Fashion Design Trends

Fashion Trends from the 70's to Today

By Jordan Fiut

1970s fashion was full of bell-bottom pants, jumpsuits, bold prints, denim, wide collars and platform shoes. The ‘70s are well known for big and bold fashion choices. It was the decade of style icons and disco. The ‘70s were considered the period of “hippies,” filled with peace signs and bright colors. This decade was dynamic with bold choices by both men and women.


The ‘70s were a peaceful and earthy-toned time. It was popular to wear earthy colors, but bright colors were also in style. Also, any warm tone or metallic was popular along with patterns which emerged as a new trend. Overall, this was a time for bold and exciting fashion, especially unisex fashion. Men were wearing suits made of leather and women started experimenting with wearing suits. Denim became extremely gender neutral and women started wearing pants in everyday fashion.

1970's

Style icons at the time consisted of David Bowie, Cher and Farrah Fawcett. They were all known for starting popular trends and kicking fashion up a notch. Cher was an icon in sequins and always had bell-bottoms on, whereas David Bowie was an accessorizer. Bowie had a hippie style with fringe, whereas Cher was usually in black sequins and platform shoes. Then there were iconic designers like Diane von Fürstenberg who revolutionized women’s fashion with the introduction of the wrap dress. This was the era when women were learning that it was normal to dress for themselves and go for a flattering, yet comfy style.

1970's cont.

Multiple Choice

What colors were NOT popular in 70's fashion?

• Earthy tones

• Warm, bold tones

• Metallic Tones

• Cool, dull tones

From motorcycle jackets to mini skirts to mullets, the 1980s were full of fashion trends that have become iconic today. Whether you believe ‘80s fashion was bohemian or raunchy, the decade gave birth to many influential designers, enthusiasts and trends.

1980's

The 1980s saw the rise of rebellious and edgy fashion, influenced by punk and rock subcultures. Motorcycle jackets, often made of leather, were a key component of this style. Many motorcycle jackets featured studs, zippers and other metallic embellishments. Whether it was leg warmers, lace dresses, or leather blazers, the ‘80s were full of self-expression, extravagance and a mix of influences from various subcultures.

1980's cont.

In the year 1980, the leather dress and cowboy boots trend came to rise. In the ‘80s, cowboy boots continued to be a popular fashion item worn by both men and women. Cowboy boots in the 1980s were not only associated with Western wear, but were also fashionable in urban and suburban settings. They were often paired with jeans or skirts, contributing to a Western-inspired yet contemporary look.

In 1982 the country club aesthetic was popular and in ‘83 it was all about pattern clashing. A big trend known as “pattern clashing” or “mixing patterns” was a style characterized by the bold and diverse combination of different patterns and prints in a single outfit. In the mid-’80s, you would find high-waisted denim, bustier tops, chunky pearls and feathers. Fashion during this time embraced large and attention-grabbing accessories.

Multiple Choice

Which fashion trend from the 1980s is characterized by combining different patterns in a single outfit?

• Bohemian style

• Country club aesthetic

• Pattern clashing

• Grunge

The 1990s were a turning point in what became known as the “modern age” of many things. It was the explosion of the internet, mass media and easily accessible information. It was also the beginning of a new era of fashion, a cumulation of the voluminous, bright colors of the 80s — and then split off into different fashion subcultures, each defined by their unique looks and styles.The traits of ‘90s fashion went with their respective subcultures.


‘Grunge’ was a prime example of this, a staple of the minimalist movement. Its flannel shirts, combat boots and disheveled hair became the defining style for a generation mystified with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The subculture of grunge was shaped by an anti-establishment attitude that then translated into the fashion industry itself.

1990's

Classy, chic and sharp: that was what ‘90s high fashion was all about. The era of power suits and shoulder pads gave way to slip dresses, crop tops and sleek skirts.

The preppy look, characterized by polo shirts, pleated skirts and loafers, made a resurgence from back in the 1900s. It was a refined aesthetic, with simple patterns that captured the hearts of many.

1990's cont.

Multiple Choice

Which was NOT one of the style trend of the 90's?

