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You look fashionable in clothes you can carry off well. However, you wouldn’t turn up at the discotheque tomorrow in a pair of bell-bottoms, would you? Certainly not! What’s in today might well be passé tomorrow. The fashion world has seen trends over time. The United States which has had a major sway in molding world fashion has been witness to many changes in the way its people have dressed up through the ages. Let’s take a peek at how American fashion has transformed through time.
The Youthful 20s
Women in the United States were deeply influenced by a sense of freedom after WW I. This decade saw the emergence of the “flapper,” a generation of young American women whose clothing style oozed modernity.
The 19th Amendment of 1919 guaranteed women the right to vote and that influenced women into trying to look younger and younger.
They started wearing loose-fitting garments and the hemlines rose to the knees.
The men started dressing less formally turning up in cuffed trousers, flannel jackets, and two-toned shoes.
The 30s and the 40s
These were the times of the Great Depression and the American economy was ravaged.
Nevertheless, these decades saw the Harlem Renaissance when colored Americans revolutionized art, literature, and fashion.
This was the age of the high-waisted and high-legged Zoot Suit. With their tight cuffs, they epitomized looking cool back in those days.
The World War II
The Second World War saw the entire American industry devoted to the war effort.
This created shortcomings in other areas of life and fashion was no exception.
With fabric being used for other purposes, like making parachutes, certain clothing items were no longer available.
For instance, stockings vanished. Not to be cowed down, women took it upon themselves to carry on with a sense of normalcy.
Yes, they started painting their hosiery!
Post War 1950s
The end of the war saw an economic boom and the end of rationing. As husbands returned from the war, conformity was encouraged among women.
Therefore, hemlines dropped and dresses with flowing skirts in bright colors became popular.
The knee-length pencil skirt became popular among working women. Men opted for suits and sweaters of solid colors.
The lasting impact of the 1960s Counterculture
This decade saw a counterculture revolution that challenged social norms. Unisex clothing like denim jeans and leather jackets became popular—a trend that continues to this day.
Hippies popularized handmade clothes and accessories. African-Americans brought the dashiki, an African tunic. Miniskirts became popular in the 70s, a sign of rebellion. In the 80s, women opted for power dressing pairing blazers with knee-length skirts. Grunge music of the 90s brought plaid flannel shirts and stonewashed jeans.
The new millennium saw a return to feminism. Halter tops and Capri pants were a rage. Men took to a sportier look with sneakers and sweatshirts. Post-2010s, gym wear invaded regular dressing with women opting for leggings as men went for sleeveless shirts.
Conclusion
America has seen its fashion witness major changes down the decades. The trends in each decade have reflected popular sentiment. Fashion has at times been a symbol of rebellion, and at times a symbol of conformity. What changes fashion experiences in the days to come shall sure be interesting to see.
