By Lila Schutt

Fashion is something that people use to express themselves and their individuality.

However, in society there is a culture surrounding fashion trends. Regardless of someone’s own choices to keep up with the Joneses or dress subversively, both choices are based on an awareness of the status quo. The status quo sets the standard for what the average consumer may buy and therefore these standardized styles can be found in most clothing stores. However, the status quo in fashion is constantly changing. The status quo in fashion is generally under the influence of trends which can last a few weeks, to months, to years, or even decades. These trends are supported in mainstream media by social influences and pushed by “fast fashion” lines. While not everyone assimilates to mainstream style, certain styles become so popularized that as time progresses, society can look back in time and associate certain popular trends and styles with certain time periods.

For instance, the 20th century had very distinct decade-by-decade trends that were especially prominent in women’s fashion.

The 1910s can be remembered for their long dresses, lace collars, and flamboyant hats. The 1920s was a time of luxury, and therefore popularized furs, opera gloves, art deco prints, detailed headpieces, pearls, tassels, and newsboy caps. The 30s brought tea length dresses, puffy sleeves, and bright colors. In the 40s, women were brought into the workplace and 2-piece sets with a blazer and skirt became popular as well as shoulder pads. In the 50s, A-line dresses and skirts as well as kitten heels became popular. In the 60s, patterns, floral designs, eccentric colors, and gogo boots were notably associated with the time. In the 70s, bell bottom and wide leg pants, flowy tops, and women commonly wore shorts, pants, and more revealing tops. In the 80s, flashy neon, bold patterns, and athleisure were very common. Lastly, the 90s popularized a more rebellious and casual grunge look with a lot of plaid and denim; somewhat more masculine in general. 

As we are still living and creatively sharing fashion in the 2020s, it is somewhat difficult to take a step back and evaluate what may be a lasting iconic style versus a quick fad. Trends often come and go, some go completely out of style (thank goodness) and some are so classic that they are adorned for decades. There is a concept called the 20-year cycle which claims that trends will re-popularize 20 years later. This is supported through the obsession with the 90s in the 2010s, as well as the current “Y2K” fashion obsession at the moment.

While I cannot say for sure what trends will last, I have definitely identified some potential notable fashion moments that have been quite popular in the last few years. The rise of the “alt” look, or otherwise black color scheme, silver hardware, fishnets, leg warmers, heavy eyeliner, etc. is becoming increasingly popular. Serged clothing or exposed contrasting stitching in garments had a moment in 2020. Clothing with cutouts around the waist or chest is heavily popular as society has become more progressive and accepting of revealing clothing. Straight leg or baggy jeans have also become more popular and have almost done away with the previous staple skinny jeans. Most recently I have also observed an increase in popularity toward “subversive” styling which incorporates wearing clothing pieces as different articles than intended, heavy layering, pieces with large holes, and a typically neutral color palette. There are obviously many more trends as fast fashion does push these cycles seasonally, but time will only tell what will be confirmed as trendy, what will last, or what may even make a comeback in 20 years.

What do you think the 2020s will be remembered for?