The fashion trends that were all the rage the year you were born

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Amanda KrauseSep 17, 2020, 02:48 IST
The fashion trends that were all the rage the year you were born

Two women model designs from Javic and Top Style in November 1969.Reg Lancaster/Getty Images

  • Fashion trends have changed dramatically over the years.
  • In the '60s and '70s, people experimented with styles such as bell-bottom pants, unbuttoned shirts, and flowing jumpsuits — all of which were influenced by music and social movements.
  • By the '80s and '90s, people favored celebrity-inspired ensembles, especially those worn by icons like Naomi Campbell and the late Princess Diana.
  • Throughout the 2000s, designers have borrowed heavily from clothing trends popular in past decades, like animal-print garments and tiny handbags.

The very nature of fashion trends is to come and go.

Jumpsuits, for example, have gone in and out of style since the '70s, and overalls have made a comeback since becoming popular in the '90s. Despite this constant flux, there's always at least one trend that takes over the fashion world every year.

From halter-neck swimwear that was popular in the 1950s to the comeback of printed suits throughout the 2000s, here are the fashion trends that were all the rage the year you were born.

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1950s: Summer attire was extremely popular.

1950s: Summer attire was extremely popular.
Former Miss America winner Henrietta Nesser wears a swimsuit in August 1953. Harold Valentine/AP

Women's fashion in the 1950s was all about fitted waists, halter tops, and wearing summer attire all year long, according to Vintage Dancer, a style website and online store created by author Debbie Sessions, who researches the history of fashion.

People also favored rompers and high-waisted pants that were designed to complement swimwear.

1960-1961: Matching coats and dresses were all the rage.

1960-1961: Matching coats and dresses were all the rage.
A woman wears an ensemble from the Marucelli fashion house in January 1960. Anonymous/AP

In the early '60s, many people still sported styles that were popular in the '50s. During this time, women often layered loose-fitting coats over matching dresses and completed their ensembles with coordinating hats, gloves, and short heels.

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1962: During her time as First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis helped popularize pillbox hats.

1962: During her time as First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis helped popularize pillbox hats.
Onassis and John F. Kennedy head to his inauguration on January 20, 1961. Uncredited photographer/AP

The former first lady also often wore tailored coats, elbow-length gloves, and strapless gowns — all of which became huge fashion trends in the '60s and '70s.

1963: Bow collars came into style.

1963: Bow collars came into style.
Today, this style of collar is fashionable once more. Uncredited photographer/AP

According to Paste magazine, bow collars were commonly worn by women entering male-dominated work fields in the early '60s. The look was said to blend masculine and feminine styles.

The style is still worn frequently today — sometimes even as a political fashion statement.

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1964: In the mid-'60s, people wore fitted clothing in bold colors.

1964: In the mid-'60s, people wore fitted clothing in bold colors.
Two models sport matching beehive hairstyles in January 1964. Popperfoto/Getty Images

During this time, neutral colors were replaced by daring prints and fitted silhouettes gave way to more loose-fitting tailoring, according to the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Sheer fabric was also used more commonly throughout the 1960s, according to vintage pop-culture blog, RetroWaste.

1965: The mod trend spread from the UK to the rest of the world.

1965: The mod trend spread from the UK to the rest of the world.
Suits this period featured eye-catching prints, like those worn by The Beatles. Fotos International/Getty Images

Mod, short for modernism, was a subculture known for its focus on music and style. The mod movement is said to have originated from a small group of London-based young men who listened to modern jazz, according to the BBC.

Men who participated in the movement often dresses sharply, donning tailored suits and sophisticated ensembles inspired by British R&B and rock bands.

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1966: Women's fashion was also influenced by the mod movement.

1966: Women's fashion was also influenced by the mod movement.
Models Judy Golm, Cherry Randall, and Jackie Bowyer pose in October 1965. Fox Photos/Stringer/Getty Images

Rather than wearing sleek suits, women donned polka-dot ensembles, black-and-white paneled dresses, and boots inspired by the streamlined designs of André Courrèges, among others.

1967: Miniskirts were everywhere.

1967: Miniskirts were everywhere.
Twiggy models a dress with a hemline above the knees. Popperfoto/Getty Images

But the style was rarely worn over bare legs. Instead, women often styled short skirts with colorful tights, fishnets, and other hosiery.

