Folks! This series is inevitably coming to an end, which is crazy. I think there’ll be about two more posts that relates to this subject, but this is the last one in the context of history. Other than that, we’ve finally reached present time. And oh my is it hard to summarize this properly. But, here we go: Fashion History: 2010-2017
Courtsey of Gucci
The Society during 2010-2017
The most central thing about society today is the digital era. Even though internet and social media existed before our current decade, it has exploded in the past years. The social media platforms are no longer in the early development stages, but the very peak of it. Companies, private persons and other organisations are not only existing irl anymore, but have a digital life too through several communication channels on social media. Books, paper magazines and dvds are no longer the go-to choice for news and entertainment; but e-books, online newspapers and streaming services as Netflix and HBO.
We’ve digitalized the way we live our lives and the line between privacy and public(ity) is blurring. We document our lives like never before and likes/followers are the new way of being “socially approved”. The documentation, demonstration and interaction with people’s life pushes boundaries even further and social media is full of different followings. Like the hashtag #girlboss for all the female and pink entrepreneurs. Or #fitlife that underlines that fit is the new healthy. I swear people have never consumed more avocados, smoothie bowls or salads than ever before (and also shared it).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTEurWkAetI/?taken-by=girlboss
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Youtube are all insanely popular and something billions of people interacts with every single day. Facebook felt more relevant in the early years, a position Instagram soon overtook. Youtube is the growing platform at the moment with every other fashion blogger going for the video format. Youtube celebrities such as Zoella, Tanya Burr, PewDiePie, Jenna Marbles and so many more, are influencing people (mainly teenagers and young adults) globally with their views of life, beauty hauls, challenges and all things clickbait.
Bloggers are perhaps not as big as they used to be, or at least their blogs aren’t. These days it’s easier to put up with an Instagram feed rather than blog posts. There’s a great understanding in that too from an audience’s perspective, as it’s more convenient to have all in one place rather than to find bloggers on different url:s (how annoying to have to put that effort in, eh right?). Since fashion bloggers/beauty bloggers were mansplained to not be considered serious jobs (even though they’re making the big bucks) people started to use the title “influencer” as a way to re-brand and re-define what it means to talk about what you like and a few thousands might listen. The information overflow is making it harder for anything to break through, which makes “go viral” the new “overnight success”.
The style of 2010-2017
Oh gosh, I have no idea how to summarize this properly as every other style seem to be trending these days. I do realize that fashion hit a new (low) point when the 90s came back and the early 2000s is slowly making its return as well. And this is where it gets interesting. I’ve had countless of discussions with you on this topic: is today’s fashion new? No it isn’t but yes it is. We’ve worn the styles before, but we’ve never styled them this way before. We’ve worn the clothes before, but we’ve never channeled them this way before.
To give some examples: Yes, people wore the off shoulder style in the 19th century with the statement sleeves. But not as blouses but heavily embellished gowns. Yes, people wore midi skirts in the 40s, but not in contemporary styles as silver metallic but practical colors as brown and green. Yes, people wore leather jackets in the 50s. But not in popping colors and embroidery but classic black and perhaps white.
And that’s how it goes, we take elements from the past and mix them with current trends to create something new. It’s a fashion world of eclecticism. Some elements from different decades are mixed to create something new, which in itself creates an illusion of a fashion that is going backwards, when it’s indeed is moving forward. The 50s could only focus on the fashion that existed before but couldn’t mix it with the 70s fashion as we do it today (a leather jacket with a paisley blouse, hellooo). Even though the fashion today feels like a space of acceptance of different styles (it partly is), there are some styles that are more distinct and defining than others. I’ve roughly sectioned it to these, where the Instablogger is where the mainstream fashion is centered. Jeans, sneakers, a blouse, a leather jacket and a statement bag? Yeah, pretty much so. Here’s three styles/people that are defining the contemporary fashion:
Instablogger
The best part about the general Instablogger is their aim to strive for individuality and attempt to create something new with the current trends. But the world of Instagram is fast paced and within a few weeks every other blogger is trying the trend. The core in an Instablogger’s wardrobe are fashion essentials, but often with a safety-zone twist. You have the mandatory, classic, jeans, but often distressed or subtle embellishment. You also have the classic blouse or shirt, but often with ruffles, some embroidery or another twist.
The leather jacket, or bomber jacket, is a must to any outfit and works as the ultimate go-to piece. As of late years, often with embroidery or patches to keep it interesting. Sneakers as in Adidas or Nike are also common and fishnet tights or socks to contrast the sporty style. A statement bag is a must whether you can afford the luxury labels or not. Céline, Gucci and Chanel are without a doubt leading that game. The overall outfit is rather colorless, only embracing some dove shades as navy blue, forest green or blush. Red, yellow and pink are however popular for accessories as bag, shoes or sunnies.
