Fashion has always reflected society. The prudish but money-hungry Victorian era prioritized sumptuous ball gowns that gave absolutely no hint of the legs beneath the skirts, but were highly decorated and cut from expensive fabrics. The miniskirts of the swinging sixties spoke of liberation and burgeoning sexual freedom within certain gender norms. And the grungy jeans of the 90s mirrored the growing acceptance that women could and should have a place in the ‘man’s world’. So, what do the fashion trends of the 2020s say about our modern ideas of beauty? And what can we learn from this?
The Rise of Lingerie as Outerwear
Lingerie as outerwear is nothing new. It’s happened before – notably with the codpieces of the 15th and 16th centuries, and JP Gaultier’s cone bras of the 90s (popularized by Madonna). Even t-shirts – now an outerwear staple – used to be considered ‘underwear’. Wearing them as outerwear was a symbol of youth rebellion in the 1950s (see James Dean and Marlon Brando). And now it’s happening again. We’re increasingly seeing the likes of the demi cup bra underneath a chic cardigan on the runway with nothing else, or in the gym, or even hitting the streets on hot days. So, what does this say about our beauty standards?
In the past, when underwear made its way into public view, the underlying message concerned bodily pride, personal autonomy, and a desire for liberation. The implication is that someone who wears their underwear bare to the world has nothing to hide, is proud of who they are underneath, and won’t be restricted by society. What does that say about our modern beauty standards? Maybe that we find confidence attractive, and admire people who’ve got the guts to be themselves.
Unisex Fashion and Fluid Beauty Standards
Another popular trend that sheds an interesting light on changing beauty ideals is the rise of unisex fashion. Again, this is nothing new. Gender-blurring was popular in the 70s and 80s, and back in the 18th Century, you’d only have been able to tell well-to-do men and women apart by the fact that one gender wore trousers and the other wore skirts – both would have been heavily made up and worn elaborate wigs in much the same styles.
However, it’s rare that the divide between ‘male and female’ clothing disappears completely, in favor of something much more unisex and fluid – but that’s what’s happening in recent years. Today, we don’t want to be confined to gender-bound boxes in what we wear and the products we use. As the world embraces people with beards doing TikTok makeup tutorials and people with boobs sharing their weightlifting regimen in the gym, the world is realizing that the way you express yourself in fashion terms doesn’t have to be limited by your gender – and that people who step outside of their prescribed gender norm in fashion and beauty can be gorgeous, too.
Embracing Natural and Sustainable Beauty
The fashion world has also seen a major shift towards embracing natural body types and sustainable practices, challenging the age-old ideals of stick-thin models and conspicuous consumerism. The emergence of “size-inclusive” fashion shows that it’s not just about the clothes on our bodies. Our bodies themselves are finally being accepted in all their diversity. It is an essential step towards fostering a more inclusive definition of beauty.
What’s more, the “slow-fashion” trend champions ethically-made and sustainable clothing. Its popularity indicates a change in how we perceive beauty in a broader sense. It shows that beauty is not merely aesthetic; it should also take into account the ethics and the impact of its creation on the planet.
Work from Home Fashion
The recent pandemic-induced ‘work from home’ situation led to a surprising shift in fashion trends. Comfort has taken precedence over formality in work attire, with loungewear and athleisure taking center stage. Although this trend was born of necessity, it also signals a shift in beauty ideals, indicating that comfort and practicality can coexist with style and aesthetics.
The Evolution of Beauty
As we continue to navigate the 21st Century, it is clear that our ideas of beauty are continuously evolving, influenced by societal shifts and global events. Perhaps the most significant takeaway is that fashion, as a reflection of society, plays an integral role in shaping and reshaping our perceptions and standards of beauty. As such, being conscious of and accepting of these changing trends is vital to us in developing a more inclusive and diverse portrayal of beauty. Fashion trends have never been simply about the clothes we wear and the way we do our faces. They serve as a strong reflection of our own understanding and appreciation of human beauty.