1980's Fashion Trends

Have you ever wondered how your favorite pair of jeans or blouse came up in the fashion world? It happened from history. History affected everything we wear today. Although the Great Depression caused setbacks along with the World Wars and Cold war that went on. The fashion industries still managed to come out with iconic statements that we still wear today. Woman’s fashion changed dramatically throughout history, from the Great Depression, World Wars, and the Cold War.

Fashion for women was lot different in the 1900’s from what we see today and it took lot of time to reach this stage where a woman could choose what she wants to wear and how. The 1900’s saw the entire women’s body being treated like a piece of decoration, erotically stylized, made disproportionate, deformed and secluded from its biological function like the corset or crinoline, it was said that the fashion made women and inconvenience was a part of being fashionable. It took many decades to cast off the corsets and many more to accept women’s body as they were. Who else would understand the need of a woman better than a woman herself? By the end of nineteenth century one saw emergence of woman fashion designers, many of them who would become fashion icons and stay fashion icon even after a whole century went by because of their styles which embarked the beginning of the new fashion world. Designs that made women feel comfortable to be in, feel empowered, strong and

This essay will explore the effects social and political changes had on fashion in the 1980’s. This period was chosen because the new romantic fashions were so different to the punk fashions that had been before, this essay will therefore identify the changes that had taken place to influence this change. Primary evidence used to support findings will include interviews and photographs which will show a firsthand account of the period.

The beginning of the civil war in America affected the cotton production, so fabric became more scarce, leading into the next era, one that used less fabric. The early bustle period featured a narrower skirt, with gathered fabric on the back. Bodices ended at the natural waist. By 1877, the bustles had dropped to knees, leading into the Natural Form period. By this time, a tall, slim figure was born. Dresses were long and the bodice became long and tight. The Late bustle period brought the bustle back into style. The skirts stayed long and tight, with a large amount of fabric gathered in the back. The 1890’s saw the disappearance of the bustle for good. At this time, skirts became plain, and the bodice was dressed up with frills and puffed sleeves. The popular “Pigeon Silhouette” of the Victorian era was born. The Edwardian Period was a time of ultimate femininity. The skirts became soft and flowing, and the hobble skirt became popular (What is). This was probably the most interesting part of my research, because I got a deeper look into the world of fashion.

The 1920’s fashion was a period of liberation, change, and even more importantly a movement towards the modern era. Fashion in the 1920’s varied throughout the decade but one could see the noticeable change from the previous fashion statements and eras. At the start of the decade, women began emancipating themselves from the constricting fashions by wearing more comfortable apparel. As women gained more rights and World War I forced them to become more independent, flappers came to be, mass-produced garments became available, and artistic movements increased in popularity, one can see how the fashions from the roaring twenties characterized the time and redefined womanhood. (1920s clothing 1)

The unique fashion of the 1980s made an impression in its time in such a way that it continues to make a mark in today’s fashion. Historically, each decade comprises a specific style which identifies the generation. Just by viewing a photograph, one can identify the decade of the persons photographed just by the fashion being worn. Women’s fashion in the 1980s was greatly influenced by an event that was significant historically, politically, and socially providing popularity of women’s fashion through the lens of one of the most recognizable and admired woman in all time, Princess Diana.

The 1920’s, also called the roaring 20’s, was a time of change. During this time period the fashion for both men and women was changing immensely. The aftermath of WWI caused America to enter a vigorous era. As a result of the role of women during the war, many customs and morals were changing. The Stock Market started booming, many new dances and music came about, and women got the right to vote and enter the workforce. There was an uprise in almost every activity, and fashion was definitely one (Tirocchi, Anna and Laura). Although fashion varied throughout the decade, one could notice a drastic change from the prior fashion.

Throughout the 1920s through the 1950s Women’s clothing in America was affected by World War II, which lead to the exploration of different styles, the encounter of new trends and the exchange of ideas and new styles.

While the 80’s dress was more elaborate, the 90’s was more easygoing. The most common thing the public wore was band T’s, Doc Martens, baggy jeans, and flannels. There were some other accessories such as Jansport backpacks, Baby G’s, and big watches were a big deal; also tattoo chokers, the more you wore, the more popular you were. Overalls were pretty vogue as well, but make sure one strap is undone!

Fashion changed throughout the 80’s. Movie and Music celebrities fashion was much more accessible to fans and viewers , an increased obsession with celebrities brought fashion was brought into the forefront of pop ( Source 1 ,paragraph 1). Many new fashion companies made and sold new types of clothes . Some popular choices were tops , leggings ,high - waisted jeans and ripped and acid - washed jeans. Many famous fashion designers were Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan .

Fashion in the 1980s was glittery and bold . Young people never again dictated fashion trends, the time of the baby boomers era was getting older and wealthier and requested a more luxurious , upmarket fashion.

The ethical issue to be focused on in this paper is that of global population growth and the negative impact this has on the environment, living standards for those currently living and on future generations. The current world population growth rate is 1.2% per annum (Haub and Gribble 2011: 2). This implies a steadily increasing world population with negative effects on health, food supply, water supply and quality, oceans, forests, biodiversity, climate and standards of living (Hinrichsen and Bryant 2000).

With every fashion era there is a story, a reason, and a goal. In this paper I will delve into 1980s exploring all the aspects that make this era unique with historical events,

Do you still remember the time wearing neon, teased hair and low makeup? Every decade has their own style and trend to make their fashion memorable. The 80s represented the fashion boomtime. Significantly, the increasing of cable TV, the pandemic of the HIV/AIDS disease, the changes in the government, and so many important events had happened and impacted on the fashion industry at that time. All the fashion trends of 1980’s were very interesting and some of them are still being followed today.

Every generation laughs at the old fashions such as how big the hairstyles were for women, or the platform shoes, bell bottom pants, and even the grunge look. But some trends are coming back because everything comes back into style eventually. Many fashion trends from the 1990’s have made a comeback today or have simply never left.