90's

Decades of Fashion: 80’s and 90’s (Style Files)

This time on Style Files, we're completing our Decades of Fashion series. I have to say, I had a lot of fun writing these, and I learned a lot about the reasons behind a lot of the fads that we had. So, to conclude our series, we're going to cover from 1980-2000

1980-1990

The 1980s were definitely a time when women's fashion was coming into its own. Unlike the rather unisex clothing of the past couple of decades, this was a time of clothing for women, as shown by a rather excessive use of sequins, polka dots, suede, rhinestones, etc. Anything shiny that screamed girl! seemed to be part of the focus of this decade.

One of the most common concepts that started then, and is still in use today, is the idea of a well coordinated wardrobe. Instead of having things that only go with one 'outfit', the ability to have everything in your wardrobe work with everything else was one of the main themes that you would see in department stores and in catalogs.

This was also the decade of the suit. You know the ones, you've probably seen them in the back of your mom's closet, or in a thrift store. The ones with the short skirt and the huge decorated blazer with buttons, and shoulder pads that seem to add at least a foot to the span of your shoulders.

And of course, this was the start of the aerobics craze! To be properly dressed, you would have to be covered in bright colored Lycra/spandex leotards, and expensive shoes.

1990-2000

Now this is a decade that I actually remember! Kind of, anyway.

Fashion in the '90s was all about function. There was a lot of things going on in the world, and as such, having designer clothing and looking perfect all of the time seemed to fall by the wayside. There was still a huge exercise craze going on, so it became more acceptable to wear your exercise clothes out of the gym and onto the street. As evidenced above, this was a time for more function in your wardrobe, which meant that loose, baggy dresses and clothes were all the rage.

This was also the decade of the grunge look, with a lot of ripped jeans, flannel, unwashed hair. It was a trend that probably didn't look like much, but it was important to the people who dressed that way. One thing that everyone should remember about fads and trends is that even if you don't like them, the person who is wearing them probably does.

Towards the end of the decade, tighter, more fitted clothing was coming back. I remember when the trend of the flare jean first came back, which quickly blossomed into the full fledged bell bottom look that had been so popular back in the '60s and '70s.

Some of the evening gowns that were popular during this time still retained some of the elements of '80s fashion, with the way that they were cut, as well as details like the buttons on the front of this Givenchy evening dress.

Tags: style files, fashion, tips, 80's, 90's

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