Whether you’re a t-shirt-and-jeans type of person or someone who only wears designer labels, everyone has their own sense of style. There have been plenty of memorable fashion trends over the years, many of which made us question society as a whole. However, the best fashion trends of all time are those hard-to-forget iconic styles that we can’t (and don’t want to) part with. With so many great fashion choices, we set out to find the most legendary styles that will inspire your next wardrobe update!
Over the decades, fashion has changed tremendously! Considering leisure tracksuits and platform sneakers, change is sometimes a good thing. However, according to one poll, the mini skirt is simply unforgettable! The survey of 2,000 people in the United Kingdom names the mini skirt as the most iconic fashion trend in history. And given that it’s still in style since its debut in the ’60s, we’d say so too! Trends like the little black dress and the leather jacket also made the top ten list of the most iconic styles, which is probably why this same study revealed that many people agree that today’s trends aren’t very trendy. Forty percent of respondents say they think today’s styles are just a collection of old fads making a comeback.
Today, a few designers are making history of their own! According to a recent article, a new range of garish clothes designed by Cap_able claims to “hide” you from surveillance cameras. The knitted garments use tech-derived patterns to fool A.I. into thinking the wearer is an animal. The method that Cap_able has patented allows to incorporate the algorithm into the texture in order to ensure a perfect fit of the garments without losing their effectiveness and blending perfectly with the volumes of the body. When asked about the Manifesto Collection, co-founder Federica Busani says, “Cap_able aims at changing the way people look at the clothes and accessories they wear by bringing a completely new and deeper attitude to the fashion industry.”
Fashion is an ever-changing industry that keeps us on our toes, but some trends stand the test of time. Let’s take a look at what never goes out of style! We consulted 10 expert fashion sites to determine the best fashion trends of all time. From the casual, everyday wear to dressed up styles, these fads are sure to please for any occasion! Do you have a favorite fashion trend that was not listed? Let us know in the comments!
The List: Best Fashion Trends of All Time, According to Experts
1. Blue Jeans
When it comes to timeless fashion trends, blue jeans are undoubtedly at the top of the list. From skinny jeans to flared jeans, this classic piece of clothing has been a staple in our wardrobes for decades.
Skinny jeans have been popular for years, and for good reason. They’re versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for any occasion. On the other hand, flared jeans have made a comeback in recent years, adding a touch of retro to any outfit. Commenting on the current jean trend, Today writes, “Whether you love them or hate them, low-rise jeans are back. The ‘lowrisejeans’ hashtag on TikTok has more than 118 million collective views. While some of the videos are from millennials who rocked the trend the first time around and have no intention of doing it again, many are from younger users who are showing off how surprisingly cool the style can look.”
Giving insight to the history of blue jeans, The Standard adds, “Jeans have stood the tests of time thanks to their sturdiness and versatility. This timeless fashion piece was invented in the 1800s but became popular in the 20s’ with the help of Hollywood. Desirable cowboys in movies wore a pair of denim pants and cowboy hat which made this a huge fashion trend. Today, jeans are worn by both men and women and go well with any top.”
“Blue jeans became official on May 20, 1873, when Levi Strauss and a tailor patented one of the processes to make the denim pants,” says The Budget Fashionista. “The blue jean answered the call of Gold Rush miners for sturdy clothing. Imagine what the two inventors would say about today’s blue jean styles in neon colors or deliberately tattered.”
According to Cosmo, “a ripped flare is actually one of the ways the ’90s updated the ’70s to look more grunge-sexy. These days, the ripped flare jeans you’ll find are high-waisted (PHEW) without any of that tie-up business to contend with. It’s also just a *hint* of ripping instead of a full-on falling-apart situation.”
Whether you’re a fan of the sleek and modern look of skinny jeans or the bohemian vibe of flared jeans, one thing is for sure: blue jeans will never go out of style!
2. The Mini Skirt
The mini skirt is undoubtedly one of the most iconic fashion trends of all time. It made its debut in the 1960s and quickly became a symbol of female liberation and empowerment. Despite being over 50 years old, the mini skirt remains a staple in every fashionista’s wardrobe.
“Popularized by British designer Mary Quant in the 1960s, the miniskirt has stood the test of time. The miniskirt is a great way to show off your legs, and pairs especially nicely with boots or heels. Though it originated in London, it has become a regular part of wardrobes worldwide,” says Vagaro.
The mini skirt has also undergone various transformations over the years, from the classic A-line to the daring bodycon. Mental Floss adds, “Miniskirts have been a fashion staple since first gaining popularity in the ’60s, but they became more mini than ever in the 2000s. Denim miniskirts, often looking like a perilously small rectangle, were commonplace. Many of the common miniskirt silhouettes at the time included ruffled edges referred to as bubble hems. Some of these micro-minis were cute and flirtatious—but you just had to be careful to not drop your keys, lest you reveal too much.”
“It’s hard not to see why miniskirts became one of the biggest fashion trends of all time,” writes The Standard. “They’re effortless, feminine and seductive. However, miniskirts were just as controversial when they became a fashion trend in the 60s’ as they are today.”
It’s a trend that has stood the test of time and continues to be reinvented by designers season after season. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of retro-chic to your wardrobe, don’t hesitate to invest in a mini skirt. It’s a timeless piece that will never go out of style and will always make you feel confident and stylish.
