How Has Style Changed In The Last Ten Years
Style changes over time. It also comes back in, when enough time has settled for the norms to feel fresh again. Of course, that’s not a hard and fast rule. We’re not seeing anyone wearing the multi-layered dresses women were forced to spend hours putting on in times of yore, except for in historical re-enactments. Except even that’s not a hard fact, because many cultural garments have stood the test of time, sometimes even for centuries.
Fashion is often viewed in terms of decades. We’re just over the midway point for the 2020s so far, which of course, has been a questionable decade filled with surprises. But now is a good time to think about how fashion norms have changed since even 2015, what subtle influences have come and gone, and what that might imply about the future.
In this post, we’ll discuss that and more:
A Shift In What’s Considered Edgy
Once upon a time, getting a visible tattoo or a piercing in a non-traditional spot was seen as a major act of rebellion. It was a clear way to show you were different, pushing against the mainstream. Sure, eyebrow, lip piercings and more were quite common. But now, it’s pretty normal to see people with full sleeve tattoos in professional settings, and a facial piercing is no big deal at all. It’s almost become part of the everyday look for a lot of people.
It’s great that style decisions that were once on the fringe are now widely accepted. This change shows how society’s ideas of personal expression have evolved, and what’s considered “edgy” is no longer what it used to be. For some, getting a high cheek bone piercing is a cool statement, not an act of defiance as it was even ten years ago, and you see new piercings like this even outside of alt or goth communities. It’s great to see people embracing all manner of style without worrying about breaking some kind of social taboo.
The Rise Of Comfort & Practicality
The last few years have shown us that people are prioritizing comfort above all else. We’ve seen a big move away from restrictive clothing and a love for things that are easy to wear and live in. Think about how many people are wearing athleisure or oversized clothing in their daily lives. This is a big departure from the skinny jeans and tight outfits of the past, or the streetwear that seemed to prioritize comfort, but actually offered a fairly one-note style. This fashionable comfort has evolved from that and suggests a collective shift in priorities, where people value feeling good in their clothes just as much as looking good. It also shows a more laid-back approach to fashion that is probably here to stay.
Social Media Has Democratized Fashion For Good
It’s hard to deny the influence of social media on how we all dress and express ourselves. Look books and style inspo guides were certainly around in 2015, but now trends can now go from being a niche idea to a global phenomenon in a matter of days. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok give people direct access to a huge variety of styles and subcultures they may never have seen otherwise.
To bring up goth styling again, this is no longer considered a somewhat niche and underground option with roots to the 90s. Such music and visual styling is celebrated everywhere front and centre. Better yet, thrifted finds, a slow rejection of fast fashion, and more visibility about the social priorities of fashion companies have led consumers to become more considerate in the purchases they make.
How has your style changed since 2015? We look forward to hearing about it!