What High Schoolers Wore Each Decade Of The 20th Century

Summary

This video takes a stylish journey through 20th-century teen fashion, showcasing how trends evolved from decade to decade. From the grunge-inspired JNCO jeans and plaid flannels of the '90s to the bold shoulder pads and colorful outfits of the '80s, each era had its unique vibe. The '70s brought tie-dye and bell bottoms, while the '60s saw the rise of mod fashion with miniskirts and tailored suits. From the wholesome poodle skirts of the '50s to the flapper dresses of the '20s, teen fashion was always a reflection of the cultural movements shaping each generation. Tune in to discover how teenage style has constantly reinvented itself!

Takeaways

• 😀 The evolution of teenage fashion is marked by constant change, with styles evolving drastically each decade, from Edwardian dresses to JNCO jeans.
• 😀 JNCO jeans were a 90s fashion trend popularized by hip-hop, skate punk, and rave subcultures, known for their oversized pant legs.
• 😀 90s teen girls embraced chunky shoes, baby-doll dresses, spaghetti-strap tank tops, and maxi skirts, while also adopting a grungy style with baggy clothes.
• 😀 The 80s were characterized by bold colors and exaggerated silhouettes, including brightly colored Zubaz pants, Madonna-inspired outfits, and shoulder pads.
• 😀 Teenagers in the 70s loved denim, tie-dye designs, bell bottoms, and earthy color palettes, while midriffs and flowy kaftans became popular fashion choices.
• 😀 60s teens followed the mod style with tight-fitting suits, polo shirts, and Chelsea boots, while young women wore miniskirts, influenced by designer Mary Quant.
• 😀 In the 1950s, teen fashion was wholesome, with girls wearing poodle skirts and pastel-colored outfits, while boys donned preppy looks or greaser styles with leather jackets.
• 😀 The 1940s saw a more androgynous fashion, as teenage girls adopted styles inspired by Rosie the Riveter and wore pleated skirts and tailored jackets.
• 😀 The 1930s were marked by affordable fashion despite the Great Depression, with teens wearing practical and sometimes creatively made outfits like feed-sack dresses.
• 😀 Teen fashion in the 1920s embraced the flapper look, with drop-waist dresses, fringe, and headbands for girls, and dapper mini-suits for boys, reflecting the era's jazz and Prohibition culture.

Q & A

What fashion trend defined teenagers in the 1990s?

In the 1990s, teens were defined by JNCO jeans, which were oversized and baggy, popularized by hip-hop, skate punk, and rave subcultures. Grunge fashion, inspired by Kurt Cobain, included loose t-shirts, plaid flannel shirts, and a laid-back style.

What was the impact of Madonna's fashion in the 1980s?

Madonna's fashion in the 1980s, such as wearing lingerie as outerwear and bold, colorful accessories, heavily influenced teen fashion. This era also saw the rise of slogan tees and oversized shoulder pads, signaling a bold and expressive look.

How did the 1970s influence teenage fashion?

The 1970s saw the popularity of denim, tie-dye, and bell-bottoms. Earth tones like mustard, beige, and forest green dominated the color palette. Teens embraced a laid-back, bohemian style with kaftans, midriff-bearing tops, and flowy garments.

What was the 'mod' style in the 1960s?

In the 1960s, 'mod' style was a youth-driven fashion that featured tight suits, polo shirts, and Chelsea boots for boys. For girls, the iconic miniskirt and bold, brightly colored shift dresses became popular, often inspired by designers like Mary Quant.

What was the key fashion item for teen girls in the 1950s?

In the 1950s, the poodle skirt became a key fashion item for teen girls, often paired with pastel-colored sweaters and blouses. For rebellious teens, the greaser look with a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and a leather jacket was a popular choice.

How did World War II affect teenage fashion in the 1940s?

During the 1940s, wartime restrictions led to the popularity of androgynous styles for teen girls, who often wore button-down shirts and wide-legged jeans. For boys, the classic look included pleated slacks and double-breasted suits, though cardigans and sweaters were also common.

What were 'feed-sack dresses' in the 1930s?

'Feed-sack dresses' were made from the fabric that originally held chicken feed. During the Great Depression, these dresses became popular as an affordable fashion choice, often featuring floral prints. Despite the economic hardship, teens still found ways to look stylish.

How did the fashion of the 1920s reflect the cultural changes of the time?

The 1920s were marked by a cultural shift toward risk-taking and liberation, which was reflected in fashion. Teen girls embraced the flapper style with drop-waist dresses, fringe, and headbands. Wealthier teens wore cloche hats and fur-trimmed coats, embodying the Jazz Age's bold and carefree spirit.

What was the typical teenage fashion in the early 1910s?

In the early 1910s, teenage fashion was quite similar to adult styles. Girls wore shorter versions of long, formal dresses, often accessorized with elaborate tea party hats. Boys wore single-breasted suits with matching vests, and the style was very formal compared to later decades.

Why was the concept of a 'teenager' not fully established before the 20th century?

Before the 20th century, the concept of a 'teenager' did not exist, and fashion was largely the same for both teens and adults. Teen clothing was modeled after children's attire or adult fashion, with teens not having a distinct, separate identity in the fashion world until later in the century.