Fashion is like a time machine that transports us to a new world of trends, from bell-bottoms to crop tops, shoulder pads to skinny jeans. If you ever want to feel truly cringy or nostalgic (depending on your perspective), just look at pictures of what people wore in past decades. From the groovy ’60s to the wild ’00s, here’s a humorous look at how both women and men dressed through the decades.
The 1960s: Where ‘Cool’ Met ‘Confused’
If you were a woman in the 1960s, your wardrobe probably looked like a cocktail of flower power and Mad Men. Picture this: A-line dresses, heeled shoes, and a lot of polyester (because why not?). Hair was big—like, really big—think bouffants and beehives, so much hairspray that it could withstand a tornado. Women either wore miniskirts (with a look that screamed “I’m ready to party!”) or full-length maxi dresses (for when they were feeling a bit more chill). And let’s not forget those pearls. If you weren’t wearing pearls, were you even living in the ’60s?
Men in the 1960s were sharp. I’m talking perfectly tailored suits, skinny ties, and fedora hats that said, “I have important business to attend to.” The look was very much “I’m a successful businessman, but I could also be a spy on the side.” The mustache was making its way back, and let’s just say, it wasn’t for the faint of heart. The men were either in dapper suits or, if they were feeling rebellious, rocking bell-bottom pants and funky shirts with wide collars. Yeah, there was a lot going on.
The 1970s: Bell-Bottoms, Disco Balls, and Bad Decisions
The 1970s was all about embracing your inner free spirit, especially with those massive bell-bottoms. If you didn’t have bell-bottoms, were you even trying? High-waisted pants were the norm, and anything that swayed in the wind was fair game, from flowy skirts to wide-brimmed hats. Women were either channeling their inner disco queen with sparkly jumpsuits or embracing the boho-chic vibe with peasant tops, fringe, and hippie beads. Seriously, fringe was everywhere—on jackets, skirts, and even shoes. The motto of the ’70s? “The more layers, the better.”
Ah, the men of the ’70s. Picture this: leisure suits, loud patterns, and hair that was just a little bit too long for comfort. If you were a man in the ’70s, you either looked like you were ready to dance your way through a disco ball under the flashing lights or you were the poster child for the I don’t care about fashion movement. Seriously, who decided that velvet jackets and polyester shirts were a good idea? Oh, and don’t forget those platform shoes—because nothing says “I’m confident” like being 6 feet tall without even trying.
The 1980s: Where Bigger Was Better (and More Ridiculous)
When it came to the 1980s, it was all about excess. Excessive hair? Absolutely. Shoulder pads? Of course. Women were rocking power suits that made them look like they were about to take over the world—one business meeting at a time. We’re talking shoulder pads that could double as a flotation device. Hair was big and full of hairspray (again, tornado-proof). If you didn’t have neon leg warmers over your tights, were you even trying? If you weren’t wearing a mullet or rocking some high-waisted jeans, were you even living? The ’80s were all about standing out and making a statement. And by “statement,” I mean “I love neon.”
Men in the ’80s were living their best lives in baggy clothes, pastel suits, and mullets that were somehow both business in the front and party in the back. You couldn’t go anywhere without seeing guys in windbreakers, track pants, and sneakers. If you were a cool guy in the ’80s, you wore a leather jacket and had a hairdo that could only be described as “the higher, the better.” And don’t forget the tight jeans. They were so tight, you had to have superhuman flexibility just to sit down. Seriously, the ’80s men’s fashion looked like they stepped out of a music video… and sometimes, they did.
The 1990s: Grunge, Goth, and Everything in Between
The ’90s were a wild ride for women’s fashion. One minute, women were wearing chunky platform shoes and babydoll dresses (because who wouldn’t want to look like they just stepped out of a TLC music video?), and the next minute, they were channeling their inner goth in black lipstick and chokers. The grunge look was huge—flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and boots that looked like they’d been through a war, all paired with extreme baggy pants. If you weren’t dressing like you were ready for a Seattle concert, were you even a 90s kid? Also, don’t even think about leaving the house without a pair of Doc Martens.
