With the prevalence and influence of social media on teenagers today, fashion trends, especially for girls, have shifted and evolved accordingly. Since the 2020s began, Gen Z has been dominating and updating trends and styles. Apps such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are merely a few of the major platforms where the latest designs and aesthetics can blow up almost overnight. With this, it is evident that as time progresses, each decade’s signature theme develops into a new and unique style. Looking back, how different was the fashion of the past years from that of the present?
Teens dressed more maturely as they prepared to “enter society,” with dresses reaching the calf and higher necklines complemented by ruffled collars and other youthful elements. Typically, the items from their closets were borrowed from their mothers. Here, the silhouette was tall and slim, emphasizing broad shoulders, a small bust, and a standard waistline. Suede gloves with a matching purse and heels were among the latest trend accessories.
Here, a typical ensemble would be a sweater set with an A-line wool skirt. The overall theme of the styles released was a carefree outlook on life—which is ironic, seeing as World War II was going on simultaneously. As women began working in industries, it became progressively common for them to wear pants. The skirts of the ’40s slightly flared out, making them popular with teenage girls who preferred non-restrictive clothes. Teens also wore bobby socks, which were ankle-length white socks. They were occasionally trimmed with lace or ribbon and were frequently worn with saddle shoes—what they called flat shoes at that time.
Matching dress and jacket print pairs were popular during this decade. A soft sweater matched with a collared top was a favored outfit in high school. Many adolescent girls chose voluminous skirts with 4-inch hems. These skirts, especially the world-famous poodle skirt, were frequently created of wool felt fabric in vivid colors. Circle skirts were worn with tucked-in, form-fitting blouses. Tight-fitting capri pants were also popular leisure wear, and jeans started to become socially acceptable after a photo of American actress Marilyn Monroe wearing a pair surfaced.
Throughout the ’60s, adolescent girls dressed like women for school. They wore knee-length pleated wool skirts in dark hues or patterns like navy or plaid, and white blouses with rounded Peter Pan collars. Sweater sets, which included a sleeveless wool or angora sweater with a matching cardigan worn over it, were popular among girls. But as teenage girls developed an interest in pop culture, music, and fashion, colorful miniskirts and dresses began to flood school halls.
Gender lines were blurring for the first time in teen fashion history, and flared denim jeans were the latest craze. At one point in the ’70s, the disco look dominated girls’ outfit choices. Female clothing evolved from the costume-like hippie image to disco party dresses, evening attire, and the preppy look. Toward the close of the decade, the decadent punk aesthetic gained popularity.
Molly Ringwald was one of the ’80s movie stars who influenced every teen’s look, appearing in successful films such as Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club. Her varied style began with “girly” pinks and florals with edgier touches. Casual attire, such as denim jackets and large garments, grew prominent. Loud, bright apparel was also essential, as were fitness attire such as leggings, sweaters, and trainers. Jelly-style fashion, such as jelly shoes, bracelets, and other accessories, was also mainstream.
Crop tops, vivid plaids, and plenty of colors marked this era, which was influenced by fashion icons such as the Spice Girls and Princess Diana, as well as teen-centered films like Jawbreaker and Clueless. As a result, teens of this generation were swayed into seeking “the teen dream.” Thick headbands, capri pants, tracksuits, and striped tops were among the “in” styles of this generation. Several companies also put out funky styles, butterfly clips, and elastic chokers. Following the trend of living a rebellious life as a teenager, ripped jeans gained popularity just because they were considered a protest against society.
Tweens made their mark on the millennial scene, receiving inspiration from television stars such as Lizzy McGuire, and pop stars like Britney Spears. Shiny tones and reflective metallics comprised the color palette of this time. Otherwise known as the Y2K aesthetic of today, ultra low-rise jeans, off-the-shoulder tops, and platform sandals were staple pieces then. These were frequently worn with aviator glasses, chunky belts, and jelly bracelets.
As social media became more popular among teenagers, internet fashion trends took over. The styles of people on Tumblr and Snapchat were the primary influence on teens of this time. Scrunchies, flower crowns, floppy hats, high-waisted shorts, blouses with the shoulder cut out, skinny jeans, ankle boots, and the resurgence of chokers defined this decade.
Especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on sales and marketing, more and more small businesses were created during the lockdown. Vintage or homemade clothing was commonly sold online during this period. Furthermore, maximalism made a comeback in Gen Z tastes. The 1960s and 2000s aesthetics were predominantly revived thanks to the sudden change in the environment. Form-fitting tops, sweatshirts, and wide-legged pants were among the hot pieces on the Internet at this time. Another commonly seen outfit was composed of a crop top, trousers, and an oversized jacket or blazer.
The media and time both have had an impact on the ever-so-changing fashion tastes of teenagers. It is quite ironic how at some point, some fashion trends were considered “old” or “millennial,” then made a reappearance in the media and became trendy once more. How new fashion trends are created will always be fascinating; future styles are hard to predict since they are the product of unforeseen happenings in the world. Nevertheless, learning about diverse styles in fashion is something worthwhile, as fashion is both an integral part of culture and a powerful outlet for self-expression and showing one’s individuality.
Comments