Full skirts dominated fashion in the 1950s.
Fashion went through dramatic changes in the 20th century. From flapper dresses to flannel shirts, women's fashion reflected the times. Each decade made unique contributions to the styles of the 20th century.
1920s
The roaring 20s was the time of the flapper. Women cut their hair into short and sleek styles and wore cloche hats, which fit snugly on the head. The hats were worn low on the forehead, with the brim just above the eyes. The flapper dress was a simple shift dress, which made them easy to make and a fashion accessible to women of all income levels. Flat chested, girlish figures were considered ideal in the 1920s.
1930s
Fashion turned feminine in the 1930s, especially in the evening, when women wore evening gowns. Hairstyles were less severe as permanents became more popular and reliable. New fabrics were introduced, including metallic lame, rayon and fine wool crepe. The plastic zipper was used as a fastener for the first time in clothing.
1940s
World War II birthed the pin-up girl of the 1940s. Swimwear got smaller as the bikini splashed onto the fashion world in 1946, introduced by French engineer Louis Reard. Wartime demanded rationing of everything from tea to fabric, making two-piece swimwear practical. Hairstyles got longer, wavier and more blonde as women wanted their tresses to resemble those of Veronica Lake.
1950s
Ladylike fashion and the poodle skirt dominated the 1950s. Women traded in the headbands they wore in the factories in the 1940s for gloves and a girdle. Dresses and skirts with soft, feminine touches such as bows and wide Peter Pan collars were the style of the times.
1960s
The 1960s was the beginning of big changes in fashion. Young women traded poodle skirts for mini skirts. High heels were replaced with tall leather boots. Clothing became less feminine and more playful. Bright, psychedelic colors saturated fabrics. The bouffant "beehive" hairstyle became fashionable.
1970s
Miniskirts continued their popularity in the 1970s. Ladies also donned hot pants, which were very short. While skirts were often short and tight, pants grew in other dimensions. Flared pants and bell bottom jeans became popular fashion items in the 1970s.
1980s
Young ladies in the 1980s expressed themselves by wearing dozens of rubber bracelets and Converse high top tennis shoes. Madonna became a fashion icon with her mesh shirts and mini skirts. Leg warmers were worn over leggings or acid washed jeans. Tight, close fitting leggings and jeans were paired with big, boxy shirts or colorful shaker sweaters worn backwards. Plastic shoes in pastel colors were popular and were affectionately called jellies or jelly shoes. Hair was big, with bangs curled and sprayed to rise high.
1990s
The 1990s grunge fashion was rebellion against the outrageous styles of the 1980s. Fashion got comfortable. Hair was worn straight and loose. Clothes got baggy and shapeless. Women and men wore denim and flannel shirts. Practical fanny packs and comfortable Birkenstock sandals were popular.
