Fashion is a part of who we are, whether we like it or not. Even a person who considers themselves ‘unfashionable’ is making a statement with what he is or isn’t wearing. And while modern fashion has become an expression of self, it also has a collective history.
Over the years, we can see that fashion trends have changed greatly from what they once were. Even a 20-year-old can remember when people were wearing something completely different from what they wear now, whether it’s a complete outfit like streetwear or an accessory such as a hat.
It’s also true that fashion is eventually recycled, with every trend returning sooner or later. The modern flared jeans and bellbottoms are the perfect example of throwbacks becoming modern.
We’ll also find that fashion is inspired by the major events in the era, so they reflect history. Every decade has its own style, and looking at how fashion has evolved through the decades is pretty interesting.
No matter your era, looking fashionable has always been in fashion! Fortunately, the latest BNPL companies like Atome make it easier to stay on top of trends without breaking the bank. We’ll discuss more of that later, but first, let’s take a quick look at how fashion has evolved through the decades.
The 1980s – The Age of MTV
There was a moment when technology brought about an entirely new age. From the first space shuttle taking off to the introduction of the IBM personal computer, it became prevalent in our daily lives.
It directly affected fashion, and most of it was because of MTV, which was once the center of pop culture and the music industry. If the previous decade belonged to bands like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, the 1980s was for pop.
Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince were among the artists that defined the era, and trends like shoulder pads, leather pants, jeans, and leather jackets, and the famed Member’s Only jackets had everyone in their grasp. Or course, there were also Zubaz pants worn by millions.
Bright neon colors and sportswear were everything, and miniskirts made a comeback. It was the start of mainstream pop artists having a large effect on fashion decisions after icons like Audrey Hepburn and rock artists made their mark in previous decades.
Designers like Versace and Coco Chanel also gained fame for their formal wear in the world of high fashion, and their influence is still present today. The fedora hat and beret hat also made a comeback.
The 1990s – Pop Culture at its Finest
Taking a note from the previous decade, the influence of pop artists continued, but there’s a reason we’ve dubbed the 90s as the era where pop culture was at its finest. The hip-hop and grunge influences made a comeback in fashion, with streetwear fashion becoming popular.
This was the era where the epitome of fashion was a flannel shirt, ripped jeans, and Doc Martins. Bands like Green Day and Nirvana contributed to rock fashion becoming mainstream, but people also opted for a very laid-back dressing style.
Oversized and baggy clothes were popular choices. But on the other hand, it was also the era of supermodels and attention to high fashion, with designers like Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, and Versace gaining traction. In the 90s, icons like Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, and Kate Moss dominated the runways.
For men, longer hair became prevalent because of rock music, but shorts also gained popularity with the heavy presence of the NBA and players like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal.
The 2000s– The Birth of Y2K and HipHop Fashion
Y2K may have made a comeback, but it’s worth looking at its height and how it became a defining era for the fashion industry. It was when socialite Paris Hilton was at her peak, pop princess Britney Spears was ruling the music charts and shows like American Idol gained millions of viewers.
The decade started with futuristic fashion to usher in the new century, but several other trends were prevalent. Skinny jeans were seen everywhere on the red carpets, and so were asymmetrical tops and maxi skirts.
The boho style was also popular for a time, and tracksuits also made a comeback. But the biggest impact came towards the end of the decade, with hip-hop fashion brands like Rocawear and Billionaire Boys Club becoming the go-to for streetwear outfits.
Fast fashion brands like H&M, Forever 21, and Zara were also consumed in hoards as the internet became more and more accessible, and with it, fashion. Hipster culture, grunge, and alternative scenes all influenced what people wore.
The 2010s – Redefining the Decades
The 2010s were all about bringing back trends and having something for everything. Individuality and inclusivity were slowly being stressed, and fashion became the epitome of expressing yourself.
The beginning of the decade saw jeggings become popular, and athleisure was an idea that people latched onto, and it became a comfort and a fashion statement wrapped together.
Formal outfits and dresses on the modest side also became popular because of the popularity of the British royal Kate Middleton, who often channeled Princess Diana. Towards the end of the decade, Meghan Markle was also dubbed a fashion icon in her own right.
But after that, baggy pants, bellbottoms, boyfriend t-shirts, and hoodies were also seen on social media.
Fast fashion is still popular, with Shein and Fashion Nova being just a small part of the several brands providing consumers with thousands of options daily. But high fashion is still in its heyday, with brands like Gucci, Chanel, Givenchy, Dior, and Versace still having a solid presence.
Sustainability is also a new focus for the fashion industry, with new designers trying to usher in a new era for the fashion industry as we enter the 2020s. Overall, it’s a time when everything works, even the types of hats; though bucket hats made a big comeback, leather shoes are still in style for formal wear.
Lady N. – Make a Statement with Your Style
Lady N is exactly what you need if you want a brand that helps you make a statement. The brand makes fashion sense by providing clothes that make it easy for anyone to be a fashionista.
If you’re often unsure how to mix and match clothes, Lady N has a range of trendy but accessible options that can be paired with many other pieces. This helps you get started on creating great outfits without getting confused.
Lady N has a wide selection of clothes, with four main collections: Block Party, Elegance, Saorie, and Imprimee. It covers everything, from simple and bright statement pieces to elegant dresses.
The brand also has accessories, including stylish acrylic clutches and bags that go with any outfit, whether casual or formal. You can also choose a printed scarf to complement your look. Whatever the occasion, Lady N will easily become your go-to shop.
Lady N is Atome’s partner merchant
Lady N is exactly what you need if you want a brand that helps you make a statement. The brand makes fashion sense by providing clothes that make it easy for anyone to be a fashionista.
If you’re often unsure how to mix and match clothes, Lady N has a range of trendy but accessible options that can be paired with many other pieces. This helps you get started on creating great outfits without getting confused.
Lady N has a wide selection of clothes, with four main collections: Block Party, Elegance, Saorie, and Imprimee. It covers everything, from simple and bright statement pieces to elegant dresses.
The brand also has accessories, including stylish acrylic clutches and bags that go with any outfit, whether casual or formal. You can also choose a printed scarf to complement your look. Whatever the occasion, Lady N will easily become your go-to shop.
Lady N is Atome’s partner merchant
Lady N is the ultimate go-to brand if you’re looking for trending outfits, but we have great news if you’re on a budget!
The brand has partnered with Atome to bring its customers flexible payment options. It means you can shop for your favorite products but only pay one part of your bill immediately; the rest can be paid over subsequent months.
Are you curious to learn more about how Atome’s service works? Stay with us to get all the juicy details.
What is Atome?
Headquartered in Singapore with over 15,000 partnered brands, Atome offers its users the choice and convenience of flexible payment options for a variety of products and services. The app allows shoppers to split their purchases across flexible interest-free monthly payments by scanning a partner brand’s in-store QR code or upon website checkout. By splitting their payments, Atome users will be able to better manage their budgets while making quality products and services more reachable.
Download Atome’s app (Get the app) and create an account to get started. As soon as it’s verified, you can shop at any partner store using Atome’s monthly payment plans. It’s as simple as that!
So, get the app today and explore all the brands waiting for you on the payment platform. You never know what surprise you will get on your first order.
How to pay with Atome
- Scan the QR code from Atome’s app for in-store purchases.
- For online shopping, select Atome as your payment method at checkout.
- Enter your account details. If you still need to set up an account, you will be prompted to create one before proceeding.
- Pay the first part of your bill and defer the remaining amount.
