Women’s luxury fashion has changed drastically over the decades as what people consider to be ‘in fashion’ has changed so often. The evolution in the length of the hemline and how people have worn color are particularly notable ways clothing has changed over the past century. Find out all the different ways women’s fashion through the decades has evolved in this article from NADINE MERABI.
The evolution of women’s luxury fashion
As long as recorded history, the power of fashion and its cultural role within society is not something to be underestimated. Being on top of current trends and demonstrating this through carefully selected clothing choices has been an extremely popular way for people to express themselves and show their confidence throughout time. With changing societal attitudes and cultural events, the way clothing has been worn throughout different eras has changed countless times.
This article will look specifically at the evolution of luxury fashion since the 1900s and how fashion has changed drastically even in this relatively short time.
Early 20th century
The most notable change throughout the decades has been the change in the height of hemlines. For a very long amount of time, dresses had traditionally been long and draping. By the end of the Victorian era in the early 1910s, women becoming more independent due to the women’s rights movement and a more relaxed and less conservative attitude saw this change begin to take place.
The Victorian era had seen women high in society enrobed in dresses that were reserved in color, typically only featuring either black or white hues. Modesty was key as dresses featured long sleeves and high necks so that very little skin was visible. This is where change began to most visibly be seen towards the start of the 20th century as women began to wear lighter dresses that were less box-like and looser. Dress hemlines had begun to rise, and it was now socially acceptable to have a dress length past a woman’s ankle. A small but important step for luxury fashion.
It was the 1920s that especially saw women’s fashion begin to become less rigid and more relaxed. The ‘Roaring 20s’, in which people’s joy of World War One finally being over and the prosperity in the United States and leading cities in Europe meant that the decade was one of decadence and fun.
As a result, ‘flappers’ who were women who particularly prided themselves on partying, listening to jazz and general outrageousness demonstrated the more relaxed type of fashion the world would come to see. They would wear sleeveless dresses and changing social norms meant that they could even get away with a hemline that was right below the knee. The decade’s attitude had been influenced by French fashion designer Coco Chanel, who had paved the way in her fashion designs for clothing to be relaxed and comfortable, yet elegant.
The Great Depression in the 1930s meant that the opulence of luxury fashion had toned down as widespread poverty left less money for people to spend on luxury clothing. The Second World War meant that the 1940s saw women’s clothing become more practical as women were needed within the workforce, seeing structured suit dresses and repurposed clothing become the norm. However, the 1950s post-war era saw more feminine fashion come back into popularity. Tea-length dresses as well as pencil and A-line skirts were brought into favor by the Christian Dior ‘New Look’ silhouette which emphasized a cinched waist and rounded shoulders.
Late 20th century
More liberal attitudes from the 1960s and counterculture movements meant that fashion had once again had its norms broken down as nonconformist outfits had become all the rage. ‘Mod’ fashion designer Mary Quant had been credited with introducing the popular mini-skirt that had become a staple of the decade’s fashion.
‘Hippies’, who were all about peace and love, saw the decade become a particularly colorful one with bold colors and psychedelic swirls being spotted everywhere. This relaxed attitude bled into the 70s as loose-fitting clothes had become very popular. The popularity of disco music saw plenty of sequins, bell-bottom flared trousers and blue jeans dominating women’s fashion during this time.
The 80s then brought about some of the most extravagant women’s clothing to date. Shoulder pads were a common feature of many items of clothing. The trend of women joining professional workforces led to this feature as women’s fashion steered towards broad blazers, straight skirts and swanky suits. Bold colors were a defining feature of this decade in dresses, the louder the better.
In contrast, the 90s saw more minimalist stylings within luxury fashion. Dresses were no longer audacious and had become more streamlined. Barely visible straps were popularized and dresses featuring luxurious materials such as short satin dresses and beaded gowns were seen. Alternative music becoming incredibly popular meant that edgier looks had come in with baggy jumpers, chokers and hoop earrings all making an appearance.
21st century luxury fashion
The 2000s couldn’t get enough of denim as double denim was a popular styling. This decade saw fashion become particularly diverse as no one trend became dominant. Some opted for retro dresses while others chose to wear clothing inspired by the indie rock bands popular at the time.
In the 2010s, it had become all about the bodycon dress to show off your impressive silhouette. Cutout dresses had also been popularized with the help of celebrity red carpet and fashion show appearances.
The internet era of the modern day has made getting fashion inspiration and sharing different looks so much quicker and easier through social media. As a result, fashion can change incredibly quickly and trends are in and out faster than ever before. Who knows how women’s fashion through the decades will continue to change?
Keeping on top of trends at NADINE MERABI
We hope learning about women’s fashion through the decades has been insightful. At NADINE MERABI, we’re always on top of the newest fashion trends so browse through our collection to dress in the latest popular looks.
You can find out more about us and our story to find the source of inspiration for our beautiful, hand-crafted garments.
If you’d love to find some more luxurious clothing made with care, make sure to browse our wide selection of beautiful clothing, including dresses, co-ords, jumpsuits, skirts, and more.
If you have any questions about our range of clothing or would like to check up on your order, do not hesitate to contact us at hello@nadinemerabi.com.
