Each decade has brought its own distinct style and flair to fashion, reflecting the times. It can be fun and fashionable to dress up in iconic looks from different eras, whether you’re attending a themed party or adding vintage elements to your everyday wardrobe.
This article explores 15 Decades Dress to Impress Outfits Ideas spanning different eras, which will give you plenty of fashion inspiration.
Swing Dance Ready
Take your dance moves to the next level with a fun and flirty outfit that channels the energy of the 1940s swing era. Dress in an A-line with a fitted bodice and full skirt to complement your knees.
You should wear comfortable shoes with your dress, such as low-heeled Mary Janes or oxfords. For an extra touch of vintage charm, style your hair with victory rolls or pin curls and add a flower or hair bow.
Beatnik Cool
Wear a beatnik-inspired outfit to celebrate the counterculture of the 1950s and 1960s. Choosing a black turtleneck sweater and pairing it with cigarette pants or a slim skirt will work well.
You can complete your look by wearing a black beret, dark sunglasses, and flat ballet pumps. You can give yourself an intellectual, artistic vibe by wearing just a little black eyeliner.
Psychedelic Sixties
Wear psychedelic 1960s clothing to reminisce about the hippie era. Putting a fringed vest on top of a maxi dress or skirt in a swirling print will add a splash of color to the ensemble.
Adding beads, headbands, and round sunglasses will make your outfit pop. Authentic touches can be achieved with body paint or temporary tattoos depicting peace signs and flowers.
New Romantic Flair
The New Romantic style of the early 1980s rounds out our look at the decades. Don’t be afraid to show off your androgynous side in this look.
A ruffled shirt with a high collar can be worn with tight pants or a full skirt. Add some drama to your makeup with bold eyeliner and colorful eyeshadow. You can go big and wild with your hair, or cut it asymmetrically for that true New Romantic look.
Roaring 20s Flapper Dress
The flapper dress epitomizes the spirit of breaking free from convention in the 1920s. Fringe and beading adorn this iconic look featuring dropped waists and shorter hemlines.
A feathered headband, strands of pearls, and T-strap heels will give your flapper dress a Roaring Twenties vibe. Using dark, smoky eyes and a bold lip color will add more drama to your look.
1930s Hollywood Glamour
As Hollywood’s golden age of style dawned in the 1930s, stars such as Greta Garbo and Jean Harlow set fashion standards. A satin or silk bias-cut gown will capture the essence of this era of elegance.
Make your look special with long gloves, an art deco-inspired stole, and a piece of jewellery in the style of the time period. Your inner silver screen siren will shine with soft waves and bold lips.
1940s Wartime Chic
World War II, however, did not stop the 1940s from producing iconic fashion trends. With padded shoulders and a nipped-in waist, this tailored suit embraces the practicality of the era.
Put a small hat or snoop in your hair, along with seamed stockings and oxford shoes. When you’re wearing red lipstick, remember that it symbolized patriotism during World War II.
1950s Pin-Up Girl
Bettie Page set the standard for beauty during the 1950s, when femininity and glamour returned. Wiggle dresses and high-waisted bikinis are perfect to recreate this look.
You can achieve the pin-up style by styling your hair in victorious rolls or high ponytails, while wearing a red lip and winged eyeliner. Add some peep-toe heels and a confident attitude to complete the look.
1960s Mod Fashion
We were introduced to modern fashion during the Swinging Sixties, characterized by bold colors, geometric patterns, and mini skirts. An amazing shift dress paired with white go-go boots will make you feel like Twiggy.
Make your hair sleek and bobby with oversized sunglasses and chunky plastic jewellery. Put false lashes on your eyes and use pale lips for your makeup.
1970s Disco Diva
Fashion in the 1970s was transformed by disco fever. Prissy sequined jumpsuits or wrap dresses with plunging necklines will make you pop on the dancefloor.
In addition to platform shoes, big, bouncy curls or sleek centre-parted hairstyles are essentials for this look. Choosing makeup that sparkles is key, as is wearing glossy lips.
Retro Rockabilly
Though there is no specific era associated with rockabilly, it is heavily influenced by the 1950s and early 1960s. You can embrace this timeless look by wearing high-waisted capris, a tie-front blouse, and a bandana.
Make sure you complete your victory roll look with cat-eye sunglasses, saddle shoes, and the perfect victory roll hairstyle.
