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The Evolution of Fashion Trends Over the Decades: A Journey Through Style


evolution of fashion

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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