Fashion trends come and go, but have you ever stopped to think about how they start and spread in the first place? Whether looking through a centuries-old history of fashion or today’s digital-driven fashion designs, trends are part of the industry’s ever-changing landscape. Here is a closer look at how fashion trends start, spread and have such a powerful influence on what we wear.
What Drives Fashion Trends
No two people have the exact same tastes, and fashion trends are no different. From what we see on the red carpet to the latest runway looks, there are a few key drivers behind the trend engine.
Celebrities: Iconic celebrities often play a major role in the trend process. Whether you are checking out Paparazzi photos or following their every move on social media, stars have the ability to drive trends in different areas of fashion.
Retailers: What’s available at stores and what shoppers are seeing as they surf the racks will also heavily influence fashion trends. While not every trend is centered around catalog and store items, they are often the greatest influence behind what’s in and out of fashion.
Media: The online, television and print media have become one of the key drivers of what we see on the runway, in magazines and in stores. Social media influencers, celebrity news, style editors and fashion bloggers are helping to shape the way we think about fashion today, and create trends that often span all segments of fashion design.
Fashion Shows and Events: Anywhere there are fashion trends to be seen, you will find a runway show. Not only do these events shape trends, but they also reflect the style of a particular season, culture or group of people. From local events to large, international shows, fashion shows are often the hot spot for trends to start and spread.
Designers and Brands: From individual fashion designers to large clothing labels, there is no doubt that these powerhouses of style help to create and shape the trends that we wear today. Often it’s the big name brands that are making waves, but smaller, edgier designers are also part of the mix, helping to create looks that become widely adopted by trendsetters.
History of Fashion Trends
When it comes to understanding fashion trends, looking through the lens of history can be a great way to get the full picture. Here’s a look at how fashion trends have evolved over time.
1800s: During this period, European nations such as France and England were leading the fashion trend charge. Women typically wore boned corsets and full skirts while men wore high collars, waistcoats and trousers. Clothes were often decorated with intricate embroidery and adorned with lace, ribbons and exotic trims.
1900s: This was a time of fashion experimentation. As people became more interested in fashion, hemlines began to rise, jackets and dresses were made modern and fabrics like chiffon, charmeuse and satin were experimented with.
1920s: After the Great War, fashion exuded a sense of luxury and glamour. Women’s silhouettes became boyish and the flapper style was created. Men’s fashion experienced a shift as well, with lounge suits and sports coats becoming more popular.
1930s: Women’s fashion took center stage during this decade, with dresses featuring structured shoulders and full skirts falling below the knee. Men’s fashion was also affected, with short jackets, homburg hats and stiff collars replacing the suits worn by the previous generation.
1940s: As wartime restrictions on fabric came into play, hemlines were lower and waistlines higher. This look was famously known as the New Look, designed by couture designer Christian Dior. Men’s fashion was more militaristic, referred to as the Utility look, with narrow trousers and slimmer suits replacing the signature ensemble of the 1930s.
1950s: Post-war optimism was mirrored in the fashion trends of the era, which featured clean-cut silhouettes, pretty prints and colorful details. For women, skirts and dresses featured full skirts, sweetheart necklines and cinched waists. Men’s fashion was also reminiscent of the 40s, featuring narrow lapels, cuffed trousers and pleated shirts.
1960s: This decade saw the emergence of youth culture, with fashion becoming bolder, brighter and much more creative. Women’s fashion was revolutionized, with mini skirts and geometric prints becoming common place. Mod looks and the hippie movement also influenced fashion during this time.
1970s: This decade was the peak of the hippie movement, with iconic looks such as bell-bottoms, long leather coats and long, flowing garments. Street style also gained popularity, paving the way for punk and goth inspired fashion.
1980s: Glamour returned to the fashion scene in the 80s. Bright colors, frills, shoulder pads and power dressing were all in vogue. Men’s fashion also changed, featuring designs like slim trousers and sharp jackets.
1990s: Laid-back styles were popular during this period, with grunge and hip-hop influencing the way we dressed. Denim, flannel, cargo pants and band tees became wardrobe staples.
2000s: This decade saw the emergence of social media and a shift in the fashion landscape. Technology gave consumers access to new and exciting fashion trends. Off-the-shoulder tops, colored jeans and cozy athleisure apparel emerged as popular wardrobe pieces.
How Do Trends Spread?
Today, fashion trends are spreading at lightning speed and being accepted on a much larger scale, thanks to the power of digital media. As soon as one trend appears on the runway or on the street, it is quickly shared through social media platforms, giving fashion-savvy individuals and influencers the ability to shape and shape trends in their own unique way.
Social media continues to play a major role in the trend-making process. Users can easily share their favorite looks and trends directly with a large audience, driving those looks to the forefront of the fashion landscape. This phenomenon is making it easier than ever for fashion-minded consumers to influence the way we dress and to create more global acceptance of trends.
Celebrities are also a driving force behind trends. As soon as a look hits the news or is spotted on the red carpet, followers jump on it, and it can spread like wildfire.
Finally, online stores and websites are increasingly playing a part in spreading fashion trends around the globe. Sites such as Amazon, Zappos and other leading clothing retailers are helping to make these looks accessible to consumers from all parts of the world in a matter of seconds.
Fashion trends start in many different places, and can spread rapidly. With fashion-savvy celebrities and influencers, powerful media platforms and retailers playing a key role, it’s no wonder why trends become widely accepted so quickly. Each period of fashion history is distinctive, offering its own unique trends and ways of setting the trend cycle in motion. Ultimately, with the power of digital media, trends have the ability to reach audiences of all ages, genders and cultures in a way that has never been seen before.
