-specific clothing. Gender-neutral fashion started pulling up as more people questioned why they’d need to conform to traditional gender norms. Baggy silhouettes, oversized fits, and androgynous styles set the tone, while TikTok became the go-to platform for discovering niche trends. Cottagecore, Dark Academia, and more aesthetic-driven subcultures are defining the 2020s so far. At the same time, we’re also seeing a major throwback to Y2K, retrofuturism, and the endless recycling of trends.
The Influence of Social Media: The Game Changer
You can’t talk about 21st-century fashion without shouting out social media. It is THE influence, the source of every wave, every meme, and subculture. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are literally holding it down as the ultimate look books for anyone needing that fashion inspiration. Trends go viral in weeks, thanks to influencers and their ability to kink and divert the fashion cycle. TikTok dances, OOTDs (Outfit of the Day), and get-ready-with-me videos—fam, social media isn’t just a part of fashion anymore. It’s the whole package.
Before, designers & fashion houses dictated the trends. Now? It’s us. We wear something, post it, and boom—it’s a trend. We turned fast fashion faster but also shined a light on the importance of ethical, responsible fashion. Whether you’re finding inspo in a thrift haul or straight up copying your fave influencer’s lewk, social media is where it’s at. Influencers have basically taken the spot once held by high-fashion editors, but don’t get it twisted—fashion still also lives on the runways.
Top Five Trends That Came Back From the Dead 😎
It’s a big mood when a past trend reappears outta nowhere and suddenly everyone’s rocking it like it never left. Let’s take a quick look at five trends that were literally brought back to life:
- Bell Bottoms/Flared Pants: Fact—these babies first hit the scene in the ‘70s, but they’ve resurfaced more times than a bad penny. From the 2000s to now, they’re proving that some styles are too iconic to stay in the past.
- Chokers: Remember those faux tattoo chokers we all lowkey regretted wearing in the ‘90s? Well, they’re back with more variations: velvet, chains, rhinestones—you name it!
- Tie-Dye: We already know tie-dye’s psychedelic journey began in the ‘60s, but it’s been revived in waves—from the ’90s and even a pandemic-fueled boom as people DIY’d at home.
- Oversized Blazers: Once the uniform of women in power in the ’80s, oversized blazers have been back in rotation for a few years now. You can thank the rise of gender-neutral fashion for that. 🔥
- Platform Shoes: Ugh, the drama! Platforms may have peaked in the ‘70s and returned in the ‘00s, but they’re currently dominating the sneaker world. Just check your nearest TikTok trend if you don’t believe us.
Bringing trends back is a vibe, and it proves that nothing really goes out of style forever. There’s always someone ready to revive it.
Trends That Did Not Survive and Should Probably Stay Dead
Meanwhile, some trends? Yeah, some things can stay buried. Like, we all collectively decided we’ve moved past these vibes:
- Ed Hardy & Affliction Gear: Let’s be real, fam, this was a serious party faux pas. All those cheesy designs overloaded with rhinestones and dragons should just stay dead and buried.
- Whale Tails/Visible Thongs: Yoooo, remember when this was a thing during the Y2K era? Pls, let’s leave that tragic accessory exposure in the past. 🙈
- Crocs with Socks: We don’t care how comfortable it is; it’s not the vibe, even in the comfort of your own home. Let’s spare the world another round of this.
- Butterfly Clips Overload: The ’90s may have offered us butterfly clips, but excessively overloading them was an aggressive stylistic choice we don’t miss.
- Cropped Leggings with Tutus: We have to question why this was ever okay, like the layering game went too far here. We’re thanking the universe that this is not a Y2K trend that’s been brought back.
Some trends are better left in the past, and that’s on period. We love the boldness, but not every experiment needs a second go-around.
Where We’re Headed Next: The Future of Fashion
Looking forward, we gotta ask, “What’s next for fashion?” The emphasis on sustainability and ethical fashion is only going to grow. Thrifting is more popular than ever—you’re not just saving money; you’re saving the planet too. Vintage is basically today’s designer and recycling clothes is the ultimate lifehack. You’ll see more focus on slow fashion: less is more, quality over quantity, and making the most out of what you already got.
We can also def expect the line between fashion and tech to blur even more. We’ve got smart fabrics, 3D-printed garments, and digital fashion NFTs coming in hot. The next big wave could even see us having virtual closets for our online avatars or, who knows, holographic fashion shows. VR might just become the way we try on clothes, fam. Could you imagine a future where you’re shopping in the metaverse instead of browsing your online cart? Mind. Blown.
