1950s
The 50s saw a change in female dress after Dior's New Look was unveiled in 1947. Following wartime measures in the 40s, which had pushed women into the workforce and utility clothing, women wanted to look feminine again. Designers such as Balenciaga, Laroche and Givenchy (the designer of the classic little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's) were iconic in this era: they embraced feminine fashion and determined the looks of the decade.
Key features of the decade:
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Pencil and full circle skirts
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Sack and sheath dresses
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Empire lines, especially empire line LBDs
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The American influence (wide belts, gloves and hats, nipped in waists)
1960s
Trends from the 60s are well known for their wide-reaching influence on fashion. A revolution was approaching and fashion was extremely important among young people. This generation had more power and more money, and Britain - in particular London - was where everyone wanted to be for the most experimental clothes and accessories. Hemlines shortened and prints became ever bolder, and inspiration was taken from music and a change in lifestyle. The 60s also saw the revival of Art Deco, with the opening of the famous Biba store.
Key features of the decade:
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Miniskirts, shift dresses
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Space age and psychedelic looks
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Graphic lines and cut outs
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Materials including PVC, chainmail, sheer and transparent fabrics, chiffon, hosiery and synthetic materials
1970s
Fashion in the 70s saw a wide variety of trends, from folk to disco to punk. The influence of disco was seen widely in fitted lycra clothing, flares and hotpants. For some, fashion became more natural, in line with a more ethical lifestyle. The hippy looks were reworked with a folksy feel. Hemlines fell and shapes and structures became more relaxed. Designers took inspiration from traditional crafts such as weaving, knitting and tapestry. Collaborations became more popular - designers such as Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell worked together. And the famous designer Vivienne Westwood lead
the punk movement.
Key features of the decade:
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Disco (flares, hotpants, wraparounds) and punk looks
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Folk style included blouses, frills maxi skirts, floral prints, knits, lacing, patchwork and waistcoats
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Eastern influences (kaftrans, kimonos and prints)
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Jumpsuits and bodystockings
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Prints including floral, geometrics and stripes
1980s
Fashion in the 80s took great influence from political changes. Anger over the economic depression was reflected in street style. But by the second half of the decade things were beginning to look up, and this was shown in the clothing. Two themes emerged: power dressing became popular among women as they became more dominant in the workforce - pencil skirts and shoulder padded power blazers reigned for working women - and 80s sportswear was important, with brands like Nike leading the way, and bright colours, neon shades and shellsuits gaining popularity.
Key features of the decade:
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Power dressing (shoulder pads, suits, bright colours and black and white dogstooth)
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Streetwear (graphics, tartan, stripes, denim and leather)
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The new romantics
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Sports and dancewear influences
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Body con (Lycra was the main influence)
