Fashion in 1995

Answer 1

As with any shift from decade to decade, the transition from bold, over-the-top styles of the 1980s to the more quiet styles of the '90s may come as a shock as we reminisce today. Back then, though, the big hair, loud colors and love of great excess faded gradually. The old adage "less is more" seemed to become almost gospel for young people, who were especially influential in developing what would end up being the decade's most popular fashions.

The '90s embraced a sense of minimalism in a way that had not been witnessed for decades. While the '50s and '60s enjoyed a flirty, ladylike period, the '70s all but defined the punk and disco scenes and the '80 paid homage to all things colorful and retro, it seemed almost a shock to the industry that styles would suddenly shift so dramatically. Shift they did, though, in a completely different direction.

Of course, it wasn't a situation of waking up one day and throwing out the banana clips and tie-dyed t-shirts in favor of flannel shirts and Doc Martens. The process was obviously gradual, but the style preferences began to head in a more low-key direction very early in the decade. The industry witnessed a slow graduation from shoulder pads and off-the-shoulder sweatshirts to cleaner lines and sleeker silhouettes. Jackets became fitted, shoulder pads flattened out and eventually disappeared and accessories became exceedingly more casual and minimal as time passed.

Pop stars of the day who had once worn frilly mini skirts held up by suspenders, cutesy little fedoras and faces full of makeup were suddenly adopting newer, more simplistic looks. Celebrities were wearing trouser suits, and the always popular combination of jeans and smart blazers remained a mainstay (then, however, the blazers were much longer than they are today).

The early '90s also witnessed the birth of grunge style. This is often spoken of in the same breath as alternative rock bands from Seattle and oversized flannel shirts. Both suggestions are fitting, because the music of the decade played quite a prominent role in the style's popularity. Defined most notably by Doc Marten shoes, neutral colors that may have come across as completely nondescript at times, flannel shirts and baggy pants, the style was a favorite among young adults across the country for several years.