Another thing to keep an eye on is that global fashion scene. Asian fashion, particularly from South Korea and Japan, is setting major trends, and we’ll likely see more cultural blending as our world gets more connected, thanks to the internet. Fashion is becoming a truly global phenomenon, and Gen-Z is leading the charge.
The Evolution in Fashion Media: Glossy Mags to TikTok
Speaking of the internet, it’s wild how our way of discovering and consuming fashion has evolved. Back in the day, it was all about those glossy Vogue magazines or catching the latest runway slay on "Fashion TV." Now? It’s all about scrolling through your TikTok or Instagram feed, seeing people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds creating their iconic fits. We’re talking about an info dump breaking down how to style a leather jacket with literally five different aesthetics within a minute. Lit.
Fashion influencers have replaced the models and celebrities of old. What’s even cooler is how diverse and inclusive fashion has become—people are showing us how to style looks for all body types and budgets. And if you’re not paying attention to what’s popping on social media, are you even in fashion? The old guard still clings on (editorials, runway shows), but now it’s all about democratization. It’s the streets and the screens that decide what’s trending.
Did Fashion Even Matter During The Pandemic?
A question on everyone’s mind: Did fashion lose importance during the global pandemic? Honestly, it both did and didn’t. Loungewear became king because duh, we were all inside. Work meetings over Zoom didn’t require fancy pants, so the “business on top, party on the bottom” look was born. And let’s admit it, we all bought way too many elastic waistbands during 2020. Real talk.
But on the flip side, people who were spending money on fashion were more focused on essentials—versatile pieces that could work multiple ways or timeless items that would last longer. Also, street fashion evolved—dropping fresh facemask designs and the branded masks served as the season’s hottest accessory. Fashion wasn’t just about looking good anymore; it reflected a new form of survival, adaptation, and resilience.
So, did fashion lose importance? Nah, it just morphed into something different—more functional, more sustainable, more mindful. And even though we weren’t out and about, fashion still had a massive presence online, making sure to flex the drip in those virtual spaces. ✊
How Technology Is Shaping Fashion That’s No Cap 🧢
Now let’s get into how tech is taking the fashion industry by storm. Wearable technology is nothing new (Fitbits, Apple Watches, etc.), but it’s becoming more integrated with fashion. Smart fabrics can monitor your health, charging ports in jackets keep your devices running, and future clothes will likely give us data about more than just our bodies. Sustainable tech textiles also aim to minimize water use and maximize energy efficiency.
But the real lit stuff happens at the intersection of fashion and virtual worlds. Digital fashion is trendy; you can buy a digital Gucci bag for your avatar or giant Balenciaga sneakers that your Sims will rock. We’re talking about fashion NFTs that owners can showcase, both online and in the physical world. Imagine paying exclusive rates to own a 1-of-1 digital jumpsuit that could be worth a fortune in the future. Wild, right?
Tech is also making shopping more interactive with augmented reality (AR) allowing virtual try-ons. No cap, in a few years, you might see fashion stores opening “digital dressing rooms,” where you can see how the latest drip fits your avatar before even thinking about copping when IG story ads pop up.
The Fashion Industry’s Dark Side: Fast Fashion and the Environment 🌎
Wouldn’t be right to talk about fashion without spilling tea on the industry’s dark side. The fast fashion industry is doing the most—in a bad way. It’s affordable, sure, but it destroys the planet rapidly and exploits workers down the line. The mass production of trendy clothes leads to tons of waste. Not to mention how fast this clothing is discarded once the trend ends. So that’s cute… but it’s unsustainable.
Millions of tons of textile waste end up in landfills each year because let’s be real, most fast fashion pieces ain’t designed to last. And workers in developing countries are paid next to nothing, working in rough conditions to churn out pieces for major brands. It’s a heavy and painful truth that we as a generation are all too aware of.
This is why there’s a big push towards slow and sustainable fashion, upcycling, and thrifting. Tirring awareness means that even though fast fashion won’t go away completely (it’s still budget-friendly), more people are making conscious choices about what and where they buy. We can make sure that fashion isn’t just slaying for the gram but also for the planet.
Gender Fluidity in Fashion: Breaking Boundaries
One of the freshest and most amazing shifts in fashion is the breaking down of gender norms. Gen-Z is all about individuality, and nothing screams that louder than how we dress. Fashion is becoming more fluid—clothing is not about “men’s categories” or “women’s categories” anymore. It’s about self-expression 💅. Think Harry Styles in a dress or Billie Eilish discovering her love for fitted, feminine silhouettes after rocking oversized fits.
This change goes beyond the runway and high fashion—streetwear brands like Telfar are making unisex designs the norm. The focus isn’t on who should wear what, but how one feels in it. More brands are releasing gender-neutral lines, challenging outdated ideas, and flipping them upside down—and it’s flipping epic.
