American fashion has constantly been in a state of change and growth. Celebrities are often the trailblazers of new fashion, and they play a massive role in making new trends accepted far and wide. Here is how American fashion has evolved over the years, as shaped by Hollywood celebrities, artists, and models.
The 1920s saw immense popularity in the flapper style, which was especially hot among the younger crowd. Gilda Gray was one of the most well-known flappers of the era.
Jakayla Toney/Unsplash | Dietrich first made androgynous popular in the 1930s.
During the late 1920s, fashion got an edge and became more daring, and short skirts along with looser silhouettes, became common. Josephine Baker was one of the first celebrities to adopt the trend.
The 1930s were a decadent time, with opulent accessories, fur scarves, and bling jewelry that could be seen on most celebrities, like the well-loved Jean Harlow.
But the stock market crash of 1929 meant that not everyone could afford to play dress up with such opulence. Slowly and gradually, the high-brow fashion gave way to more utilitarian styles, and Marlene Dietrich was amongst the first ones to introduce practical suit styles.
Dietrich popularized androgynous fashion with tailored suits and boy caps. She modernized fashion for decades to come. Along with the trend of pantsuits, some trends remained the same, with long loose silhouettes, as visible in fashionable silk gowns worn largely in the 1940s. Suit jackets and short haircuts also stayed in vogue both in the 1930s and 1940s.
Pure Julia/Unsplash | Marilyn Monroe emerged as the true American beauty icon in the 50s.
In the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe emerged as an American fashion icon. In 1954, the actress wore dramatic makeup and a bold dress during a photo shoot.
The 1950s saw the rise of Marilyn Monroe emerge as a fashion icon. Her dramatic makeup, bold dresses, the signature red lips made up for the austerity the fashion world faced after the Great Depression.
Elizabeth Taylor also became an icon of the evolved Hollywood, symbolized by glamor, fit-flare gowns, and statement jewelry.
The early 1950s also saw bikinis coming into mainstream fashion. During the 1960s, Flared pants made a comeback, as popularized by Cher Bono and Sonny.
The 70s saw fashion norms being challenged by Andy Warhol, as they paved the way for eclectic prints and quirky designs.
Museum’s Victoria/Unsplash | Swimsuits and bikinis entered into mainstream fashion in the 1950s too.
Minimalistic fashion became the new trend in the 1980s. Men's fashion also saw a revolution as Michael Jackson made some bold choices in award ceremonies and videos.
Britney Spears was one of the most popular stars to shape fashion choices in the 90s. The turn of the century saw a comeback of quirky fashion, taken to the next level by stars like Gwen Stefani and Britney Spears.
