From cargo pants to ankle booties to hoodies, fashion trends for travelers dart all over the map. But if you look closely, North American travelers have a style all their own through the years. From the ’50s to today, fashion styles for North American travelers of all ages reflect their spirit of adventure, practicality and comfort. In this article, we’ll examine the fashion trends of travelers from the past and the present, and look at what has changed, and what has stayed the same.
1. Exploring the Evolution of North American Travel Fashion
The evolution of North American travel fashion has been an ever-evolving story in the last few decades. What began with bulky sweaters, outdoorsy tees, and rugged jeans has rapidly evolved to suit an ever-changing travel lifestyle.
Classics with a Twist
There’s no denying the classic travel staples like the crisp white shirt, the tan chinos, and the leather jacket, but today’s traveler is looking to stand out from the crowd. These classic travel staples have been updated with unexpected color schemes, bold prints, and added layers. Ranging from structured blazers and lightweight bombers for men and dresses with ethereal visuals for women, these pieces make an outfit look both effortlessly stylish and stunningly unique.
Fashion-Statement Pieces
- Statement pieces like statement tees and graphic hoodies are the perfect way to quickly and affordably make a signature travel fashion statement.
- Footwear is also a great way to show off one’s personality. Sneakers, loafers, boots, and mules—all with unique styling and interesting colors—are the perfect way to add a touch of personality to any look.
Finishing Touches
Finishing touches like the perfect pair of sunglasses, the signature hat, and a stylish bag are the final touches that round out the perfect travel outfit. Traveling light and free but still looking fashionable is the key to being a successful traveler, and North American travel fashion has evolved to keep up with the ever-changing trends.
What ever-changing trends will shape North American travel fashion in the future is yet to be seen. But the evolution of North American travel fashion is an interesting story already, and the next few decades promise to be just as interesting.
2. Jet-Setting Style: Decades of Fashion Trends
Jet-setters and fashion lovers have been taking cues from global fashion trends for decades. Adults, teens, and kids alike can find incredible ensembles to rock on their next big trip. We’ve rounded up the most noteworthy fashion trends across the last century:
- 1920s:A stylish silhouette emerged during this time. Women flaunted dropped waists and shorter hemlines, along with broad-brimmed hats and long, dangly necklaces.
- 1930s:Tailored suits and feminine dresses inspired by an art-deco style took center stage for the decade’s fashion trends. Hemlines were a bit longer, and vibrant colors began to take precedence.
At the same time, men took to three-piece suits, worn with classic fedoras. Moving into the 1940s, a cabin-style dress, known as the sack dress emerged as a signature look.
- 1950s:After the austerity of the war, the fashion world embraced feminine silhouettes and brights colors. Pencil skirts and space-age inspired designs became popular and women gravitated toward full circle skirts and petticoats.
- 1960s:Psychedelic colors and patterns overflowed the fashion scene, with flowing maxi skirts and tunic dresses being the dominate look.
Switching to shoes, popular styles included peep toe shoes and patent leather boots.
The 1970s saw an abundance of neutral colors, such as brown, beige, and tan take precedence, as well as a new fabric – polyester. Platforms and bell bottom jeans were all the rage.
- 1980s:Awarded the most attention-grabbing decade for fashion, the 80s drew inspiration from punk rock looks and shoulder pads. One-pieces, high-waisted jeans and combat boots filled the closets of fashion fanatics.
- 1990s:The beloved grunge look settled in fully during this time. Wearing ripped jeans, plaid jackets, and of course, the iconic Dr. Martens became an everyday occurrence.
The years of 2000s-2010s continued the styles of decades before, such as the 70s fashion revival and an urban, vintage-inspired look. All in all, fashion trends come and go, however the thousands of fashion-loving jet-setters create a wonderful range of looks around planes, trains, and buses around the world.
3. How Changing Styles Affect Travel Outfits
When it comes to dressing for travel, staying ahead of the ever-changing fashion trends is key. Whether you’re jetting off for a quick excursion or a longer holiday, you need to consider the essentials and how the climate in your destination might affect your wardrobe. Here’s what to keep in mind as you choose travel outfits to pack:
- Current trends might not be the most comfortable options
- Look for items that will look great both day and night
- Organic fabrics are perfect for keeping you cool
Gone are the days of uncomfortable, extra-tight skinny jeans. Now, distressed boyfriend jeans, paper-bag trousers, and palazzo pants are all trend-forward options that weigh little and don’t restrict your entire leg. Not to mention, these will make keeping up with the ever-changing styles much easier while on the road.
To ensure that your looks transition seamlessly from morning to night, it’s best to choose pieces like sheer blouses, jumpsuits, and the ever-popular tank dress. These are all excellent choices that can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
For subtropical and tropical climates, the key to maximum comfort is light and airy fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk blends. To keep the minimalistic trend going, select simple pieces with interesting detail such as subtle embroidery or unique prints. Colours are also essential when it comes to travel outfits. If you’re venturing near water, opt for neutral blues, greens, and whites.
Finally, accessorizing with jewelry is the perfect way to highlight one of your great looks on your journey. Go for multi-stranded pieces like long, layered necklaces and delicate bracelets. Keeping up with the ever-changing styles of fashion when traveling can be tough, but with the tips this guide mentioned, you can look and feel great no matter the weather!
4. Finding Inspiration from North America’s Fashion History
North America has a long and colorful history of fashion that begs to be explored and admired. Whether you’re looking to find a more traditional look, take a retro turn, or simply draw a bit of inspiration, there’s something for everyone within the annals of North America’s fashion.
- The 1920s and 30s –The Roaring 20s and Depression 30s alike saw the emergence of unique fashion styles, such as the iconic flapper dress in the former and the widely adapted styles of the latter like a longer skirt and the well-known fedora.
- The 1940s and 50s – During this era classic cuts, replete with fitted bodice and flair at the bottom, were extremely popular. Additionally, wide lapels and cleaner lines gave a timeless look for those who embraced the looks of these decades.
- The 1960s and 70s – The fashion of the 60s ranged from hippie chic to more feminine and structured apparel. Alternatively, the 70s took a more daring approach, with bright colors, bell-bottoms, and unisex styles.
Whatever style you choose to incorporate into your wardrobe, North America’s fashion history has an array of looks from which you can draw inspiration. Give a modern twist to a ‘50s bassket dress, mix and match some ’60s flared jeans with a boxy ’70s top, or replace your ’20s feathered headband with a bejeweled hair clip. To make heads turn, invest in some antique garments that have been given a modern hue.
Of course, the lines between vintage and current clothing are often blurred—a great way to embrace North America’s fashion history is to remix old prints and silhouettes with more modern ones. Consider pairing a 1920s inspired dress with a pair of boots for a contemporary look.
North America’s fashion history presents an incredible opportunity to play with different silhouettes, textures, and patterns, ensuring a unique, and timeless look. So explore the archives of fashion in North America, you’re sure to find something that works within the wardrobe you already have.
As much as fashion is often subject to change, the importance of convenient packing for North American travelers has remained a constant. From the rigid trunks and packing cubes of the late 19th century to the modern lightweight luggage designs, packing smart has been a must for every successful journey. Travel fashion is always morphing and adapting, and it will be exciting to see which trends come and go as we move through the decades.
