Since the 1920s, street style in North America has evolved and developed into a diverse array of styles. From the Edwardian elegance of the roaring twenties, to the flashy fashion of the 1980s and beyond, generations of Americans have embraced changes in technology, culture, and global trends to create an ever-evolving style. In this article, we will explore the past, present, and future of North American street style, from its humble beginnings to its current vogue status.
1. Before the 1950s: Stepping Out with Flair
Before the 1950s the fashion scene was one of basic, subdued colors and one-dimensional clothing. Women kept to their skirts and dresses, thus keep their modesty. Men wore starched trousers and collared shirts.
Then came the 50s, and with it came a flair of sass and style. Women started exploring new materials, colors, and silhouettes. The signature skirt suits emerged, fit with racy padded shoulders. Hem lines were rising slowly, as women got bolder in their fashion choices.
The 1950s introduced the world to the budding concept of jeans. It wasn’t until the end of the ’50s that jeans really started becoming a fashionable statement. They were slim fitting back then, and were paired with white shirts to make for an iconic look.
Men also underwent a transformation, wearing slim fit trousers and rocking a dandy style hats. The look was completed with leather jackets and brogues. As they started easing into more relaxed wears, the Elvis look became wildly popular among the male gender.
All in all, the early 1950s meant stepping out in an attractive new fashion world!
- The 50s welcomed a more daring fashion sense
- Skirt suits made their debut
- Jeans became more popular and stylish
- Men embraced the Elvis look
2. The 1950s: The Birth of Western Wear
The 1950s saw the dawn of a revolutionary fashion trend: western wear. Pioneers of America captured in kitschy Hollywood movies of the era ignited the western trend for a generation. People everywhere wanted to dress like their favorite cowboys and cowgirls.
The craze began in the heartland of Texas, Oklahoma, and howbeit California. With a higher demand for western wear, manufacturers from the region supplied stores with an ever-increasing selection of cowboy boots, hats, vests, shirts, skirts and, of course, jeans.
By mid-century, western wear had become a go-to look for males and females alike. Young people often sported a more casual version of the look with t-shirts, jeans, and a cowboy hat.
Ladies weren’t left out – feminine styles included ruffles around the edges of shirts, skirts with huge belt buckles, boots with cute embroidery. For a more ladylike appeal, certain cowboy accessories such as bolo ties could be swapped out for dainty jewelry pieces.
The overall look was simple and comfortable, one that anyone could wear and feel good in. Since the 1950s, western wear has been a popular choice and truly stands the test of time.
- Cowboy boots
- Cowboy hats
- Jeans
- Vests
- Skirts
- Shirts
- Bolo ties
3. The 1960s: Embracing the Counterculture
The 1960s in America were marked by a significant countercultural movement. It was a revolt against the mainstream culture, a cry for freedom, and a desire to expand the boundaries of human expression. It was a time of great social change, with people beginning to question traditional values and institutions such as racism and gender roles.
It was during this period that many began to embrace the idea of individual expression through music, art, and literature. A new type of music, which would come to be known as rock and roll, was the soundtrack to this rebellious movement. Meanwhile, the Beat Generation, composed of poets and writers such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, was challenging the literary status quo.
The 1960s also saw the emergence of a radical new type of performance art known as Happenings. This artform explored the idea of non-linear storytelling and audience interaction to create something entirely new. The freedom of expression offered by Happenings influenced a generation of artists to experiment with new forms of art.
The concept of communal living also emerged during this era, and an increased interest in alternative lifestyles and spiritual enlightenment. The hippie movement began to take hold in this decade, with communes popping up throughout the country, providing a platform for free thinking and creativity. Additionally, civil rights activism started to gain momentum during this period, inspiring a new generation to stand up for social justice.
The 1960s were a time of radical change, with the counterculture revolutionizing the lifestyles of people all around the world. It was the age of hedonism and experimentation, with people exploring new ways of thinking and creating.
4. The 1970s: Revolutionizing Street Style
The 1970s brought radical change to the fashion industry. Streetwear truly came into its own, standards and trends were overturned, and both women and men began to experiment with a variety of bold styles.
It was an exciting time for movements such as punk, hot hues, and a proliferation of denim jeans in wild and clever designs. Sneakers, the original casual standard, were updated with beautiful hues and funky patterns. A hallmark of the decade was an individual embrace of fashion, with new collaborations and shades of color. The era of flower power was gone, now replaced with its own sense of experimentation.
For women, the 1970s saw platform shoes coming back into style – often emblazoned with lace, ribbons, and flowers. The skirt suits that were once a signature look of the 1960s now created a new wave of cool – dress shirts, mini-skirts, and bright colors. Bold accessories such as huge glasses, heeled sandals, and wooden jewelry completed the look and truly set it apart
Meanwhile, men began combining different materials, such as jersey cotton, silk, and sometimes even fur. T-shirts, jeans, and leather jackets became essentials, while wide-brimmed hats and bright-colored scarves provided the perfect finishing touches to the streetwear look. Blazers became a favorite due to the various bold colors like salmon or electric blue, particularly favored by the punk and rock ‘n’ roll scenes.
Overall, the decade was a major turning point in fashion history. It brought with it unprecedented freedom and personal choice, with people using the medium of clothing to express individual opinions. What was once considered avant-garde is now among the beloved staples of clothing today.
From the Victorian-era’s silhouettes to the unique athleisure of the 2000’s, North American street style of the 20th and 21st centuries continues to evolve and inspire today. Keeping track of the ever-evolving trends of the street allows us to recognize and honor the generations of people who have helped make the street style of today unique and remarkable.
