The History of Fashion: Most Important Style Moments of the 20th Century (PART 3)

1980s: Oversized Sunglasses

Often credited to Jackie Kennedy in the '60s as a way to hide from the paparazzi, big framed sunglasses became incredibly popular in the '80s with the motto of "bigger is better." Designs in the '80s were over the top, which meant everything was bigger--hair, shoulder pads, and even glasses. Popular styles included the ever-so-famous tortoise shell, heart shaped sunnies, and the aviators.

1990s: Floral Dresses

As the over-the-top style of the '80s faded, the '90s welcomed a much more laid-back look. This was the first time in history that people were going to work in something other than a suit--people were more interested in comfort. People began boycotting brands and there was a decline in upscale clothing. Instead, women wore unfitted floral dresses and paired them with big hair, jean jackets, Keds, and ankle socks.

1990s: Plaid

We were surprised to find that plaid dates all the way back to the 1500s and had revivals almost every decade since! In the '90s, Cher Horowitz from the movie Clueless took the counterculture staple and turned it mainstream. With her bright yellow plaid jacket and her matching yellow plaid skirt, the world was convinced to follow suit.

1990s: Chuck Taylors

While the shoe was originally made for basketball players, the '90s saw a huge revival of these Chuck Taylors on the streets. These shoes became synonymous with counterculture and were worn by lovers of grunge, punk rockers, and rockers. Today, these sneakers are one of the most popular out there.

1990s: Platform Shoes

According to Refinery 29, the platform shoe hasn’t always been about fashion. They were used to help royals walk through mud in the medieval times, boosted the height of Greek thespians on stage, and were actually outlawed by parliament in the 1670s! After many ins and outs in the fashion world, they made a huge comeback in the '90s as a go-to accessory for the popular British pop group, the Spice Girls. As soon as department stores saw the demand, they mass produced the item and had them on every girl that was willing to jeopardize her walk for fashion.

2000s: Velour Track Suits

Thanks to Juicy Couture, celebrities (including Kim Kardashian!) in the early millenium were found wearing velour tracksuits in every colour. Trying to emulate Hollywood, people all over the world followed suit and dozens of replicas came onto the market. Unfortunately, some celebrities are still wearing these track suits today! Will this trend ever die?

2000s: UGG Boots

When a fashion magazine featured Cameron Diaz wearing a fuzzy pair of boots while running errands, the entire world was up in arms--everyone needed to have them! These boots, named UGGs, are an Australian brand that rose in popularity in the early 2000s and was even featured on Oprah's list of favourite things.

2000s: Underwear as Outerwear

Thanks to Britney Spears and her song "Slave 4 U," adults, teens, and tweens alike jumped on the underwear as outerwear bandwagon, wearing everything from bras, underwear and bustiers as clothing. Thankfully, this so-called trend was very short-lived.

2000s: Statement Jewellery

In the early 2000s, celebrities started bringing the bling. From earrings to necklaces to rings, everything bigger really was better. We've since settled down a little (no more collarbone-length chandelier earrings!), but you'll still see some majorly glam accessories on most of Hollywood's leading ladies.

Today

The saying "history always repeats itself" has never been more true when it comes to fashion. Bell bottoms, big hats, oversized sunglasses, flapper headbands and pearls are all back--and more gorgeous than ever.