Fashion has long been used as a form of self-expression, identity, and creativity. And the more you know about the different types of fashion and trends through the ages, the easier it will be to find the perfect style that really represents you.

PixieLane is here to help. We carry a wide range of styles and pieces, and we love sharing all we know about the history of fashion and textiles.

Here’s a look at some of the stand-out trends from our favorite decades and eras:

Trendy Clothes: The Latest in Style

If you love being in on the latest in styles and pieces, there are plenty of unique and modern silhouettes you can begin trying out today. Modern fashion is incredibly versatile, which means there are different approaches to comfort, artistry, and utility.

To start, active and athleisurewear are more popular than ever. Inspired by streetwear and sports uniforms, athleisurewear or sportswear adds a touch of elegance to comfortable outfits with excellent mobility.

Whether you’re taking care of the kids, running errands, or just looking for an outfit to tackle that to-do list, athleisurewear is a can’t-miss modern style. It also extends to casual outfits and loungewear, where you can wear neutrals and staples in many comfortable materials and fabrics.

Modern fashion has a wide range, however. If you prefer dressing up and looking sleek, you’ll love the trendy options for dresses, from skater dresses to ruffles, to elegant haute couture ball gowns. Dresses and heels are a guaranteed chic style every time.

Edgy Style: Always Pushing the Boundaries

Fashion has always had a place in art and culture—and that includes counterculture, as well. Many of the most popular and replicated periods of fashion history were inspired by revolution and rebellion, and they continue to influence the best trends, even today.

One of the most well-known periods of revolutionary fashion was the punk movement of the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to staples like leather jackets and combat boots, punk embraced wild and unique accessories that could be DIYed at home. That meant everything from safety pins to studs to wild hairstyles, and it helped to make punk fashion accessible to everyone.

Punk laid the foundation for other edgy fashion movements that would also push the boundaries of the day. Grunge style is associated with the grunge music movement that followed punk and came into its own in the 1990s. It’s characterized as androgynous and durable. Grunge fashion is often thrifted and very comfortable, with notable pieces like flannel shirts.

Goth is another modern take on fashion as rebellion. It embraces black and other dark colors and accessories inspired by gothic romance, such as miniature hats, fishnet tights, and dark makeup.

Sophisticated Apparel: Classy Clothes To Make a Lasting Impression

Sophistication has long been a staple of fashion, from the gilded skirts of the 1920s to modern fitted slacks. Sophisticated apparel can be useful for a wide range of occasions and activities and can help to give the wearer confidence all day long.

These are just a few of your options when it comes to timeless and sophisticated apparel:

Tasteful Casual Wear

A casual style is comfortable and versatile, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. There are many ways to create a truly chic and casual outfit that ensures comfort and ease of movement.

You’ll want to make the most of neutral colors and staple pieces for your casual wear, as this allows for more flexibility when creating outfits. Casual fashion can include a wide range of pieces, like dresses, skinny jeans, pencil skirts, and blouses, so find the style that best fits your next occasion.

Look Your Best at Work

If you’re going into the office, you have more great work outfits to pick from than ever before. Every office will have its own dress code, but sophisticated workwear can include everything from girly, pastel skirts and dresses to classy gender-neutral Oxfords and blazers, all tied together with a chic pair of black boots for the rocker at heart.

There are many ways to really express your personal style and succeed in a professional, business casual environment.

Classic Style: Vintage and Timeless

Of course, many great modern fashion trends take inspiration from the eras and styles that have come before. Fashion builds upon itself and creates something new and different every time. Some favorite fashion eras include gothic fashion, boho chic, and preppy style.

You can add some classic styles and vintage looks to your wardrobe with these tips:

Inspired by Style Icons of the Past

Whether you love a vintage tee or you’re all about Breakfast at Tiffany’s chic, there’s no denying that the style icons of eras past really knew their fashion. Explore looks from your favorite film stars and celebrities, like Audrey Hepburn (statement necklaces) or Marlon Brando (the white t-shirt).

Perhaps you are interested in Marilyn Monroe (knit sweaters with retro heels) and James Dean (the leather jacket). It’s a spap to incorporate your favorite classic styles into a modern outfit.

Callbacks to the 1960s, 1970s, and Beyond

Fashion trends tend to be circular, meaning that common styles and accessories repeat after a certain period of time. For instance, the types of fashion styles found in the 1970s influenced a lot of the styles of the 1990s, which are currently very popular today.

You can embrace some of the best pieces and looks from these periods with wide-legged jeans, bright colors—flower power!—and a little Bohemian style inspiration that’s sure to steer you right. This artsy style is perfect for chunky heels, hippie cardigans, and crochet vests.

What’s the Right Style for You?

With all these unique and exciting fashion styles and pieces to pick from, how do you find the one that really represents you?

Here are a few things you’ll want to consider when planning the next great outfit.

Where Will You Wear It?

The occasion can have a huge influence on outfit design. Always ask if a special occasion has a dress code, and make sure your look will be appropriate for the event or the venue.

What Do You Need it to Do?

Fashion can exist for fashion sense, but if you need clothes that are versatile, comfortable, or easy to clean, that can help to narrow down the styles and materials you pick from. Leggings, crop tops, and sweatshirts are great for breaking a sweat, while midi and maxi dresses might be more suited for Sunday brunch.

What Inspires You?

At the end of the day, fashion is a way to express yourself, to showcase your creativity, interests, and individuality to the world. Pick colors and materials you like, embrace the flow of fabrics, and accessorize with the jewelry, hats, or hairpieces that call your name. Remember, you can always try something new tomorrow.

Types of Fashion at a Glance

Fashion design has been an integral part of history and culture for thousands of years, and it’s not hard to see why. It is influenced by and influences art, music, underground subcultures, politics, popular culture, and a whole lot more. And with many different pieces and clothing styles to pick from, modern style fans are sure to find the looks they really love.

Create outfits inspired by fashion icons of the past, or embrace the underground movements of punk and grunge in your next look. No matter what kind of style or design you create for yourself, fashion can help you to embrace your identity and feel confident and comfortable all day long.

Find the pieces you love and timeless fashion guides here at PixieLane. Explore our growing collection of clothing and accessories curated for the ultimate fashionista.

Sources

The 11 Essentials of Punk Style | GQ

Why Breakfast at Tiffany's Will Never Go Out of Style | Vanity Fair

1968 vs. 2018: Why Love, Peace, and Flower Power Still Matter Today | Vogue