The Evolution of Fashion Trends Over the Decades: A Journey Through Style
- Manpreet Kour
- Jun 21
- 3 min read

The Evolution of Fashion Trends Over the Decades – With an Indian Twist
Fashion is not just about what we wear, it’s a reflection of our culture, society, and identity. From sarees with puffed sleeves in the 1950s to Indo-western fusion in the 2000s, the evolution of Indian fashion has always been influenced by global trends, yet proudly rooted in tradition.
At Skillinabox, we believe understanding the history of fashion, both Indian and global, helps you design smarter, more meaningful styles that stand out.
Why Study Fashion Through the Decades?
Understand how culture, Bollywood, and movements have shaped fashion
Trace the roots of iconic styles, from lehenga-choli to palazzo suits
Get inspired by vintage Indian silhouettes for modern fusion wear
Learn which trends always make a comeback, and how to reinvent them
Fashion Through the Decades: Indian + Global Timeline
1920s – Roaring Elegance
Global Trends: Flapper dresses, fringe, beaded gowns
Indian Influence: Zari sarees, embroidered blouses, side-parted buns
Mood: Regal, graceful, post-colonial pride
1930s – Grace Meets Simplicity
Global Trends: Bias-cut gowns, soft curls
Indian Trends: Plain sarees with border work, handwoven cotton, khadi rise (thanks to Gandhiji)
Mood: National pride, simplicity, elegance
1940s – Function First, Fashion Next
Global Trends: Utility wear, tailored suits
Indian Scene: Sarees with blouses stitched from reused fabrics, minimalism due to wartime rationing
Mood: Resourceful, humble, resilient
1950s – Feminine & Fabulous
Global Trends: Cinched waists, pearl necklaces
Indian Vibe: Flowy anarkalis, puff-sleeved blouses, high bun with gajra
Mood: Domestic elegance, soft glamour
1960s – The Youthquake Hits Desi Streets
Global Trends: Mini skirts, bold prints
India: Short kurtis, tight churidars, retro glasses, Bollywood glamour (Think Mumtaz, Sharmila Tagore)
Mood: Energetic, experimental, mod-inspired
1970s – Boho Bollywood
Global Trends: Bell bottoms, psychedelic prints
India: Flared pants, printed sarees, tied-up hairstyles, Amitabh’s angry young man era
Mood: Bold, funky, freedom-driven
1980s – Power Dressing + Desi Drama
Global Trends: Shoulder pads, neon, metallics
India: Big hair, salwar suits with padded shoulders, disco fashion inspired by Mithun & Rekha
Mood: Dramatic, expressive, bold
1990s – The Cool Casual Era
Global Trends: Grunge, slip dresses
India: Crop tops with lehengas, denim jackets on sarees, Kajol’s looks from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Mood: Comfort-first, chic, relatable
2000s – Bling, Low-rise & Fusion Boom
Global Trends: Low-rise jeans, butterfly clips
India: Indo-western everywhere, spaghetti tops on lehengas, scarf dupattas, Kareena’s “Poo” style
Mood: Filmy, bold, over-the-top (in the best way)
2010s – Social Media + Street Style
Global Trends: Athleisure, fast fashion
India: Kurti with jeans, statement jhumkas, minimalist fusion sets, influencer fashion boom
Mood: Hashtag-ready, curated, Insta-chic
2020s – Self-Expression & Sustainability
Global Trends: Gender-fluid fashion, upcycling
India: Handloom revival, zero-waste fashion, modern saree drapes, kaftans
Mood: Authentic, inclusive, conscious
What This Means for YOU as a Designer
Understanding fashion evolution helps you:
Know what’s coming back in trend (hello, bell bottoms!)
Blend retro Indian styles with modern cuts
Create designs that tell stories and connect with people
Avoid outdated clichés and stand out in the industry
At Skillinabox, our fashion courses include:
-Design history
-Moodboard creation
-Trend analysis
So you don’t just follow trends, you understand them deeply.
Final Thoughts: Fashion Changes, So Should You
Fashion is not just about copying what’s popular, it’s about understanding why things became popular. Every silhouette, every colour choice has a backstory. As a designer, that knowledge becomes your power.
So next time you sketch a kurta or style a lehenga, think: Is this inspired by the past? How can I make it future-ready?
Skillinabox se Seekho Fashion Designing, Ghar Baithe!
Learn fashion the smart way
Get Govt. certification
Hands-on kits + expert guidance
Start your income journey from home!
Join the new wave of Indian designers. Let the past inspire your future.
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