For men in the ’90s, it was a time of confusion—flannel shirts, baggy pants, and enough denim to clothe a small village. Seriously, the ’90s were the golden age of denim jackets, baggy jeans, and the occasional “Who cares what I look like?” vibe. Whether you were a skater or a grunge lover, your wardrobe was probably a mishmash of oversized flannels and old-school band t-shirts. Throw on a beanie, and you were ready to go. Also, can we talk about how men wore their pants so low that their boxers were often on full display? It was a confusing time for fashion.
The 2000s: Low-Rise Jeans and Cringe-Worthy Trends
The 2000s were a confusing time for fashion, to say the least. Everyone seemed obsessed with low-rise jeans (because why wouldn’t you want to show off your belly button?), and the “whale tail” (when your thong peeked out of your pants) was somehow a trend. If you weren’t wearing a graphic tee, were you even living? And the bling—oh boy, there was a lot of it. Everyone had a bedazzled cell phone, a sparkly handbag, and an unfortunate addiction to crystal-covered everything. You were either a fashionista or a hot mess, and honestly, it was hard to tell which was which.
Men’s fashion in the 2000s? It was the golden era of cargo shorts. You couldn’t go a day without seeing a guy rocking cargo shorts and a tank top, and the more pockets, the better. Oh, and let’s not forget the frosted tips. Why, you ask? No one really knows, but they were everywhere. Guys also loved to wear excessively baggy jeans (because comfort was a priority), and the whole “metrosexual” trend made them suddenly obsessed with skincare. And let’s not even talk about the trucker hats. The 2000s were a strange time, my friends.
The 2010s: Skinny Jeans, Hoodies, and a Dash of Comfort
In the 2010s, women embraced the world of athleisure. Yes, that’s right—yoga pants became acceptable for literally every occasion. If you weren’t sporting a hoodie or a pair of leggings, were you even trying? This was the decade of “effortless chic,” where everyone looked like they had just rolled out of bed, but in a fashionable way. Crop tops were big (but not too big, because who needs full coverage?), and so were skinny jeans. Oh, and let’s not forget the high ponytail—it was basically a requirement. The 2010s were all about comfort, style, and making it look like you were way too cool to care.
For men, the 2010s were all about minimalism and comfort. The skinny jean trend was in full swing (but don’t worry, we all secretly loved it). Men were pairing their skinny jeans with graphic tees, jackets, and sneakers. Honestly, they looked like they were heading to the gym, even if they weren’t. The trend of “athleisure” wasn’t just for women—it became a thing for men too. There was also a lot of beard appreciation in the 2010s, with some men growing facial hair so thick, you could hide a family of squirrels in it. The 2010s were all about looking good without trying too hard. And who didn’t want that?
The 2020s: A Fashion Roller Coaster with Comfort and Sustainability at the Wheel
The 2020s have brought us a mix of comfort and sustainability with a heavy focus on effortless chic. Athleisure is still going strong, but now it’s all about oversized, boxy fits and tech-savvy fabrics that stretch and breathe. Leggings are better than ever, and chunky sneakers are the statement piece everyone’s loving. Sustainability is at the forefront—eco-friendly materials and thrifted finds are the new norm, proving you can look stylish while being conscious of the planet. Crop tops? They’re still in, but now they’re paired with cropped blazers and cardigans for a more polished, yet casual vibe. Throw in some recycled accessories and oversized sunglasses, and you’ve got the 2020s look that’s both fashionable and conscious.
In the 2020s, men have fully embraced comfort and practicality without sacrificing style. Smart-casual is the go-to look, with oversized hoodies, jackets, and joggers taking center stage. Chunky sneakers, still a huge trend, are paired with sustainable brands that make you look good while doing good for the environment. Men are also showing more interest in skincare and grooming, keeping their beards neat and styled, and layering clothing for both function and fashion. Comfort is king, and thanks to the pandemic, we’ve all learned that looking great while feeling relaxed is possible, especially with the right pair of joggers and a well-fitted t-shirt.
Each decade has its own sense of style, and let’s be honest, some of those styles were questionable at best. But that’s the beauty of fashion—it’s always evolving, always changing, and always making us look back and laugh at what we used to wear. Who knows what future generations will laugh about when they look at our Instagram selfies in 20 years? But for now, we’ll just keep rocking our skinny jeans, crop tops, and beanies—until the next fashion revolution comes along.