As this progress continues, expect an even more inclusive future. Gender identity and fashion will be more about the person than the product. The clothes we choose to wear will continue taking big steps toward a truly inclusive, individualistic world.
Fashion’s Missed Opportunity: Body Diversity 🌈
There’s always been that clash between what fashion SHOULD look like vs. what it actually looks like. The hype has been strong around diversity, but the reality doesn’t always match up. Sure, we’ve seen more curve models and campaigns claiming body positivity, and that’s dope AF, but don’t think we aren’t noticing the industry’s slip-ups. Most retail clothing lines are still catering to a specific body type in the name of “high fashion.”
But all hope isn’t lost. There’s growing pressure on fashion brands to be more inclusive in everything from sizing to representation on the runway and in media. Social media has played a massive role in letting people know that everyone, regardless of size, deserves to look fire in their own skin. Plus-sized influencers and curvy models are shedding light on how valid all body types are, and the high fashion world is slowly catching up.
The fashion industry still needs to level up. We want diversity to be the baseline. Not a one-off. Y’all gotta make inclusive sizing the norm across the board—No excuses! With Gen-Z stepping into the spotlight, the industry will need to catch up to meet our demands for visibility and inclusivity across the spectrum. Period.
The Cozycore Aesthetics: Comfort Is Key
We can’t ignore how comfort has kind of taken over as a legit style statement. Cozycore is a full-fledged aesthetic now. Gone are the days when you had to sacrifice comfort for a lewk. In the 2020s, it’s cool to look like you’ve embraced maximum chill. You’ll find people in oversized hoodies, baggy joggers, soft cardigans, and chunky knitted scarves. Comfort is literally winning the fashion game.
But here’s a sneaky bonus about Cozycore: you still look fleek. Whether you’re stepping out in Uggs, soothing earth tones, or repping your oversized plaid, people wearing this vibe know how to keep it fashionable, even without any real effort. The fit is soft and practical, and you can bet you’ll feel good wearing it. Isn’t that the point, though? Stay cozy, stay stylish—that’s the Cozycore anthem. 🔥
Let’s not forget how lockdowns made us rethink what we actually want to slip into when WFH or running quick errands. When the world turned on us, comfort turned up. And we’ve stayed there ever since. Cozycore reminds us that being fashionable and comfortable isn’t mutually exclusive—it’s a vibe.
FAQ: All You Need to Know About Fashion Evolution
Q: Why did fashion trends from past decades keep coming back?
A: In fashion, what’s old eventually becomes new again. Designers and brands often draw inspiration from past decades, remixing older trends to fit contemporary aesthetics. Nostalgia also plays a big part; people miss retro styles, so they come back into the mainstream.
Q: What role did social media play in the evolution of fashion?
A: Social media changed the game, fr fr. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest allow trends to spread faster than ever. Influencers can make or break trends, and brands now cater directly to what’s popping on our feeds. Social media pretty much dictates what’s in and what’s out.
Q: How did the pandemic affect fashion?
A: The pandemic changed everything, including fashion. Loungewear became the new norm because of lockdowns. But it also made people more aware of sustainable fashion and prompted a shift toward mindful shopping.
Q: What are some crazy trends from the past that you think will never come back?
A: While fashion loves to repeat itself, not all trends deserve a second chance. We’ve probably seen the last of things like visible whale tails, overly bedazzled gear like Ed Hardy, and Crocs with socks (we hope).
Q: Are fashion and tech the future?
A: Absolutely. Fashion and tech are becoming more intertwined, from smart fabrics to digital fashion that exists only online. Expect to see lots of tech-driven trends in the coming years, especially as AR and VR technologies evolve.
Q: Why is gender-neutral fashion a thing now?
A: Gen-Z is all about individuality and breaking down outdated norms. Fashion is now more about self-expression instead of sticking to rigid gender norms. Gender-neutral fashion is gaining popularity because it allows everyone to rock what they feel most comfortable and authentic in.
Q: How can I participate in sustainable fashion?
A: Start by educating yourself about brands with strong environmental policies, and shop second-hand whenever you can. Upcycling your old clothes instead of tossing them is another great way to contribute to sustainable fashion. Reduce, reuse, recycle, fam!
Sources and References
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Blanks, Tim. "A Century of Fashion: From the 1920s to the 2020s," Business of Fashion, Published 2019.
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Wintour, Anna. "The Evolution of Fashion Trends and Their Origins," Vogue Archives, Published 2020.
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Steele, Valerie. "Fashion and The Machine: How Technology Drives Fashion," Fashion Media Journal, Published 2022.