• Grunge

• Classy, chic, & sharp

• Hippie

• Preppy

Overall, the 2000s was a decade full of new, fresh fashion trends that set the stage for the new century. We can see that some of these trending articles of clothing are coming back today such as low-rise jeans, belly chains and corset tops. The 2000s was a time of intense change from the previous decade, and we continue looking back to these old fashion trends to set the stage for new trends.

The idea of “going-out tops” paired with jeans was popular during this decade. Women often wore tube tops, halter tops, vests and baby tees. On these tops, patterns such as zebra and cheetah prints were common, and rhinestone designs were popular as well. Logo-centric and graphic clothing was fashionable in this decade. People wore graphic tees with their favorite cartoons or common slogans.

2000's

2000's cont.

One of the most popular trends during the 2000s was wearing dresses over pants. Celebrities on red carpets were seen wearing either maxi or mini dresses over their blue, denim pants. In this day and age, wearing a dress on top of jeans would be unheard of, but in the 2000s, this style was all the rage. 

To enhance the outfits of this period, people wore skinny scarves, oversized aviator sunglasses, bandanas, belly chains and baguette bags. For shoes, people opted to wear pointy, knee-high boots that were trending or strappy sandals. 

Multiple Choice

What did some celebrities wear over jeans for events?

• A dress

• A coat

• Shorts

• Knee high socks

The athleisure and sportswear saga of this time shows just how casual this period was. Lululemon and Athleta taking off was a major reason why athleisure got so popular. The basic everyday outfit became leggings, sneakers and a workout top. Whereas for men, it became sweatpants, hoodies and gym attire. Men also became very into streetwear and sneaker culture.

2010's

The 2010s were a very neutral and boho-chic time. It included interesting makeup and hair habits that all surrounded the fashion trends. As this decade wasn’t too long ago, many can probably remember the epidemic of off-the-shoulder shirts and lace-up tops. These were a huge craze, especially from the mid to end 2010s.

2010's cont.

This decade was one where men found fashion independence. Not only from the athleisure, streetwear and sneaker culture, but even in their slim-fit and tailored clothes. They began taking their outfit choices more seriously and gained fashion knowledge.

The rise of minimalism also included a rise in neutral color palettes. Also, sustainability became a priority for most people. Brands became very sustainable and ethical to look good to their customers. The 2010 decade began a rise in advocating about environmental and social issues, so brands and models tried to match people’s concerns. Overall, the decade’s fashion trends reflected a blend of nostalgia, comfort and a globalized fashion landscape influenced by digital media and social connectivity.

Multiple Select

(PICK 2) What two ways did men's fashion grow in the 2010's?

• Streetwear & sneaker culture

• New patterns & materials

• Slim-fit & tailored clothes

• Hair styles & makeup

Fashion trends are constantly evolving, and trends in the 2020s are seeing throwbacks to past decades as well as fresh ideas. The 2020s have seen a revival of retro fashion trends, and crochet and collars from the ‘60s and ‘70s have come back in style.

Baggy jeans made a strong comeback in the fashion scene during the early 2020s. The trend was part of the revival of 1990s and early 2000s fashion. The fashion industry has shifted towards more gender-inclusive and gender-neutral styles during the 2020s. Baggy jeans, with their loose fit, have become a popular choice for individuals of all genders.

2020's

2020's cont.

Layering multiple pieces of chunky jewelry, such as stacking bracelets or layering necklaces of different lengths, is a popular styling technique today. Chunky jewelry is versatile and can be incorporated into various fashion styles, from casual and bohemian to more polished and formal looks. This adaptability contributes to its widespread appeal.

Loungewear sets are a significant and enduring trend, largely influenced by lifestyle changes, remote work and a greater emphasis on comfort. Coordinated loungewear sets, featuring matching tops and bottoms, have gained popularity. These sets often come in a variety of styles including sweatshirts paired with joggers, or hoodies with matching leggings.

Multiple Choice

Which fashion trend continued from the 2010's into the 2020's?

• Athleisure

• Grunge

• Bohemian

• Country Club

Time to Practice!

Now you are going to try drawing a clothing model. First you will draw a figure in proportion, then choose one of the fashions in the next slide and try drawing it on your figure. If you need some help with drawing fabric, check out the final 2 slides. When you are done, turn it in to Check In 3.

There are 6 types of folds with fabric - try using any of these in your work! The next video is optional, but will help you with drawing clothing.

How do you draw fabric???