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1968: People loved wearing styles inspired by the film "Bonnie and Clyde."

1968: People loved wearing styles inspired by the film "Bonnie and Clyde."
Three men model suits designed by the German Institute for Fashion in 1968. picture alliance/Getty Images

Though the film was released a year prior in 1967, fashion inspired by "Bonnie and Clyde" was still prominent throughout 1968. In particular, men often wore pinstripe suits paired with hats in solid colors.

1969: Women began swapping colorful tights for knee-high boots.

1969: Women began swapping colorful tights for knee-high boots.
Two women model designs from Javic and Top Style in November 1969. Reg Lancaster/Getty Images

Many shoes from this period featured short and chunky heels, were made of leather, and reached just above the knee.

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1970: Hippie-inspired pants and mod-style shirts were popular at the start of the '70s.

1970: Hippie-inspired pants and mod-style shirts were popular at the start of the '70s.
Scottish football player Peter Marinell shows off his outfit in March 1970. M. McKeown/Stringer/Getty Images

According to Vintage Dancer, fashion in this decade "couldn’t decide what direction to take or what past decade to emulate." As a result, men wore a mix of everything, including turtlenecks, neck scarves, and wide-legged pants.

1971: The following year, halter necklines became trendy again.

1971: The following year, halter necklines became trendy again.
A model wears a halter-neck jumpsuit at a photo shoot in December 1971. M. McKeown/Stringer/Getty Images

The neckline was seen as risqué at the time. However, it was still commonly found in a variety of ensembles, including jumpsuits, dresses, and swimsuits according to Fashion Era, a blog about the history of women's costume and fashion run by Pauline Weston Thomas.

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1972: Rather than following a single trend, people aimed to dress in a way that expressed their individuality.

1972: Rather than following a single trend, people aimed to dress in a way that expressed their individuality.
Four people wear a variety of styles in August 1972. Evening Standard/Stringer

Throughout 1972, people blurred the lines between men's and women's fashion. They also merged styles from previous decades.

1973: Disco styles started to emerge from the fashion industry.

1973: Disco styles started to emerge from the fashion industry.
R&B singer Major Lance wears a disco-inspired outfit in October 1973. Michael Putland/Getty Images

This year, men often wore bell-bottom pants and platform shoes.

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1974: Both men and women donned suits.

1974: Both men and women donned suits.
Men and women in New York City wear suits in September 1974. Ernst Haas/Getty Images

Women's suits featured a wide range of styles in 1974. Suit-style dresses became fashionable, as did suit jackets paired with skirts.

According to a New York Times report from 1974, the most popular style for men at the time was "leisure suits." The style was meant to look casual and be worn "anywhere but in the office or on formal occasions."

1975: Everyone wanted to wear a jumpsuit.

1975: Everyone wanted to wear a jumpsuit.
A model wears a jumpsuit during a photo shoot in New York City in 1975. Anthony Barboza/Getty Images

Since disco-inspired styles were still popular in 1975, many jumpsuits featured wide-legged pant legs and voluminous sleeves.

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1976: Dresses that buttoned in the front became trendy.

1976: Dresses that buttoned in the front became trendy.
Two women walk through London in June 1976. Keystone/Stringer/Getty Images

The style was a nod to the '20s, when buttons were sewn onto dresses to create a nautical aesthetic, according to Vintage Dancer.

1977: Styles that left the skin exposed were popular.

1977: Styles that left the skin exposed were popular.
Musician Michael Henderson rocks a plunging neckline in January 1977. Archive Photos/Stringer/Getty Images

In 1977, it was common practice for men to fasten only the bottom-most button of their suits and shirts.

Similarly, women gravitated toward bikinis with plunging necklines at the time.

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1978: Clothes were designed for dancing.

1978: Clothes were designed for dancing.
Two people dance in a disco club in January 1978. David Redfern/Getty Images

Disco music continued to rise in popularity at the end of the '70s, and the release of movies like "Saturday Night Fever" allowed the music-inspired fashion trend to stay strong.

1979: People in the punk subculture wore ripped jeans and leather.

1979: People in the punk subculture wore ripped jeans and leather.
People attend a punk concert at London South Bank University in May 1979. Virginia Turbett/Getty Images

Punk fashion originated in the UK around 1975 and continued to influence clothing trends toward the end of the decade and into the '80s.

