100 Years of Fashion

There have been many trends in the past few years, but what was it like 100 years ago?

                                    

1926

1926 fashion defined the height of the “flapper” era, with knee-length hemlines and simple, functional designs. Key trends include Chanel’s “little black dress” which emphasized the silhouette. Men’s fashion shifted towards soft-colored shirts, suits for almost every occasion, and appearances of flannel fabrics.

                                   

1936

In 1936, trends started moving away from the 1920’s “boyish” style and more towards highlighting natural waistlines, broader shoulders, and Hollywood-inspired glamorous evening wear with backless designs. 1930’s men's fashion was highly defined by the “drape suit,”  a three-piece suit designed for a fuller, more athletic silhouette.

                                    

1946

In the 1940’s, people started leaning more towards a “post-war” style, blending wartime rationing limitations with a desire for feminine luxury. This was also the introduction of the bikini. For men, high waisted and wide leg trousers, wide lapel suit coats and sport coats, wide collar shirts, colorful and wide neckties, two tone oxford shoes and wide brim fedora hats were extremely popular. This time was also highlighted by Rosie the Riveter.

1956

1950’s fashion was highly feminine, polished hourglass silhouette, emphasizing elegance and, in many cases, a "candy-box" pastel color palette. Key trends also included stiletto heels, pencil skirts, and polka dots. Men’s trousers were popular, but so were shorts. Often, they were pleated and pretty much cut like a pair of dress trousers, but they had bolder patterns – plaids, tartans, checks – in bolder colors, inspired by “Bermuda style.”

1966

1966 fashion was defined by the peak of London’s "Mod" culture, characterized by bold, geometric, and youth-driven styles. Key trends included ultra-short mini skirts and shift dresses, space-age futuristic designs, bold patterns (such as checkerboard), and pastel-pretty looks. The iconic “beatles” moptop was also popular in the early 1960s for men, dominated by narrow-lapel, high-buttoning jackets (often called "bum freezers") and very tight trousers. Another key trend was “paper dresses” which were fast, affordable, and often featured bright, mod, or artistic patterns.

1976

1976 fashion was a blend of disco glamour, bohemian freedom, and tailored, athletic styles, characterized by bell-bottoms, high-waisted denim, platform shoes, and earthy tones like chocolate brown and mustard. The look was heavily influenced by disco culture - think shiny materials and dance-ready clothes - as well as the continued bohemian, laid-back "hippie" vibe of the early 70s. Men’s fashion included polyester leisure suits, wide-collared shirts, and flared trousers. Key trends included tight-fitting tops, earth-toned clothing, bold patterned sport coats, and wide belts.

1986

This was the era of the iconic “big hair,” defined by bold, high-contrast styles, featuring power dressing with large shoulder pads, vibrant neons, pastel colors, and acid-wash denim, often accessorized with chunky jelly bracelets and scrunch socks. For men, a mix of bold, athletic styles and "preppy" conservatism was extremely popular.  Women's fashion was heavily influenced by TV shows like Dynasty and Dallas, featuring suits with massive shoulder pads, tailored skirts, and wide belts. 

1996

1996 fashion was a mix of casual grunge, minimalist "long and lean" silhouettes, and emerging 1970s bohemian influences. Key trends were baggy jeans, flannel shirts, slip dresses, and bright colors, alongside the rise of pop-culture driven styles. Kate Moss was a definitive fashion icon of 1996. At the height of her career, she defined the 90s "heroin chic" and minimalist aesthetic. With male fashion, relaxed, oversized silhouettes, blending grunge, hip-hop, and preppy styles were all the rage.

2006

2006 was defined by low-rise bootcut jeans, boho-chic tops, and heavily accessorized outfits. Key staples included skinny jeans, ballet flats, studded belts, and large handbags, while trends like layered tops and band-tees dominated. Men’s fashion was a mix of baggy streetwear, (often bootcut) emo or scene styles, and early preppy trends, often featuring layered clothing, graphic tees, and cargo pants.

2016

Some top trends of 2016 fashion were off-the-shoulder tops, lace-up tops, and babydoll tees that were often paired with high-waisted bottoms. The era favored super skinny jeans, ripped denim, and athleisure (athletic wear) with "millennial pink" dominating the color palette. Velvet pieces, pleated midi skirts, and slip dresses along with choker necklaces and satin bomber jackets were extremely popular. Male fashion included streetwear, and rugged, street-inspired styles. This meant ultra-skinny ripped jeans (especially with knee rips), and an increased popularity of sneakers, alongside hoodies and oversized graphic tees became trendy.

2026

2026, the year of the hour. Fashion today includes a mix of dark romanticism, structured tailoring, and grunge core, with a strong return to maximalism and bold, mixed prints. Key trends include capris, sheer layering, butter-yellow, and knee-length skirts, emphasizing a polished yet expressive aesthetic. Nico Parker, Sarah Pidgeon, Zendaya, and Teyana Taylor are some of the many people influencing trends for 2026. Fashion leans toward "wardrobe dressing" and refined elegance, influenced by figures like Hailey Bieber and emerging talent in the LVMH Prize (nine young designers chosen from 20 people for their innovative womenswear, menswear, and genderless collection) shortlist.