Art Deco Elegance
Wear an Art Deco-inspired ensemble to transport yourself back to the 1920s and 1930s. Make your outfit stand out with a sleek column-style dress featuring geometric patterns or beaded accents.
Wear pearls, feathered headpieces, and T-strap heels to complete your look. Make sure you complete this sophisticated look with a smoky eye and deep red lips.
1980s Power Suit
There was no escaping the excess of the 1980s when it came to fashion. You’ll stand out in a power suit with bold shoulders in a bright colour or pattern.
Adding big earrings, chunky necklaces, and a wide belt to tighten the waist will complete this look. You don’t have to be shy with hairspray when it comes to hair. The bigger, the better – tease the locks and use hairspray liberally.
1990s Grunge Chic
During the 1990s, grunge fashion became a popular rebellion against previous decade’s excess. Wear an oversized flannel shirt, ripped jeans, and a band t-shirt to channel your inner Kurt Cobain.
Add some dark eyeliner to lend that “I don’t care” attitude to this look, along with some combat boots or Converse sneakers.
Y2K Futuristic Fashion
The fashion industry evolved into a futuristic one as we approached the new millennium. Adding a metallic puffer jacket, low-rise jeans, and a crop top will give you a Y2K vibe.
Adding some glitter and tinted sunglasses is a good way to brighten up an outfit. Hairstyles such as space buns and crimped styles are great choices.
Throughout the Decades: Accessorizing
Your outfit can be made or broken by your accessories, no matter what era you’re channeling. A quick guide to accessorizing for different decades is below:
| Decade | Jewelry | Shoes | Bags |
| 1920s | Long pearl necklaces, headbands | T-strap heels | Beaded clutches |
| 1930s | Body jewellery, charm necklaces | Peep-toe pumps | Envelope clutches |
| 1940s | Brooches, simple pendants | Oxford shoes, wedges | Box-style handbags |
| 1950s | Pearl studs, charm bracelets | Kitten heels, saddle shoes | Top-handle purses |
| 1960s | Plastic bangles, hoop earrings | Art Deco brooches, long gloves | Mini shoulder bags |
| 1970s | Chunky necklaces, hoop earrings | Platform shoes, clogs | Fringe bags, disco balls |
| 1980s | Statement earrings, multiple bracelets | Pumps with bows, jelly shoes | Oversized clutches |
| 1990s | Chokers, snap bracelets | Combat boots, platform sneakers | Mini backpacks |
| 2000s | Jewellery | Platform flip-flops, Ugg boots | Baguette bags |
How to Dress Authentically for Each Decade
Keeping these tips in mind will help you achieve the perfect decade-inspired look:
- Get to know the era by looking at photos and watching movies
- Take note of what silhouettes and proportions are characteristic of each decade
- Be sure to check your underwear – they can have a dramatic effect on the way your clothes fit.
- Wear appropriate fabrics for each decade (e.g., natural fibers in earlier decades, synthetics in later decades).
- Learn how to apply makeup and hairstyles appropriate to the period
Dresses are not the only thing that constitutes fashion. There is no fashion unless there is an idea, a way of living, what is happening.” Coco Chanel – “Fashion is in the sky, in the street, it is the way we live, what is going on.”
Bringing vintage and modern together
The trend of dressing in retro clothing can add a unique flair to your style, even when you’re not going to themed events. A few ideas:
- Wear a full skirt inspired by the 1950s with a modern t-shirt and sneakers
- Choose a boho maxi dress from the 1970s and accessorize it with minimalist jewellery from the present day
- Bring a touch of retro glamour to an outfit with a 1940s-style hat
- Add vintage accessories to a plain dress, like a scarf from the 1960s or a belt from the 1980s
The fashion industry follows a cyclical pattern, and many recent trends are inspired by the styles of previous decades. Creating timeless and cutting-edge looks requires an understanding of the hallmarks of different eras.
Conclusion
A decade-inspired outfit doesn’t just recreate a look – it captures the spirit and energy of a particular time period. The following 15 Decades Dress to Impress Outfits Ideas will provide you with a great starting point for your fashion time travel, whether you’re attending a themed party or simply want to add some vintage flair to your everyday style.
If you want to pull off a decade-inspired look, you must be confident. Regardless of what era you’re channeling, you’ll look great in your outfit if you own it and have fun with it.
