Throughout history fashion has always been one of the most interesting indicators of the times we live in. The tumultuous and freeing sixties were known for tye dye, mini skirts, bold and bright colors, and hip hugging jeans. A return to more conservative times, the seventies saw more plaids, flannels, and darker more somber hues.
As Reagan economics rang in the eighties and Wall Street’s Gordon Gekko shouted “greed is good,” fashion went along for the ride. Television shows like Dynasty and Dallas showed off the decades giant shoulder pads, gold embellishments, and jewel tones. The nineties brought back the plaid and flannel of the seventies and took them to new lengths. Greed was out and grunge was in, and shows like My So-Called Life made it hip to be sloppy.
The 2000’s were a mixed bag, of Clinton democrats and Bush Republicans, of relaxed freedom and a conservative return to family values. Fashion saw a return to glamour, suits and dresses, but with a more relaxed flare.
And so, here we are at the beginning of a new decade. Reality television is dominating the airwaves, the economy is slowly making a recovery, and it will be interesting to see where fashion takes us next.
Stay tuned as The Hewitt Times Decodes the Decades.