top of page

DIA'ANI

DIA'ANI

From Flappers to TikTok: 100 Years of Fashion That Defined Style (or Gen Z Drip)

Eight models standing in a row, each dressed to represent a different fashion decade from the 1920s to 2020s, against a neutral studio backdrop.
The evolution of style, side by side—decades collide in one fashion-forward family portrait.
Think fashion’s just about clothes? Think again. From flappers to TikTok fits, this tour through a century of style will have you wondering: did Gen Z invent thriftcore—or just steal it from your grandma?

If there’s one thing we’ve always done better than grow out of our Tumblr phase, it’s define fashion. From rebellious teens in leather jackets to TikTokers in Depop-core fits, every decade has seen us step up and say, “This is the vibe now.” So buckle up for this stylish ride through the decades, where every generation had its moment to strut, slouch, or shuffle awkwardly in JNCOs.


Woman wearing a 1920s flapper dress with intricate beadwork, cloche hat, and T-strap shoes, standing confidently in front of a neutral backdrop.
Silent films, loud fashion—1920s flapper style was all fringe, freedom, and fierce eye contact.

1920s: The Original Party People

The Roaring Twenties were lit—like, Charleston-dancing-in-a-speakeasy lit. We ditched the corsets and opted for flapper dresses, beaded headbands, and scandalously short hemlines (read: below the knee). Meanwhile, others rocked raccoon coats and Oxford bags so wide you could smuggle a saxophone in each leg.


Fashion Level: Gatsby-approved


A man in a leather jacket and jeans standing beside a woman in a poodle skirt and cardigan, both styled in 1950s fashion against a neutral backdrop.
1950s couple rocking leather, denim, a poodle skirt, and picture-perfect smiles.

1950s: Greasers & Sock Hops

Think James Dean in a white tee or Sandy pre-makeover in Grease. This decade gave us rock 'n' roll fashion, poodle skirts, and bad-boy leather jackets. We were either trying to look cool or trying to look like we weren’t trying—which is basically still true.


Fashion Level: Too cool for school (but definitely not skipping prom)


A woman in a 1960s paisley dress, denim jacket, and white boots flashing a peace sign, styled with a beaded necklace and headband.
1960s peace, prints, and paisley—this look says flower power louder than any protest chant.

1960s: Mods, Hippies & Mini Everything


The Sixties were like a tie-dye fever dream. Mods were all about tailored suits, miniskirts, and Chelsea boots, while the hippie crowd leaned into fringe, florals, and "I found this in my dad’s closet" energy. Fashion became political, groovy, and sometimes just questionably DIY.


Fashion Level: Make love, not pantsuits


African American woman with an afro wearing a leather jacket, sparkly top, and flared jeans in a 1970s style portrait.
Disco soul meets street chic—'70s fashion brought the funk, the flare, and the fierce.

1970s: The Birth of Too Many Subcultures

Keywords: 70s punk fashion, disco glam, bell bottoms, boho chic

Whether we were disco-dancing in sequins or slamming into mosh pits with safety pins in our faces, the '70s had a fit for every mood. Bell bottoms, crop tops, punk leather, and bohemian everything collided in a chaotic fashion explosion—and somehow, it worked.


Fashion Level: Controlled chaos with glitter


Woman in 1980s fashion with a high ponytail, denim jacket, black bodysuit, and legwarmers, smiling confidently against a gray backdrop.
1980s energy—big hair, bigger attitude, and the kind of legwarmers that scream aerobics chic.

1980s: Bigger, Bolder, Brighter

Everything in the '80s was extra. Hair? Huge. Jeans? Acid-washed. Shoulders? Wider than the ego of a Wall Street banker. We rocked aerobics gear in broad daylight and dressed like our favorite pop stars straight off MTV.


Fashion Level: Synthwave soundtrack required


African American man and woman in matching 1990s hip-hop streetwear, including a snapback, gold chain, varsity jacket, and vintage jeans, posing confidently.
Side-by-side swag. 90s hip-hop fashion doubled up with bold jackets, baggy denim, and attitude you could bottle.

