The Best Fashion Decades Since 1900: Which Eras Still Influence Style Today?
Fashion is cyclical, with trends resurfacing from different decades to shape modern style. From the elegant silhouettes of the 1910s to the bold looks of the 1990s, each era has left a lasting impact on fashion culture. But which decades continue to inspire, and which ones remain best left in the past? Here’s what fashion lovers on Reddit had to say about their favorite fashion decades and why they still matter today.
The Elegance of the Early 1900s
Many admire the 1910s and 1930s for their delicate, intricate designs reminiscent of a fairy tale. The 1910s featured Edwardian-inspired, flowing silhouettes with lace details, while the 1930s embraced Old Hollywood glamour with draped gowns and bias-cut dresses. One Redditor shared, “Art Nouveau is my favorite style, like a fairy tale come to life.” Another even mentioned incorporating a 1918 aesthetic into their wedding look.
The Roaring Twenties and Beyond
The 1920s brought flapper dresses and drop-waist silhouettes, marking a revolutionary change in women’s fashion. However, not everyone feels this look is for them. “I love the 1920s, but I don’t have the body type for it. Drop waists are not my friend.” This highlights the era’s signature style as one of the most distinct yet difficult to replicate for all body types.
The 1940s through early 1960s, often associated with structured elegance, also remain a favorite. As one commenter put it, “My coworkers have dubbed my aesthetic ‘Mad Men Secretary,’ which is pretty accurate.” This era featured fitted suits, A-line dresses, and classic femininity, making it a timeless choice for many fashion enthusiasts.
The Freedom of the 1970s
One of the most praised decades for everyday wear is the 1970s. Known for its effortless, relaxed aesthetic, this era featured high-waisted jeans, bohemian prints, and gender-neutral fashion. “The 1970s look so effortlessly cool. The style is minimalist—my personal favorite.” Another fan added, “Second for 1970s. Empowering. Freedom from the bullet bra, wasp waist, girdle, mini, tights.” This decade’s natural, laid-back look continues to influence modern street style.
The Timeless Appeal of the 1960s and 1990s
Some decades never seem to go out of style, and many believe the 1960s and 1990s fall into this category. A Redditor observed, “The ‘60s and ‘90s will never go out of style. Obviously not everything still holds up, but I don’t think anyone would bat an eye if you wore the prevailing styles from those eras today.” The mod aesthetic of the ‘60s and the minimalist yet edgy styles of the ‘90s remain major influences in contemporary fashion.
The Chaotic but Memorable 2000s
If there’s one decade that divides opinions, it’s the 2000s. Many view it as an awkward phase in fashion history, yet some appreciate its unique charm. “The 2000s is the world’s awkward teenager phase.” Another added, “Not going to lie, I kinda love the 2000s because it’s so chaotic. Why did we layer singlets and wear leggings under dresses? Who decided cakey nude lips were hot? I never want to go back, but it’s fun in a ‘what the hell were they wearing’ kind of way.” While the Y2K trend has made a comeback, not all early 2000s styles have aged gracefully.
Underrated Eras or Overhyped?
While some argue that certain decades are underrated, others believe they’ve always been iconic. One Redditor claimed, “The late ‘60s-‘70s are criminally underrated when it comes to fashion.” However, another countered, “How is this period underrated? The ‘60s and ‘70s have been seen as the pinnacle of fashion, music, and culture for decades.” This debate highlights how generational perspectives influence how we perceive past styles.
Final Thoughts
Whether you love the elegance of the early 1900s, the free-spirited ‘70s, or the nostalgic chaos of the 2000s, every fashion era has something to offer. While trends come and go, the best styles have a way of returning in fresh, modern ways. Which fashion decade is your favorite? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Source: Reddit
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