For the summer year, other important wardrobe staples includes the romper, the maxi dress and the midi skirt. Preferably in a fun print, with a bohemian touch, and likely to be more colorful than the winter fashion. The sleeves, as in statement sleeves with ruffles, are the latest and every other clothing piece is working the style. Except having endless of photos of similar outfits, photos of food, coffee, quotes, flatlays or flowers are insanely popular. The overall feeling is quite fresh, clean, neat and soft with a bit of an edge.
Kardashians
I rarely talk about the Kardashians (and co) in terms of fashion as I have nothing to say nor add to the discussion. But they have indeed inspired a whole generation of people with their minimalistic, glam, street style vibe and 90s feeling. This is the other part of Instagram with perfect makeup, pale colored clothes, overlined lips, long lashes and 50 shades of matte lipsticks. The style is really simple yet glam with a lot of tight pants and matching tops. Often monochromatic looks with khaki green, beige, blush and white being popular choices. The bomber jacket, baseball cap and sneakers are a must. Satin is a popular fabric and so is (faux?) fur. Chokers are also an important feature!
The style is often sans embellishment and print, with focus rather being on the body’s silhouette. It has the feature of regular street style with hoodies, sporty outfits and comfort in center but it goes more glam with the monochrome, the blush and the elegant makeup and hair. It’s also within this style that the 90s have made comeback and so goes for the early 2000s.
Street Style Pro
The Street Style Pro look is close to the ones of the instabloggers, but turned up a notch of two. The outfits are even more artsy, more designer and more unique in that sense. We have Olivia Palermo, Aimee Song, Chriselle Lim, Mira Duma and Chiara Ferragni to mention a few. They have their own style that is easy to identify without seeing who’s wearing the clothes. As stated, this style is similar to the ones of the fashion blogger but the fashionistas take the outfits a level higher. The details are more of a statement, the clothes often have a fun twist and the styling is perfected. For instance, if denim is popular, Ferragni would most likely wear patched denim with a matching jacket and some crazy bag. If the midi skirt is trending, Palermo would probably wear it with a designer jacket in a fun cut.
And same goes for the rest of these girls, they take current trends and they take it a step bolder. Often expensive designer wear and pieces that are more of fashion than everyday style. They are often working more closely with the fashion industry and do designer collabs with the big brands. Their style feels a bit “more is more” too, perhaps not the ones I mentioned, but the less known street style pros. Think Gucci or Louis Vuitton, and you have the specific “more is more” style. They are somewhat the top of the hierarchy which makes sense as only a few can afford to keep up with their (life)style.
Spotlight of 2010-2017: Eclecticism
I roughly pointed out three styles of our time, but the best thing about the time we live in now is the embracement of eclecticism. Even though you might wear more vintage clothes, or you wear full on 90s, you are more accepted with your style today than ever before. In the earlier decades of the fashion history it was crucial for the societal status to wear fashion within the frames of the current style. If you lived in the 50s, you mainly looked like you lived in the 50s. You wore the whole “uniform” and didn’t mix elements. You wore the skirt, the short sleeved shirt and matching cardigan, you didn’t think of going for sequins from the 20s. Although it’s easy to define someone’s outfit as accurate of today, so many could almost be put in other decades and fit in perfectly. And that’s okey.
Also the fact that designers are borrowing styles from previous decades, makes it more accepted to dress more eclectic. To take some influences of the boho style and add some edge by the leather jacket. Or take the distressed denim and go for a lace crop top. Fashion of today is about contrasting different elements from different styles and create something new from it. And that’s where the fashion fun is, if you ask me. Take the best (or worst) of the best and find your own style within that mix of styles.
As you may have noticed too, I don’t bring up designers here as I’ve done in previous decades (or in the 2000-2010). Why? Because designers don’t have that unique influence anymore. There are way too many designers, opinions and perspectives of fashion for one designer to influence a whole generation like Dior did in the 50s or YSL in the 60s. But some designers are ofc more influential and some from the 2010s have been: Balmain, Gucci, Isabel Marant and Chloé.
Transition to 2020s
You know when you were a kid and you thought that the future fashion would be a true embracement of space age fashion? Like all white, all silver metallic, all minimalism, all motionless materials? Well, we ain’t going that way, yet. I think we’ll keep the eclecticism for a while and keep on trying to find different styles within styles. But honestly though, I wouldn’t be surprised if we in a few years time would see the comeback of more homogenous styles where one style is more distinct. I mean, creating contrasts in an outfit is the main styling rule there is today. That won’t be so for another 10 years, something ought to change and it might go back to more distinct styles with distinct differences. A future where it will be easier to see which style belongs to which decade.
