Fashion is ever-evolving, and so are the stars who wear it. From the early days of 20th century Hollywood to the street style of the modern era, celebrity style has constantly been reinventing itself and defining the trends of the moment. Through the decades, fashionable icons have captured our attention and served as style inspiration for generations. Let’s take a look at how celebrity style has evolved through the years.
1. A Look at the Roaring Twenties: The Start of Celebrity Style
The Roaring Twenties saw the emergence of several prominent celebrities who shaped the fashion trends of the time. Among the stars of Hollywood and Broadway, it was unique to see the emergence of fashion icons in different industries — from sports to business.
- Mary Pickford – Before she was an Academy Award winner, Mary Pickford gained fame as a pioneering film actress. Soon, Pickford was a house hold name, and her style and grace began to define women’s fashion in the 1920s.
- Coco Chanel – Considered one of the most influential fashion designers of the century, Coco Chanel introduced the world to a new type of wardrobe that could be worn as both day and evening wear. Her classic designs, including the iconic Chanel suit and little black dress, remain mainstays in fashion today.
- Jack Dempsey – The addition of sports celebrities to the list of fashion icons in the 1920s was a welcome one. Jack Dempsey, a professional boxer, was a staple in both the sports and fashion world of the time. He made sure that every appearance he made, both in and out of the ring, was a fashion statement.
The popular celebrities of the 20s brought with them a unique sense of fashion that was often imitated, even as fledgling fashion designers were just beginning to develop their own styling. The 1920s saw a shift in fashion in the form of comfort, luxury and elegance — a style that remains popular today.
2. The Glamorous Fifties: A Decade of Iconic Looks
The 1950s were a term synonymous with stylishness and glamour. With revolutionary fashion silhouettes in their DNA, elegant and tailored looks made popular in this era are still prevalent today. Here are just some of the glamorous looks of the 50s:
- The iconic hourglass-shaped fit’n’flare dress was given a modern twist, with shorter hemlines and playful patterns featuring prominent floral motifs.
- Tight pencil and mid-calf skirts formed part of the fashionable woman’s wardrobe, with sizes varying in accordance with the relative popularity of each style.
- Men, on the other hand, favored more relaxed styles such as the ever-popular ‘tail-suit’ jacket and long trousers.
Hairstyles in the 50s ranged from classic quiffs and pompadours to slicked-back side-partings and bouffants – all big in terms of volume and height. As for accessories, lace-up boots made of tough leather held particular appeal, with colors that ranged from monochromatic blues, greens and browns to bright reds, yellows and oranges. Fascinators, gloves and sweeping coats were among some of the most commonly worn items.
The 1950s was a decade full of style and fashion – a golden age that has gone down in history as an inspiration to many, for decades to come.
3. The Flower Power of the Sixties: The Era of Rebellion
The sixties were an iconic and turbulent era known for major advances in social justice and progress. But, perhaps more than anything, the sixties are remembered for the Flower Power Rebellion that reverberated through the popular culture and lifestyles of the decade.
Flower Power began as an anti-war message, championing non-violence, and soon became closely associated with the hippie movement. With bright, patterned clothing, weaving psychedelic tunes, and a thirst for change, hippies were a true movement of “free love”.
Hippie-isms and slogans such as:
- Make Love, Not War
- Peace and Love
- Live Free
Awoke a spark of hope and solidarity among young people acroos America. Soon, people rose together in protest for civil rights, women’s rights, and against the Vietnam War.
The youth of the sixties were determined to challenge the rigorous and often oppressive cultural norms of the time. Though the way of a hippie didn’t last, the era of rebellion and countercultural revolution remains significant. The Flower Power of the sixties continues to inspire and ignite the fire of progress and fundamental change to this day.
4. From Shoulder Pads to Neon: The Glitz and Glam of the Eighties
The eighties were a time of glitz and glamour, which is most recognizably shown on the streets through the fashion. One look that gave the eighties its characteristic style had to be the wide shoulder pads. These pads were found in every type of clothing, from blouses to coats, and were typically made of a stiff padding. The shoulder pad trend made women appear more empowered, as the silhouette was wider and more dominant.
The eighties also gave birth to neon colors. Bright, punchy pinks, greens and yellows were popular in sportswear, and the colors of the decade inspired a new wave of retro-futurist fashion. Everything was decked out in these colors, from sunglasses to handbags, and of course, plenty of legwarmers. It was the perfect combination of comfort and style, and these wearable art pieces still remain popular to this day.
The seventies had a huge influence on the style of the eighties, with plenty of bohemian and vintage-inspired clothing. The focus was on comfort, and fabrics like velvet, gauze, and corduroy were highly sought-after. High-waisted jeans paired with big earrings were a staple look, as were chunky heeled boots. Patterns were bold and eye-catching, too, with floral prints and polka dots becoming all the rage.
Accessories of the Eighties
The eighties had some of the most iconic accessories. Hair scrunchies, layered necklaces, headbands and oversized purses were commonplace on the streets, and the more creative you were, the better. Brightly colored watches and chunky rings accessorized the look, and vintage denim jackets were made unique with pins and patches.
- Shoulder pads
- Neon colors
- Vintage and bohemian fashion
- Hair scrunchies, layered necklaces and headbands
- Chunky rings and watches
5. Hollywood Style in the New Millennium: The Current Trends of the Stars
In the new millennium, Hollywood stars have been setting trends that have become the talk of the entertainment industry. With their polished looks, the latest fashion, and exclusive events, Hollywood style has been taken to glamorous heights. Here are some of the current trends of the stars:
- Red Carpet Ready: A-list celebrities take the red carpet by storm with daring fashion choices and designer wear. From two-piece dresses to statement-making artworks, stars have been making bold fashion statements.
- Virtually Connected: Social media has become a key outlet for celebrities to showcase their fashion sense. With Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, stars are able to quickly show off new looks with ease.
- Good Shape: A healthy lifestyle is a must for celebrities. With gyms locations a plenty, stars are able to stay in shape with little chance of slacking off. Dieting, working out, and a balanced diet are all key elements in the star’s lifestyle.
- Accessories: In modern times, accessories have become the final touches to completing any look. Celebrities love to accessorize with designer handbags, sunglasses, statement jewels, and other trendy items.
The world of celebrity style is always changing, but there are certain key elements investors should be aware of. Hollywood stars continue to bring style inspiration and set trends that will remain on the red carpet for years to come.
From the glamorous 50s to the wild and bold 90s, the evolution of celebrity style through the decades has been captivating for many. As with fashion, society, and culture in general, its fascinating to step back and observe how celebrity style has changed over time. As we enter into the next chapter of celebrity style, only time will tell what the future holds.