3. The Basic T-Shirt
When it comes to timeless fashion trends, there is one item that stands out above the rest: the basic t-shirt. This simple yet versatile piece of clothing has been a staple in wardrobes for decades, and for good reason. It can be dressed up or down, worn alone or layered, and comes in a variety of colors and styles.
Glamour adds, “This ubiquitous piece is the perfect base for any outfit—casual or formal—and it’s the perfect match for jeans, that other American comfort classic.” Not only is it comfortable and easy to wear, but it’s also affordable and accessible to everyone. Whether you’re running errands, going to work, or out on a date, a basic t-shirt can be a go-to choice that will never let you down.
“You might say the t-shirt and blue jeans make up a universal uniform,” says The Budget Fashionista. “The U.S. military brought the shirt to attention as underwear dating back to the Spanish American War. Actor Marlon Brandon then flaunted his pecs and biceps in a T-shirt on a 1951 movie poster, turning it into an outerwear fashion statement.”
“The basic white tee is the ideal base for a wide variety of outfits. Styles can range from casual to formal. The white tee works especially well with a classic pair of blue jeans to create the perfect American look, but it also works under a blazer with dress pants for a look appropriate in any corporate office,” writes Vagaro.
Needless to say, the basic t-shirt is a classic that never goes out of style, and it’s a must-have for any fashion-conscious individual. So, if you don’t already have one (or several) in your closet, it’s time to invest in this timeless fashion trend. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
4. Crop Tops
Crop tops have been a fashion trend for decades. From the 80s to the present day, crop tops have been seen on runways, red carpets, and in everyday fashion. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for any occasion.
“Crop tops came back from the ’90s during the middle of this past decade and they basically never left. It started out innocently enough (think cropped shirts paired with high waisted pants or skirts), but quickly turned more risqué (think bralette tops),” writes Redbook. “Crop tops seem to be everywhere, whether they’re being worn casually or in a more formal setting.”
Mental Floss adds, “If you were going to wear some stylish low-rise jeans or a miniskirt, there’s a good chance you’d be topping it off with a crop top. These belly-revealing shirts, also known as baby tees, came in a variety of fabrics and colors (some were even ‘popcorn shirts’ made of weird, ultra-stretchy fabric), and could look sweet or edgy depending on how they were styled. Later in the decade, American Apparel pushed a hipper, more minimal kind of crop top, and in recent years the shirts have become a common sight at teen-favorite shops like Brandy Melville.”
“No other item of clothing in the 2000s single-handedly drew a line between girls who were comfortable with their bodies and the rest of us,” says WatchMojo. “How else were fourteen-year olds supposed to show off their belly button rings? By today’s standards showing off a little tummy (especially without the added coverage of high-waisted Levi’s) won’t even scandalize grandma, but back then that was the line that didn’t get crossed, at least for a little while. Paired with low rise jeans, we have Britney and Christina to thank for that kind of hyped up sexuality and for helping the crop top mark the end of teenage naïveté.”
Whether you’re pairing them with high-waisted jeans, a skirt, or shorts, crop tops add a touch of sexiness (and comfort) to any outfit!
5. The Little Black Dress & The Leather Jacket
When it comes to timeless fashion trends, the little black dress and the leather jacket are two staples that will never go out of style. The little black dress is a classic piece that can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Pairing it with a leather jacket adds an edgy and modern twist to the traditional look. The combination of the two creates a perfect balance of sophistication and rebellion.
When asked about the popularity of the little black dress (LBD), Glamour says, “It’s simple: Whenever you can echo Audrey Hepburn in 60 seconds—or however long it takes you to zip up and slip on heels—do it.”
Adding some history behind the LBD, The Budget Fashionista writes, “It’s not as though there were no little black dresses during Coco Chanel’s reign. But Chanel’s straight black dress with flowing long sleeves forever changed the fashion landscape when it graced Vogue Magazine in 1926.”
The leather jacket adds an element of toughness to the feminine dress, making it a perfect outfit for any occasion. The Standard says, “This is another fashion trend that was influenced by music. The late 70s’ were the golden age of rock and roll, especially grunge rock. Rock stars would wear leather jackets as a staple fashion piece which gave rise to this edgy fashion trend.”
Cosmo writes, “Think of the collarless biker jacket as the more punk sister to the ’90s schoolboy blazer. Lucky for all of us, the modern moto jacket is looser, more casual, and a bit more effortless than the ’90s version.”
Today, one can even purchase a vegan leather jacket that is just as durable and fashionable as the real deal! Fibre2Fashion adds, “One of the most popular vegan leather materials is Pinatex. This plant-based leather-like material is made from discarded pineapple leaves. The material is extremely resistant, reliable, and a fabulous choice to create sustainable fashion trends. Innovative vegan leather alternatives are preferred by conscious fashion lovers as it makes them feel good, knowing that no animals were harmed for their boots, bags, and ‘leather’ jackets.”
So, if you’re looking to add some classic pieces to your wardrobe, invest in a little black dress and a leather jacket. Whether you’re going out for a night on the town or heading to a business meeting, the little black dress and leather jacket combo is a timeless look that will never disappoint!
You might also be interested in:
- Best Women’s Jeans
- Best Men’s Jeans
- Best Fashion Designers
- Best Women’s Hats
- Best Women’s Sunglasses
Sources:
- Today
- Cosmo
- Glamour
- The Standard
- Mental Floss
- Fibre2Fashion
- Redbook
- Vagaro
- WatchMojo
- The Budget Fashionista
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations