1900s:

The fashionable ‘S-curve’ silhouette corset was a hallmark of Edwardian women’s fashion – achieved through tight-lacing, gems and ruffles.
For men, it was convention to wear a three-piece suit during the day and tails in the evening. Both accompanied by a top hat!

1910s: 
The pre-war period shifted away from Edwardian corset rigidity, welcoming a less restrictive S-curve that de-focused the narrow waist. We see a shift to casual elegance through loose-fitting silk that skimmed the body and tapered towards the floor.
Menswear continued from the previous decade, with minor changes in trouser length – now featuring a shorter, narrower look. 

1920s:
Inspired by her post-war emancipation, the Flapper engaged with a simpler yet subversive style. She said goodbye to the corset, styling a shorter dress that sat just above the knee. Accompanying her was a permed bob, painted lips and plenty of ornate decoration, from sequins to beadwork.
Men mirrored this casual look, opting for a relaxed one or two button suit jacket, styled without a traditional waistcoat. 

1930s:
Inspired by Hollywood movie stars, women’s eveningwear of the 30s emphasised slenderness, much like the 1910s, with a loosened waist and the hem flaring out just above the ankles. 
Menswear followed suit with Hollywood inspiration. We see a shift from suit formality to soft-collared shirts and knitted sweaters. 

1940s:
Here, we see a fashion of two dawns: mid and post-war context. The former was dominated by rationing and utility clothing. The look was simple, slightly boxy, but stylish – defined by a nipped-in waist and hems resting below the knee. Post-war fashion continued this nipped-in look, but developed a full-skirted silhouette, influenced by Christian Dior’s 1947 ‘New Look’.
Rationing affected all gendered clothing, so the luxury of buying new suits declined. Many men relied on pre-owned suits. But with many going to war, it was more common to see men in their uniforms. 

1950s:  
Dior’s full-skirted, nipped-in look persisted into the 50s, restyled to adapt to both daywear and eveningwear fits.
Men’s fashion started to see a shift toward an unforeseen informality. Suits continued for eveningwear, but young men started to interact with an emerging rebellious culture: quaffed hair, jeans, a t-shirt and a leather jacket.

1960s:
Featuring Swinging London and hippie aesthetics, the 60s heralded an era of fashion experimentation. The hippie look was characterised by loose, flowy, often handmade clothing, producing a Bohemian look that reflected Eastern cultural influences. The Swinging London aesthetic alternatively welcomed bold geometric prints, sleek miniskirts and knee high boots.
These colourful influences also shaped menswear. But while George Harrison may have been bold enough to style a bright suit, the classic three-piece suit continued to be worn by the majority. 

1970s:
Handcrafted hippie styles of handmade clothing continued into the 70s, but tempered with a revival of 30s’ elegance. Maxi skirts, prairie dresses and flowing silhouettes were on the ascent. As disco culture surged, the look incorporated glamour – think shimmer and sparkles!
Menswear mirrored this shift to glamour. Bell bottom trousers, paired with an unbuttoned shirt, was a classic for a night out.

1980s:
The 80s ushered sportswear and fitness clothing. Women increasingly opted for stylish gym pieces, featuring off-the-shoulder sweatshirts and leggings. Simultaneously emerging was the new romantics style – including gothic punk fashion.
Fashion for men followed suit. Another notable aspect of menswear, though, included the rise of streetwear, influenced by the growing US hip-hop culture.

1990s:
Fashion became its most casual in the 90s. Womenswear was shaped by grunge styles, featuring slip dresses and Dr Martens, coupled with Mom jeans and 80s’ sportswear. 
For men, jeans and untucked t-shirts became the new norm, as grunge, hip-hop and Brit-pop gained popularity. 

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