In this year, we’ve seen the return of Jurassic Park, a Bush and a Clinton running for political office, and Kel Mitchell returning to Nickelodeon (sans Kenan and orange soda) to star in a new sitcom. These reasons and more are causing people to refer to 2015 as The Year of the Throwback, which makes me think that it's time to adjust our style to match. Now, vintage has always been a popular choice for those stylish folks feeling "alternative", but few people actually go full throwback. You can’t really blame them, because most of those styles died out for a reason. However, we have a rare opportunity on our hands to fully embrace the past in our fashion choices. If you’re not feeling completely sold on sporting bell bottoms, bandanas, and cropped peasant blouses, don’t fret. Style is about interpretation, and is unique to everyone, so wear as you dare.
If you are not completely studied up on the history of American fashion, don’t worry. Provided below are two SparkNotes-style videos of men and women’s style in the past 100 years.
Now that we have a refresher on fashion, who wants to play fashion stylist? For clarification, this list is only according to women’s fashion history, and gives suggestions on how to integrate these past looks into modern times. I apologize to all the men looking for style suggestions, but I do not feel like enough of an expert on that matter to make suggestions. However, I can attest that women enjoy men that put effort and consideration into their appearance, so I applaud you for even looking! Okay, onto the fashion…
1900s:
The corset was popularized in early Victorian-era fashion, and soon became a sensation among women trying to achieve the hourglass figure. In general, this whole era’s fashion was about emphasizing the feminine with dainty gloves, intricately tasseled hats and umbrellas and draping pearl necklaces. The good thing is replicating this era doesn't mean breaking your ribs for the name of fashion. You just need a cinched belt, a figure flattering outfit and some unique accessorizing. This era was all about the updo, so play around with different styles of buns. You can try braided top knots, loose twists, and then top it off with a soft ribbon or a statement head piece.
1920s:
Even modern-day starlets like to interpret the '20s flapper fashion with elegant gowns and S-waved curls. This ultra-glam, old Hollywood look is not an everyday fashion, but when applied to the appropriate occasion, can make for a timeless and classic ensemble. Now its hard to exactly replicate the S-wave curls with anything longer than a pixie cut, but you can use a thick curling iron to get voluminous curls and then softly brush them out for a sleek wave. For clothing, try to find “boxy” cut dresses and tops for that waif-like flapper figure, and top it off with some T-strap heels. Go for a smokey eye and washed-out foundation to complete the look, and don’t forget a small beaded clutch.
1940s:
The war era fashion of the '40s meant a great divide in women's fashion at the time. Working women, like the iconic Rosie the Riveter, went more industrial and masculine in their fashion. They sported overalls, plaid rolled-up sleeves, and low maintenance hairdos tied up in bandanas. On the other hand, upper class women not working or in white collar offices set the standard for business women chic. They introduced the modern high waisted skirt, popularized peplum blazers, and integrated statement hats back into fashion. While this upper class attire did emphasize femininity with cinched waists and tailored skirts, there was a noticeable integration of masculinity with the introduction of suit blazers and wide-legged pants. Both of their fashions can be achieved with a strong lipstick and subtle eye makeup, but after that the style differs greatly. For the industrial look, find a fun pair of overalls to cover a collared shirt with rolled up sleeves and some leather boots. For the business women chic-look, pair a flattering high waisted skirt with a matching blazer, then accessorize with a silk scarf and leather handbag.
1950s:
The introduction of the housewife during the '50s also introduced the floral hoop skirt dresses, winged eyeglasses and scarfs as headwear trend. The women dressed to the nines everyday with a face full of makeup, hair curled and coifed and ironed dresses. Instead of spending hours trying to achieve this look everyday, try incorporating small amounts of this style in modern wear. A pair of winged-sunglasses will add retro style to any look, and can be paired with a pin-curl ponytail and fitted cardigan for simple glam.
1960s & 1970s:
A new era of war brought a completely new era of fashion as well. The hippie revolution has come back strong with the introduction of bohemian chic at stores such as Free People and Anthropologie. Instead of going expected with this look (like flower crowns and fringe purses), try to go classic. Go for an unkept look by keeping your hair au natural and having an understated makeup palette. If you want to incorporate color, go for bold yellows, reds, and purples, and they will ideally be blended together in some kind of paisley pattern. Try unfitted t-shirts held with a crocheted belt, and accessorized with a tight vest. This style is based on the idea of ease, so feel free to mix-and-match patterns and blend colors in unique ways to achieve that free-bird attitude.
1980s:
Speaking of color… its time to bring on the neon. I have observed '80s fashion coming back strong in young adult communities, such as colleges, through color-block windbreakers and hair scrunchies. Emphasize this style or tame it down by limiting yourself to one bold color, and accessorize with bulky jewels. This strict adherence to one color and pattern will refine the look and allow for more makeup experimentation. I do suggest avoiding a tight curled hairstyle, however, modern day perms have advanced and broadened the hair style options available, so now you can get loose, beachy waves, or even a sleek S-wave curl. Experiment with perming on your own accord, but don't be afraid to go bold and go curly.
1990s:
One word: Denim. Loose fit, boy fit, acid wash, clean cut, or distressed. The'90s were all about denim. Instead of overloading on this style, incorporate it with a modern twist. Add a cropped jean jacket to dresses for a softened 'after-school special' look. Pair some tailored jeans with a plaid print or floral hat. Channel "Clueless" with some high-waisted skirts and cropped cardigans and knee high socks. This era was about mixing androgyny with preppy fashion, so you have a range of looks to experiment with.
2000s:
New millennium, new fashion faux pas. The early 2000s were an odd combination of futuristic fashion and relaxed, comfort clothing. Purple and blue eyeshadow paired with clear vests and chunky sandals. English schoolboy hats with over-the-shoulder sweaters. The greatest offender was the silk blouses, jeans, and a microscopic cardigan-shawl combination. Modernize off-the-shoulder sweaters with cigarette leg jeans and stiletto heal. Use geometric accessories to add that futuristic touch without having to wear blue eyeshadow and clear backpacks.
Modern day style has already seen an influx of bringing back historical fashion trends in new and inventive ways. Fashion as an institution likes to incorporate the past with the future to create the now, and is something that everyone can interact with and express themselves through. Whether you dress to emulate an icon or dress to emphasize yourself, you are participating in the creative world of fashion. Have fun with your outfits and play around, because every decade brings a new style which you adapt to your own personality.
Which style era is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!