But then again, how boring wouldn’t it be to begin to limit ourselves from choices? I hope the (somewhat) democracy within fashion will remain, but above anything, individuality will take more place. More space for the creative mind and less space for looking like everyone else, with or without the peer pressure.
Folks! That was a wrap on the fashion history: 2010-2017! Incredibly hard to try and grasp our generation, but a summary is better than nothing. Next week will be about…the future! Yes, a post about 2017-future! Who knows what it’ll be about, but see you in the future (lol) on that one! Xx
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRbSZgzBWG-/?taken-by=chloe
Love this article on Fashion History! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Thank you Cielo! Xx
It’s crazy how things change over time and how much social media changed things! I’m excited for what 2020 will bring!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Hahah yup, it’ll be a crazy one! Xx
Your right about decades from 80s and 90s coming back and putting a brand new spin on things. I sometimes wonder if they will ever come up with newer ideas, but sometimes they save it by putting a modern take on the decade. 🙂 I loved this post so much. I honestly feel like Instagram and such have really made us aware of different styles and trends and Gucci is another brand to really make their mark on this subject. I really liked this post a lot and it made me smile since I am a fan of Gucci and other Italian brands 🙂 http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2017/04/dear-couture-mothers-day-advice.html
It’s crazy how big of a platform Instagram is and the fashion community that is there. So many trends, influencers and bloggers that are creating something new! Thank you love, Xx
I can’t believe we have finally reached this era! It was a fun one to read because we really see how bloggers or “influencers” now have an impact in what is worn and what trends may start. It makes me excited for 2020-2030 and what’s to come. I love that we take old styles and trends and turn them into something we’ve never done with them in the past. Terrific post babe! It was such a fun read!
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Thank you Rina love! Happy you loved the post. And it’s the best thing with fashion today: that we take old and new and create something (better?). Love it! Xx
I can’t believe we’ve come to the end! It’s been such a great series and I’ve learned so much and we’ve had some really great and interesting discussions now have we? I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of the current times and how fashion has taken more of a minimalistic approach in terms of social media, mostly inspired by the Kardashians. You know, I feel myself gravitating more towards neutrals ever since becoming pregnant. I’ve noticed that I’ve been reaching for them a lot more and pairing them with pops of color and print rather than my typical bold combinations, which is so weird for me. I was initially scared of this feeling because I didn’t want to feel as though (or have it look as though) I was following the fashion norm and the influence of reality tv stars. Which is why I’ve fought back the urge of wearing a duster and dress duo, but perhaps I’ll just go for it because I love it and why the hell not, right? I do agree, now more than ever, we’re more accepting of individuality when it comes to style on social media and in everyday life than any other time, though I notice that most appreciate what’s familiar, as I don’t notice those who have such notable and unique styles getting as much recognition and have as much of a following as those that embrace minimalism and the Kardashian-esque look. Is it just me? Maybe. Anyway, this was such a fun series to read and a clever one at that. I look forward to the remaining few that you have in relation to this topic! Thanks so much for sharing, gorgeous, and I hope you’re having a great week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
We have indeed, it’s been a pleasure reading all your comments Jalisa, I’m so happy that you’ve find the post helpful! Hahah well I can’t wait to see where your new style preferences will take you, or if it’s a pregnancy thing. But I have no doubt that you’ll find twists and fun perspectives on the Kardashian style. Thank you again for the love gorgeous! Xx
I love that new Girl Boss show
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Haven’t watched it yet!! Xx
It’s so crazy how far fashion has come (and what trends resurface!). I really can’t wait to see where 2020+ will take us!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Neither can I, so much fun to speculate! Xx
This was such an interesting series to read! Fashion has changed so much even how we access it!
It has indeed, thank you love the support! Xx
The fact that 2020s is mentioned – insanity! I feel like it was 2000 just yesterday. This is my favorite segment of this series because it’s so close to home! It’s incredible to think about all the changes just since 2010
xx http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog
Hahah right? People seemed to be a bit freaked out by it?!! It’s crazy, but fun too! Xx
This post is quite informative ya! Fashion is something which keeps on changing real fast and the craziest part is, you never know which trend is going to last long! It keeps on surprising us 🙂 Loved reading this series.
https://goo.gl/KHgcaz
It does indeed, which is crazy and yet entertaining! Thank you babe! Xx
This is truly my favorite entry into this series. Maybe because I can relate to it the most? Anyway…loves it! And I am so sorry to see this series end – I feel like I’ve gained so much fashion knowledge from it!
xx
P.S. e.l.f. is boss when it comes to brushes – they last forever, wash well, and are so insanely affordable!
Hahah probably! So happy you enjoyed it though babe, that means a lot! Xx
Impeccable summary. I completely agree that the future of fashion will continue to embrace individuality, and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here.
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Aww, thank you Blaire! Yes, the fashion of the future will def be something! Xx