Fashion Yesterday, Today And The Future

We are living in a world surrounded by numerous things that are either related to the technology, the latest gadgets or the latest fashion. And Fashion today has made its significance felt in almost all sectors of life. Fashion can be termed into two groups: One group which follows fashion trends and adopts them and the other group who create fashion and style statements for the others to follow them. It can also be extended to another set of people who rarely have anything to do with fashion trends but yet follow their own style to create their own unique personality; adding one more style to the fashion world.

Fashion is not just about cosmetics and make up or the hair-do. It is a sense of creating the charisma of looking good in anything you wear and this magic is created with the right kind of accessories going along with the foot wear and the clothes, making up a pleasant picture to view. Many a times, people who do not afford to buy expensive clothes look their best in their casual wear, just by presenting themselves in that manner of sophistication and creating an aura around them with the confidence of looking good.

There are myriad forms of fashion, and trends keep on changing with the seasons. From the early 60s and 70s to the present millennium, there has been an immense change in the forms, looks and thoughts about fashion trends.

The trends that have changed through time can be fairly seen in the movies made during the 60s and 70s and how they have evolved in various forms bringing about a style that can be followed by the general public. People have aped the west from very early times and this was no exception. The clothes made in the 60s and 70s were very much influenced by the western countries and given a traditional touch. The Bell Bottoms, scarves and the hair style was very much prevalent in those days as an icon of style. Later in the 80s and 90s, Fashion world sizzled like never before. There was a craving by the people to look different, stylish and modern and this could be seen in their outlook towards their outfit, new styles of hair, makeup, accessories like purses, earrings, necklaces, matching footwear etc.

In this world we all have one thing in common, fashion. Whether your a fashionista, functionista or don’t have much interest in the subject at all… we are all united by clothing and the all mighty new trends that shops will sell us everyday. The way we dress can be a statement, a first impression and how you’re feeling that day, clothing can blend us into a crowd and also make up stand out.

One thing that’s becoming more and more noticeable these days is the progression of fashion, it’s going backwards, as though we have reached the peak and now heading back in time.

The beginning of the rock and roll era. The war was over and things were changing, good looking kids started performing music, young women and men had more independence and rationing was a thing of the past, wonderful new fabrics were becoming more affordable which also meant there was a lot more on offer, so as you can imagine dressmakers used this to their advantage, dresses were bigger and more flamboyant than ever. The 1950’s will go down in history as the first decade where fashion became an important part of culture.

In todays fashion world we can see a lot of similarities with the 1950s, for example, the midi length of dresses is huge today in many styles, also the waist belt is still to this day a very flattering accessory for giving outfits a little more shape.

1960

The 1960’s, the years of the teenager. Fashion became much more commercial as people did not need to make their own clothing anymore. The world began to gain more fashion clothing stores which meant stylish and designer clothes were no longer a pool that only the rich could paddle in. As styles grew clothing became a symbol of ones personality and how they wished to be portrayed, however one thing did shorten though… hemline. The invention of the mini skirt.

Today, you will find bell bottoms or palazzo pants in stores, robes and kimono style cover ups will be in most of our wardrobes and a lot of accessories will be made of suede and heavily decorated with fringes. The invention of mini shirts which is wored on sunny days.The mini skirt has stuck around now for decades being apopular choice for a night out on the town, also great to keep coolon sunny days.

1970

One of the most iconic years when it comes to the fashion industry.The ‘hippy’ look kicked of at the end of the 1960’s but came in fullswing in the 70’s, from bell bottoms, platform shoes and tight,bright fabrics. Every kind of suit imaginable was suddenly gracingits presence in the shops, from trouser suits to leisure suits. Baggytrousers, long skirts, robes and blouses with big collars, the 70’s wasfantastically flamboyant.

1980

Probably the most distinctive fashion era, ( 80’s parties), people remember this decade for all the right reasons, Power Dressing. This included a heck of a lot of tailoring, big shoulder pads and even bigger hair. Bold and bright colours filled the streets and the more dazzling your outfit was, the more stylish you were. This era was all about women creating a powerful silhouette of themselves, it was the rise of the professional women.

This wonderful style which has followed us into this present age has kept women feeling powerful and stylish. Whether you’re attending an interview or heading out for dinner, the tailored suit gives off a ‘I am confident, don’t mess with me’ look, and shows the world girls weren’t born to just wear dresses, we mean business! This is a style we will cherish for years to come.

1990

The 90’s was all about colourful, comfortable clothing, sometimes even a little mix matched, unless of course you preferred the grunge look then colourful may not have been a word in your dictionary. They loved denim in the 90’s, parachute pants, the baggier the better and crop tops. The 90’s have continued into the 2000’s, making a big appearance  where we saw the return of crop tops and boyfriend jeans.

2000’s

So here we are, current day. Today’s fashion styles is a mix of all of these wonderful eras, and the beautiful thing is because we have been brought up in the digital age we have more ways than ever of researching old styles, finding styling tips online and in magazines and creating our own personal style.

Paul Esther Princess

OS/21B/3867

University of Uyo

Chemical Engineering

Akwaibom state