Historical Fashion Designing Changes: 1980s to Present

The period form 1980s to present is a great example of how history repeats itself. The 1980s was definitely a very significant fashion shift, and then the 1990s was somewhat of a repeat of the 1970s. Yet, during the 1990s almost anything was beginning to be okay.

Then, the new millennium started yet another change. Right now 1980s clothing is making a comeback, but 1970s and other retro and vintage styles still hold strong.

Nonetheless-in spite of the above-we can actually pinpoint significant changes within these decades.

1980s-This was a time of florescent colors-especially hot pink and bright orange. It showed up in pants, shirts, and even accessories such as jelly shoes and jelly bracelets. These bright colors probably were designed to help complement everyone’s “big hair” that was popular this time, along with “big bangs.”

This decade was also known for the following: parachute pants, tight ankled-jeans (like the ones in the late 2000s called “skinny jeans”). By the late 1980s/early 1990s if people had baggier pants they would fold the hem of the pants and roll them up in a way to make the ankles fit tight against the ankles. The end result was tight-ankle pants rolled up. However, they were baggy.

You should note one other thing about this decade: it was also a time when responsible-looking office dress was popular. Therefore, people often wore pleated slacks and pleated jeans. Even kids wore these to school.

Generally speaking skirts were fairly short during this time. However, it was more acceptable to wear knee-length skirts versus the mini ones, though both were quite popular.

1990s-Many people in the 1980s swore they would never be caught dead wearing bell bottoms. However, during this decade many college-aged students began to wear the styles of pants that were worn during the 1960s and 1970s. High school students also wore flare-legged and boot cut jeans, and/or bell bottoms.

Thus, this repeated the “anything goes” cycle of earlier decades. Office dress was still more responsible but yet more relaxed and more modern suit styles came on the scene.

However, the love beads and boot-cut pants along with longer skirts came back again. Polyester bell bottoms and plaid pants and retro clothing with crazy patterns also became hit among certain crowds.

2000s-Since this article is being written during a time when millennium fashion is still being created, it is hard to define it. One significant fashion designing change during this time is that it is more acceptable to wear mismatched prints.

However, this actually became more popular even a decade earlier. The key though is that if you are wearing striped pants with a flowered shirt, for instance, it usually is more acceptable if the items have at least one or two of the same colors within the print.