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1980: Bold, bright colors were fashionable at the start of the '80s.

1980: Bold, bright colors were fashionable at the start of the '80s.
A model poses in New York City in 1980. Anthony Barboza/Getty Images

Women also wore a mix of fitted and loose styles throughout 1980, and paired their ensembles with chunky jewelry.

1981: Everyone wore clothes with voluminous shoulders.

1981: Everyone wore clothes with voluminous shoulders.
Princess Diana attends the Braemar Gathering in September 1981. Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

Everything from dresses to blouses featured puffy shoulders in the early 1980s.

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1982: The go-to color combination was black and white.

1982: The go-to color combination was black and white.
Models Marie Helvin and Jerry Hall pose in the UK in 1982. Kypros/Getty Images

A Macy's catalog from 1982 shows that the two colors were typically worn together in formal ensembles and paired with lace accessories.

1983: Many men donned athletic wear.

1983: Many men donned athletic wear.
Musician Rod Stewart sports an Adidas hoodie in 1983. Dave Hogan/Getty Images

Clothes that represented sports teams were also popular, especially those featuring logos from the National Football League. The trend eventually spread over into women's fashion as well.

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1984: Pinstripe pants were worn by men and women.

1984: Pinstripe pants were worn by men and women.
A male model wears pinstripe pants at a Jean-Paul Gaultier show in 1984. Pierre VAUTHEY/Getty Images

According to Bustle, most pinstripe pants worn during this time were loose-fitting.

1985: Both long and short skirts were considered trendy.

1985: Both long and short skirts were considered trendy.
Two women wear layered outfits in 1985. Kerstin Rodgers/Getty Images

Some women opted for miniskirts paired with tights, while others chose long skirts that flared out at the bottom, according to a 1985 report from the New York Times.

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1986: Men loved rock and roll-inspired fashion.

1986: Men loved rock and roll-inspired fashion.
A man attends a rock concert in the '80s. Kerstin Rodgers/Getty Images

In the mid to late '80s, men's fashion was influenced greatly by the decade's many glam-rock bands, spawning accessories like leather jackets and studded belts.

1987: Suspenders came into style.

1987: Suspenders came into style.
A man wears suspenders and high-waisted pants at a club in the '80s. Kerstin Rodgers/Getty Images

Over the years, suits have never gone fully out of fashion. Instead, people put new spins on the classic style, like adding suspenders in the late '80s.

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1986: Women mixed athletic wear into their everyday attire.

1986: Women mixed athletic wear into their everyday attire.
Model Barbara Smith poses during a photo shoot in the '80s. Anthony Barboza/Getty Images

A digital copy of Elle magazine from 1988 is full of advertisements for sports attire and athletic-inspired ensembles.

1989: Heading into the '90s, people made a case for wearing faux fur.

1989: Heading into the '90s, people made a case for wearing faux fur.
Princess Diana was ahead of her time, wearing a faux-fur coat in November 1987. Tim Graham/Getty Images

In 1989, many people protested the fashion industry's use of real fur, which resulted in a number of faux-fur designs becoming trendy, according to Elle.

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1990: At the start of the '90s, jackets became a staple part of many outfits.

1990: At the start of the '90s, jackets became a staple part of many outfits.
Naomi Campbell wears a fuzzy black coat in January 1990. Mick Hutson/Getty Images

According to Retro Waste, during this time, "recession-weary shoppers chose to spend money on clothes that would stay in style as long as possible."

As a result, many women opted for fashion basics in subdued colors, such as simple black jackets.

1991: Coats became more casual as time went on.

1991: Coats became more casual as time went on.
Director Spike Lee wears an athletic jacket at a film premiere in April 1991. Ron Galella, Ltd/Getty Images

Bomber jackets and athletic coats became popular in 1991. The trend was often associated with the growing popularity of hip-hop music.

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1992: Platform shoes came back into style.

1992: Platform shoes came back into style.
Naomi Campbell walks the runway at Chanel's Spring/Summer 1992 show. Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images

This year, vintage styles from the '60s like platform shoes and long skirts became fashionable again.

1993: Overalls were everywhere.

