Beauty and fashion trends go in and out of style, with some looks (like bangs) seemingly never leaving center stage. While trends come and go, it’s always good to know where you started. Join us in taking a quick look back at some of the most popular beauty and fashion trends during the decade when you were born.
Top Beauty and Fashion Trends 1970s – 2000s
1970s
If you were born during the 1970s, you’re considered a Gen-Xer and grew up on the tail end of the sparkly era of disco through the colorful, materialistic 80s and into the early grunge movement. But what were teens and young women wearing during the decade you were born?
For starters, Bettie Page-inspired bangs and middle parted hair were popular. Think of early Cher – with her long, straight locks. Short hair was all the rage, with icons like Liza Minnelli wearing their hair in modified shag cuts that resembled a blend of a pixie cut and a bob. Side ponytails, soft curls, and blown up Farrah Fawcett hairstyles were also on trend.
As for ‘70s makeup, pastels were the hot item. Women wore pastel baby blue eyeshadow with rosy cheeks and lips. Fashion-wise it was pinstripe suits or glittery silver, flowing dresses that resembled the disco balls and lighting of disco nightclubs like Studio 54.
1980s
The late ‘70s birthed the anti-disco, post-punk movement, with music and beauty icons like Debbie Harry of Blondie taking the lead, and goth/’80s New Wave queen Siouxsie Sioux breaking ground with her shocking Egyptian cat-like graphic eyeliner, dark red lips, and big frizzy, dyed hair.
Olivia Newton-John and Jane Fonda were also style icons in the early 80s, and many women wore mullets (the worst hairstyle ever imagined), while others wore teased ponytails, crimped hair, or big curls.
As for makeup styles, bold block-shaped eyeshadow in all colors of the rainbow, blue or black eyeliner, and bright blush topped off the wild mismatched leopard print looks made popular by icons like Cyndi Lauper. Meanwhile, Madonna had boys eating out of her hands with her infamous lacy white dress, hair-sprayed perm, and flirtatious smile.
Kids born during this era are considered Millennials, so if this is you – you’re probably experiencing a flashback to your teen years lately with the late ‘80s and early ‘90s beauty and fashion trends that are making a comeback. (Yes, Target’s Wild Fable line includes scrunchies and fanny packs!)
1990s
Kids born in the ‘90s are full-fledged Millennials. However, the ’90s ironically kicked off with minimalism – an indirect reflection of women tired off the neon and spandex of the pop-influenced ’80s. Stars like Drew Barrymore and models like Kate Moss wore minimal makeup, eye-skimming bangs, and flowery dresses with Mary Jane shoes.
Visible lip liner, rust-colored lipstick, and frosted eyeshadows also became makeup staples, while crazy hair colors like red, blue, orange, green, and pink all were popular during this time. Meanwhile, celebrities like Gwen Stefani made thin eyebrows and high ponytails trendy.
Friends’ star Jennifer Aniston had the most popular haircut of the decade – “The Rachel” – which featured highlights, choppy layers, and a curl.
The ’90s also saw the rise of hip-hop, with big baggy jeans, oversized sports jerseys, gold chains, and backwards baseball hats – all part of the tailwind of the ’80s. It was also the era of grunge, when Nirvana was king, and everyone wore ripped jeans and flannel shirts.
2000s
If you were born in the 2000s, you’re a Gen-Z member, and you’re still underage. (Sorry kids!)
Lucky for you, in the 2000s, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé were some of top celeb names in the music industry. As such, women wore their hair and makeup in similar ways – from crimped hair to tight ringlets, smokey eyeshadow to fanned-out eyelashes and lots of bronzer. The cat eye remained popular, and everyone loved contouring their cheekbones like the Kardashians.
Belly chains, cropped shirts, and cargo capris were popular, along with sexy, slinky dresses. In the early 2000s, it was all about wearing everything too tight.
So, do you follow the beauty and fashion trends of your decade? What styles do you miss most, and what trends have returned that you’re excited about?
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Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash
