What is your favorite era of fashion?

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

I like the women's suits of the 20s, 30s and 50s, and dresses from the 20s and 30s. Things got exaggeratedly weird in the 40s.

You know, that's a good point. It did get a bit extreme in the 40's, though I notice that pictures of everyday women from that time are not as extreme in hair, clothing or makeup as the more photographed fashionistas of that era.

. I hung onto a bunch of clothes from the 70s high school days, and my little cousin's eyes lit up 15 years later when she was in high school and I gave them to her.

For me it was the opposite.
I did not hang on to many of my 70's clothes, but then 20 years later, I got invited to a Back to the 70's party. I walked down to my neighbor's house and her daughter generously lent me a pair of hiphugger bellbottoms.
That was awhile back.
These days, I do have my own.

[Seacrets]

Originally Posted by RiWrites

I loved the 30's and 40's. Women knew how to dress back then. Even during the War, women found ways to look good. And if you are curvy this is the era to have lived in. It was pre-anorexic looking models era.

YES! I agree!

[rickmahorn]

As a man, it has to be the 60's for me. I really dig the 'mod' fashion of that era.

[Jaipur]

Originally Posted by rickmahorn

As a man, it has to be the 60's for me. I really dig the 'mod' fashion of that era.

I can see where you are coming from. I find it interesting that often times more sub-cultural trends seem not to be repeated as mainstream ones are many times. And in some cases, it goes the opposite.

[melaniej65]

Your dates for the Victorian era are really skewed! She was not even born until 1819 and did not begin her Rule until 1837 and before that the period was known as the "Georgian" period which extended from 1715 until 1830 (all the Hanover "Georges" I, II, II & IV). Poor King William only reigned from 1830-1837 when the Victorian era actually began.

Even within the properly prescribed "Victorian" era the styles changed drastically from the early years to what we in America think of as 'Civil War' era (hoop skirts) to the bustled and tightly draped gowns of the later period.

I am NOT trying to cause an 'issue' but it is the same as lumping fashion from 1937 until 2001 and we know how drastically the fashions have changed within the same time period.

Per the original question my favorite period (from the years given) would be between 1855-1865 (the classic 'belle' era). The clothes were so feminine, beautiful and flattering. I do not particularly care for the bustle but DO like the early Edwardian fashions (pre- hobble skirt of 1908). The Edwardian period ended in 1910 and that is about where fashion took a 'downer' for me.

I take my fashion history (as well as history in general) very seriously!!!

[mikey jam]

Growing up as a teenager I loved the 70's fashion. Not so much hairstyles but the colthing. Dr Scholls sandals. wooden clogs and boots. And who cant forget men's leisure suits. Also gold chains became very popular. It was the height of polyester-ville.

[Jaipur]

Originally Posted by melaniej65

Your dates for the Victorian era are really skewed! She was not even born until 1819 and did not begin her Rule until 1837 and before that the period was known as the "Georgian" period which extended from 1715 until 1830 (all the Hanover "Georges" I, II, II & IV). Poor King William only reigned from 1830-1837 when the Victorian era actually began.

Even within the properly prescribed "Victorian" era the styles changed drastically from the early years to what we in America think of as 'Civil War' era (hoop skirts) to the bustled and tightly draped gowns of the later period.

I am NOT trying to cause an 'issue' but it is the same as lumping fashion from 1937 until 2001 and we know how drastically the fashions have changed within the same time period.

Per the original question my favorite period (from the years given) would be between 1855-1865 (the classic 'belle' era). The clothes were so feminine, beautiful and flattering. I do not particularly care for the bustle but DO like the early Edwardian fashions (pre- hobble skirt of 1908). The Edwardian period ended in 1910 and that is about where fashion took a 'downer' for me.

I take my fashion history (as well as history in general) very seriously!!!

I did that because it was more convenient. Although fashions did change in the time period though, when you look at the trends of each decade, they all match in a way, they flow. I suspect this is how in just a few more years 20th century clothes will appear. And when I put that i was thinking about European fashions more because I've never really read or looked at anything about American fashion before 1900. Sorry if the mistake offended you. I respect your knowledge of fashion history.

[TheImportersWife]

Late 80s to Early 90s.

[melaniej65]

Jaipur-
American fashion used to closely mirror European fashion up until the seventies, when our own fashion designers began to branch out (with sportswear as their specialty). It is just that the fashions from 1780-1800 are so very different (other than long skirts!) from the Regency era (still Georgian period) 1800-1825 or so.

This is a very nice topic and very thought provoking and it is nice to hear what others think of as their favorite fashion eras, so thank you for creating this thread- it is quite enjoyable.

[Little Mizz Pittsburgh]

The 70's. When I'm watching re-runs of "Good Times", I LOVE how the characters of Thelma and Wilona used to dress. They used to be FLY as hell! Some of their pieces I wish I had in my wardrobe, today!