1993: Overalls were everywhere.
People wait in line for a music festival in 1993. UniversalImagesGroup/Getty Images

Overalls were popular among both men and women, and varied in style depending on the season, according to Mental Floss.

In the winter months, people wore overalls with long pant legs, but "shortalls" took over in the spring.

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1994: Plaid was extremely popular in the middle of the '90s.

1994: Plaid was extremely popular in the middle of the '90s.
Mariah Carey wears a plaid miniskirt during New York Fashion Week in 1994. Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images

The print peaked in popularity in the mid-'90s thanks to grunge musicians who wore the trend, such as Nirvana.

1995: Colorful designs were all the rage.

1995: Colorful designs were all the rage.
The Spice Girls attend the 1995 Brit Awards in colorful outfits. Dave Hogan/Getty Images

According to a Baltimore Sun article from 1995, people began to ditch all-black ensembles in favor of multicolored looks during the mid-'90s.

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1996: Most people opted for casual styles.

1996: Most people opted for casual styles.
British pop group Menswear sport loose-fitting clothes in 1996. Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images

From T-shirts to loose-fitting jeans, people preferred comfort over high fashion in 1996.

1997: Everyone owned a pair of Dr. Martens.

1997: Everyone owned a pair of Dr. Martens.
A high school student wears a pair of boots by Dr. Martens in 1997. Bob Grieser/Getty Images

At the time, the brand's classic black boots were among the most popular shoes on the market.

That style of shoe is still trendy, but Dr. Martens now makes footwear in a wider variety of colors, styles, and leather options, including vegan leather.

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1998: Logo-mania originated in the late '90s.

1998: Logo-mania originated in the late '90s.
Members of Destiny's Child wear head-to-toe Tommy Hilfiger in June 1998. Marion Curtis/Getty Images

Clothes that were emblazoned with logos became all the rage in the late '90s.

This trend has recently come back into style, with celebrities now donning looks from brands like Fendi and Gucci.

1999: Men accessorized with bucket hats.

1999: Men accessorized with bucket hats.
Rapper Ja Rule wears a bucket hat. Frank Trapper/Getty Images

This trend has also become fashionable again in recent years. Celebrities like Rihanna frequently wear the retro look.

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2000: Halter tops were incorporated into both casual and formal looks.

2000: Halter tops were incorporated into both casual and formal looks.
Salma Hayek attends the Academy Awards in March 2000. KMazur/Getty Images

Satin halter tops were particularly popular, according to Bustle. Halter tops with thin, string-like straps were also common.

2001: Many people wore head-to-to denim.

2001: Many people wore head-to-to denim.
Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake attend the 2001 American Music Awards. AP

This trend was likely influenced by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's iconic matching all-denim looks at the 2001 American Music Awards.

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2002: Low-rise jeans were all the rage.

2002: Low-rise jeans were all the rage.
Jessica Alba wears low-rise jeans in December 2002. SGranitz/Getty Images

The Cut recently predicted that low-rise jeans will soon make a comeback in the fashion industry.

2003: People loved crop tops that looked like bras.

2003: People loved crop tops that looked like bras.
Beyonce attends the 2003 MTV Europe Music Awards. Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Lingerie-inspired fashion has become stylish again in recent years.

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2004: Von Dutch was one of the hottest brands on the market.

2004: Von Dutch was one of the hottest brands on the market.
Actress Traci Bingham models a Von Dutch shirt in May 2004. Jean-Paul Aussenard/Getty Images

The brand's trucker hats were particularly popular — nearly every celebrity in Hollywood had one.

2005: Livestrong bracelets were a popular accessory.

2005: Livestrong bracelets were a popular accessory.
Usher wears a Livestrong bracelet to the 2004 Teen Choice Awards. Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

The bracelets were created to raise money for Lance Armstrong's cancer-fighting charity, the Livestrong Foundation.

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2006: People layered polo shirts over other tops.

2006: People layered polo shirts over other tops.
A.J. McLean from the Backstreet Boys layers a polo over a long-sleeved shirt. Chris Polk/Getty Images

While some layered multiple polos on top of one another, others wore the collared shirt over long-sleeved tops.

2007: Vests were everywhere.

