A woman's fashion defines her identity and personality through just one glance. With fashion fads constantly changing, women must be adaptable and susceptible to the change each outfit will endure. Women's fashion mirrors societal change, and allows for women of all ages to feel empowered and embrace expression. Here is a quick snapshot of how 20-something American women have been dressing for the last 100 years.
1. 1910s
The early 1900s marked the rise of haute couture. This movement began in Paris, and was brought to attention by the world's fashion empire, "Vogue." Women coveted Parisian designs, and wore corsets and full skirts to enhance unnatural curves, while hats grew out of control. After the start of World War I, a more androgynous style came about, mirroring the effects of the war while coinciding with the height of women's suffrage.
2. 1920s
The Roaring Twenties tie seamlessly with a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other. This marked a time of freedom and independence. The ageless "flapper" was known her for loose, shapeless clothing that resembled their masculine roles, which they inhabited while the men were away at war. Women took to themselves to portray their own femininity for the first time in history through youthful rebellion. They represented raw energy through their short hair and even shorter hemlines.
3. 1930s
This decade was filled with the lost hopes and dreams remaining from the Great Depression all the way to World War II. Women found themselves escaping through the new world called Hollywood. They looked to movies for inspiring fashion, and found simple style in the small means of material available at hand in the country. Women were found often wearing uniforms that, once again, enhanced the body with square shoulders.
4. 1940s
During this time period's economic hardship, the majority of clothing materials were rationed for soldiers overseas. This resulted in comfortable, minimal material slacks and blazers. Cotton became extremely popular, and uniforms were seen everywhere.
5. 1950s
Postwar fashion dropped the hemlines even lower. Women were seen wearing anywhere from 10 to 80 yards of fabric, with calf-length skirts that cinched to their waist. They began to dress femininely and frivolously again.
6. 1960s
The 1960s was highly youth-influenced decade. This Flower Power was a colorful age, merging the mod styles of sleek and stylish, rocker and hippie. This age broke many fashion traditions and added some spice to everyone's life with an element of child rebellion.
7. 1970s
The age of disco resulted in tight and stretchy clothing that eased movement for the increased ease to travel. These flashy styles reflected the social revolution for openness that defined the decade. The end of the 70's also gave rise to the punk element.
8. 1980s
Material girls defined this decade. With the new economic boom and the new trend of women in the workforce, dressing for success was in full force. People began to flaunt designer brands, and the increased use of credit cards led to increased spending on clothes. MTV revolutionized the fashion industry as well, through portraying music and pop star Madonna.
9. 1990s
By this decade, young women had set the tone for the fashion world. It was a combination of grunge, hip-hop, and rave. This led to baggier clothes, masculine undertones, wide-legged pants, and over-sized flannels. The fashion world became more casual and was led by a carefree attitude.
10. 2000s
The decade marked the intent of fashion mashups. Led through the influence of pop icons such as Britney Spears and the Spice Girls, clothing became more minimal, app real became more flashy, and intense prints were a must. It was fueled by national uncertainty of war, economic distrust, and social phenomenons.
