Adeline Laurente

Laurente 1

Adeline Laurente

Honors US History II Period 4/5

April 5, 2012 In Style for Decades Laurente 2

The fashion society has had a large impact on all Americans throughout the decades.

Throughout the twentieth century certain trends and designs tended to expand and have great variety. Demonstrations of women’s rights were portrayed by the revelation of women’s skin during the twenties. However, when a more conservative woman was what seemed appealing, women adapted to that role, and it reflected in their dress during the fifties. Throughout the seventies both men and women dressed in a liberated manner in order to reflect their patriotic and freed beliefs. As fashion continued to evolve during the decades of the 1900s, new trends were labeled as being hipster, prepster, retro, and many more. However, at the beginning of the twenty-first century many different designs began to repeat themselves. The American fashion sense became highly influenced by the trends of the past. Despite the abrupt halt of the progression of a variety of designs, the fashion society is still able to be successful. This is because the repetition of certain trends acts as a reminder of the different beliefs and values that existed in Americans in past decades. The different events, affairs, and beliefs that existed in

America during the twentieth century affect the culture of today and are reflected in fashion, which is a main reason why the repetition of various trends still exists.

Popular trends can easily be noticed in the dress and attire that Americans present themselves in. The culture of America always tends to go through a specific phase. Different styles and prints are prone to change after a certain period of time. During the twentieth century new styles began to appear as a new decade began. For example, the hipster appearance of the seventies changed to a more retro or preppy look during the eighties. American citizens are highly influenced to try keep up with popular trends. Therefore, as different phases come and pass, Americans are seen to change their appearance accordingly.

Although trends during the twentieth century seemed to fluctuate quite often, each of the Laurente 3 trends had great successes. The popularity of different designs greatly impacted the fashion society, and still does so today. The different phases Americans go through tend to go in a cycle and often get repeated over time. This can be noticed, especially in different styles and clothing that Americans choose to dress in. Similar to an occurrence during the beginning of the eighties,

Americans shifted from being hipster to a more prepster look. During the early twenty-first century Americans went through the phase of dressing in hipster clothing once again. However, it was seen that “the stereotype of a hipster is not something people aspire to anymore,” and instead the idea of “the rebirth of prep” hail over the fashion society (Coholan). The rebirth of a trend from the past reflects the idea that Americans are repeating a phase that already existed in previous decades.

Many different struggles and victories occurred in American culture throughout the twentieth century. People often reflected their morals, values, and attitudes in the way that they dressed. For example, for men the depiction of success was portrayed by the suit and tie look because “the Yuppie lifestyle took over the workforce” (Feinstein). This required a professional appearance to be carried out while at work. Many Americans exhibited that “their appearance was usually a reflection of their successes” in whatever business they were involved in

(Beshears). The idea of a professional look with use of a suit and a tie is still seen in the workforce today. Also, the ideal look began to reflect in women as more rights began to arise.

The creation of work suits and dresses allowed women throughout America to also be depicted as successful by the eyes of society. The fashion society influenced Americans, both in the past and today, to portray a presentable appearance while in the workforce in order to be deemed as successful.

Americans were forced to endure many difficult circumstances throughout the twentieth Laurente 4 century. Fashion allowed them to exhibit the emotions that were felt at the time, which could not always be expressed with words. During the 1900s Americans fought in many different wars, including World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. The citizens were split between supporting and being against the war. They often expressed how they felt towards the war in the way that they dressed. For example, those who supported the war were often seen in patriotic clothing with the incorporation of the American flag into the design. However, those who did not support the war often were found in hippie clothing, which had the intent to portray a look of peace and freedom. These different designs and trends are still seen in the fashion society today. The feelings of patriotism, liberation, and freedom still exist in society today; especially in regards to the different affairs the United States are involved in. The wars and struggles we are involved in today create the same attitudes and beliefs that Americans had in previous decades. The similar views of the twentieth century and the twenty-first century are reflected in the appearance Americans choose to dress themselves in.

America’s struggle with rights for all existed during the time of independence and still remains an issue today. However, the fight to gain rights was evident throughout the twentieth century. The early 1900s was an important time for women who desired rights. While protesting for equal rights, women were often seen in clothing that was similar to a man’s. This allowed them to express their desires and hopes without the need of too many words. However, as more rights were granted towards women, they gained a more liberated feel. After years of being forced to portray a conservative look because of the risk of being persecuted, women are finally able to express the beauty of their bodies. Throughout the 1920s there began to be an “epiphany of female flesh” as “the feeling of freedom takes over women and has effect on their clothing choices” (Alapack). These contrasting portrayals of women still exist in society today. The Laurente 5 exposure of skin is not so much an issue anymore, but neither is the conservative look. Both fashion choices acts as a reminder to women of their fight for rights. Women’s rights had an effect on trends that existed in women’s clothing, and is still affecting various designs that exist in the fashion society today.

The culture of America is highly influenced by its surroundings. This is a major reason why different trends gain popularity throughout the entire nation. Easily accessible media is a major cause of the spread of new appearances and designs. The time period of the mid 1900s to today has had the luxury of seeing advertisements for fashion everywhere. Television, movies, billboards, magazines, and many more means of advertizing allow fashion to spread to all

Americans. Appearances are prone to change based on different social identities, cultural behaviors, and socioeconomic classes. For example, as different rights were fought for, the entire nation was influenced. All citizens who advocated the various civil acts could relate to the emotions and feelings of their fellow Americans felt. They wanted to show their support by presenting themselves in clothing that reflected their views. The ideas for clothing designs were easily spread throughout America because of the media. The idea of American fashion being influenced by different views can be related to many other different aspects, including the desire for peace, love, and justice. However, because these different aspects are the same today as they were in the past, the way that Americans present themselves now can have similarities with the way they looked in previous decades.

There are distinct similarities between the fashions of the twentieth century and the fashions today. Whether it be the everlasting wear of jeans or the use of the popular floral print,

Americans tend to be repetitive with their clothing choices and appearance. “Fashion trends today have roots in past decades” because of the ideologies that always exist in American culture Laurente 6

(Madison). Many fashion designers are highly influenced by the designs of the past to help them create a trend that will be pleasing to the entire nation. However, previous trends will always be the basis of new designs if they continue to influence the clothing and accessories used by all citizens. Fashion trends prove to be timeless, as they are able to regain high popularity despite the passing of large periods of time. “Major fashion trends have remained in fashion society until today” because it is the culture of Americans to continue to possess the perpetual actions, beliefs, and values that have existed for all time. Laurente 7

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