2007: Vests were everywhere.
Corbin Blue wears a vest to the Disney Channel Games in April 2007. Charity deMeer/Stringer/Getty Images

Some women put their own twist on the trend by wearing vests as shirts, according to Cosmopolitan.

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2008: Women wore leggings as pants.

2008: Women wore leggings as pants.
Rihanna dons shiny leggings while out and about in June 2008. Marcel Thomas/Getty Images

At the time, leather and latex leggings were particularly popular.

2009: People couldn't get enough of Ed Hardy designs.

2009: People couldn't get enough of Ed Hardy designs.
Models walk the Ed Hardy show at the 2009 Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival. Don Arnold/Getty Images

The brand was known for its tattoo-style graphic T-shirts and acid-washed jeans.

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2010: Peplum tops became fashionable.

2010: Peplum tops became fashionable.
Jennifer Hudson wears a peplum top at the 2010 Grammy Awards. Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

The trend swept red-carpet events, business-casual fashion, runways, and more.

2011: Many people loved skull-print scarves.

2011: Many people loved skull-print scarves.
Hilary Duff wears a skull-print scarf in February 2011. Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

The unique accessory added an edgy touch to any outfit.

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2012: Wedge sneakers became trendy.

2012: Wedge sneakers became trendy.
Jordin Sparks attends Variety's Power of Youth event in September 2012. Michael Tran/Getty Images

Marc Jacobs helped popularize the shoe in 2012, according to Elle, and the look quickly caught on with celebrities.

2013: Stars favored dresses with bold cutouts.

2013: Stars favored dresses with bold cutouts.
Alicia Keys rocks a black dress with geometric cutouts in January 2013. Francois Durand/Stringer/Getty Images

Glamour described the trend as "the little sister to the sheer panel," another daring look that was popular at the time.

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2014: Crop tops dominated women's fashion.

2014: Crop tops dominated women's fashion.
Rihanna attends the 2014 Met Gala. Charles Sykes/AP

Rihanna was one of at least five stars who wore a crop top to the 2014 Met Gala, proving that the trendy style worked in both casual and formal settings.

2015: Neutral-colored clothing emerged as a trend.

2015: Neutral-colored clothing emerged as a trend.
Kanye West released his apparel line, Yeezy, in 2015. Randy Brooke/Getty Images

Kanye West's first-ever Yeezy apparel launch in February 2015 was a great example of this trend.

The line's debut collection was full of distressed clothing in a variety of neutral shades, starting a fashion movement that is still popular today.

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2016: Designers embrace off-the-shoulder silhouettes.

2016: Designers embrace off-the-shoulder silhouettes.
Gigi Hadid wears an off-the-shoulder dress in November 2016. Jordan Strauss/AP

According to Seventeen magazine, searches for the style increased by 238% in 2016.

2017: Men started wearing patterned suits.

2017: Men started wearing patterned suits.
Shawn Mendes attends the 2017 American Music Awards. Jeff Kravitz/AMA2017/Getty Images

Today, colorful, printed suits are often worn on the red carpet by both men and women.

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2018: People couldn't get enough of monochromatic outfits.

2018: People couldn't get enough of monochromatic outfits.
Gigi Hadid wears head-to-toe orange in New York City in December 2018. Splash News

Models like Bella and Gigi Hadid were some of the biggest fans of monochromatic looks, a style that's comprised of wearing apparel in a single color, or different shades of the same hue.

2019: The "no pants" trend is still going strong.

2019: The "no pants" trend is still going strong.
Bella Hadid wears the "no pants" trend in New York City in January 2019. Splash News

Fans of the daring look include Bella Hadid, Rihanna, Hailey Baldwin, and more.

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2020: An aesthetic called cottagecore has completely taken over.

2020: An aesthetic called cottagecore has completely taken over.
Tess Holliday wears the popular, strawberry-print dress at the 2020 Grammy Awards. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

As Insider's Palmer Haasch previously reported, cottagecore is "an aesthetic movement that draws together all of the best parts of going off and living in a cabin in the woods."

The rustic and idyllic lifestyle became extremely popular around March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, and has now extended into fashion trends — particularly flowing dresses, embroidered accessories, and neutral colors.

A strawberry-print dress designed by Lirika Matoshi — and worn by Tess Holliday at the 2020 Grammy Awards — is arguably one of the most popular garments from the year that fits in with the aesthetic.

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