1990s: Grunge, Goth, and Glow-Ups

Enter the ultimate style dichotomy: flannel-clad grunge lovers vs. blinged-out hip-hop heads. Whether we were channeling Kurt Cobain or Aaliyah, the '90s were peak attitude. Add in some goth eyeliner and a healthy dose of “whatever,” and you’re there.


Fashion Level: Don’t talk to me, I’m listening to my Walkman


Woman in early 2000s fashion wearing a denim jacket, distressed jeans, tank top, white belt, and large hoop earrings, holding a flip phone.
2000s queen alert—denim on denim, hoops, flip phone, and enough attitude to text T9 without looking.

2000s: Emo, Scene, and Designer Labels on Everything

Oh, the drama. Scene kids in neon skinny jeans, emo fits with side bangs that could cut glass, and the rest of us drowning in Ed Hardy and Abercrombie logos. In the 2000s, we were a chaotic mix of mall goth, pop punk, and reality TV.


Fashion Level: MySpace top 8 chic


Woman in early 2010s fashion wearing a denim jacket, gray T-shirt, black skinny jeans, and a crossbody bag, standing casually against a neutral backdrop.
2010s minimalism—side part, skinny jeans, crossbody bag, and a denim jacket that’s seen some avocado toast.

2010s: The Rise of the Influencer

This was the era of normcore, athleisure, and Instagram baddie aesthetics. We were either in head-to-toe neutral tones sipping matcha or dripping in Hypebeast gear resold for three times the price. Also: avocado toast was basically a fashion statement.


Fashion Level: Monochrome mood board


Woman in 2025 fashion wearing a sheer black asymmetrical dress with metallic detailing, cat-eye sunglasses, and sculptural heels, standing against a gray backdrop.
2025: When sheer met armor—because why not look like a futuristic space villain on your way to brunch?

2020s: Microtrends and Macro Identity

Current fashion? It’s like flipping through Pinterest while on espresso. We've got clean girl, coquette, goblincore, and balletcore all happening at the same time. We’ve declared war on skinny jeans, gender norms, and fast fashion. Long live the curated closet and thrift hauls.


Fashion Level: Identity-maximalist with a sustainable twist


From raccoon coats to Y2K revival, we haven’t just worn fashion—we’ve created it. Every generation takes what came before, remixes it with chaotic brilliance, and posts it on TikTok for a million likes. If there’s a single fashion truth, it’s this: we didn’t invent cool—but we perfected it, every time....I think.

Stay tuned for updates and more in-depth coverage of your favorite celebrities and entertainment news! Create a free membership account with us today!


Follow | @diaanimedia



References

  1. Steele, V. (2001). The Corset: A Cultural History. Yale University Press.

  2. Hebdige, D. (1979). Subculture: The Meaning of Style. Routledge.

  3. Rocamora, A. (2017). Fashioning the City: Paris, Fashion and the Media. I.B. Tauris.

  4. English, B. (2007). A Cultural History of Fashion in the 20th and 21st Centuries. Bloomsbury.

  5. Muggleton, D., & Weinzierl, R. (2003). The Post-Subcultures Reader. Berg.

  6. Quinn, B. (2002). The Fashion of Architecture. Berg Publishers.

  7. Entwistle, J. (2021). The Fashioned Body: Fashion, Dress and Modern Social Theory. Polity Press.

fashion through the decades, youth fashion trends, Gen Z style evolution, history of young adult fashion, 1920s flapper outfits, 1950s teen fashion, 60s mod fashion, 70s punk youth style, 80s teen trends, 90s grunge outfits, Y2K fashion revival, TikTok fashion trends, streetwear evolution, retro fashion trends, thrifted fashion Gen Z, fashion subcultures, youth fashion history, how fashion changed by decade, teen fashion timeline, vintage fashion inspiration, influencer fashion history, fashion aesthetics by generation, best fashion decades, fashion styles by age group, decade-by-decade fashion guide, fashion microtrends history, nostalgic fashion styles, young adult fashion trends


bottom of page