Chuck Taylors, low-rise and skinny jeans, haircuts with bangs; can you guess what period of time we’re talking about? This could either be the 1980s, early 2000’s or…right about now! Styles can change a lot throughout time, and re-emerge over the decades. Let’s explore some of the styles from clothing to home decor that have had an influence on our culture, then and now.
In the past, bell-bottoms were all the rage, today holey jeans are hip. Tube tops then, crop tops now. What you wear today and your style may look a lot different than that of your parents’, grandparents’, and great-grandparents’ but may also reflect their flair. Do they still have a stylistic influence on you? Or perhaps you would like the exact opposite choices. Practicality, comfort, personal style, taste, and popularity could all play a part in what we gravitate towards.
Some fads are fleeting, others come back to stay, such as the classic living room chair––a beloved staple that evolved over time but is here to stay. What do The Goldbergs and All in the Family have in common (other than being sitcoms)? The “Dad Chair.” Murray Goldberg and Archie Bunker’s staples. While Archie’s chair may have been a wing back, Murray’s living room fixture was a recliner, what we now affectionately just call the Lazyboy. Even Joey and Chandler’s Friends apartment featured this classic.
Still in circulation today, Lazyboy has quite literally been a household name for decades. Nowadays, such chairs have wireless charging for your phone and cupholders. They rock, swivel, recline, have lumbar support, and more. Somehow these chairs have evolved to be even more comfortable!
Possibly the biggest shift? The price tag. What once cost a couple hundred bucks now comes loaded with all the bells and whistles and a four-figure price. Our ancestors could've furnished an entire living room for the cost of one modern recliner. Whether it's a classic Lazyboy or today’s tech-savvy thrones, the iconic "dad chair" still holds its place as a cornerstone of comfort.
How about the way men get a haircut? The classic “shave and cut, two bits” is now more like “fourty five dollars, plus tip”. Razor edges back then have become 5-blade razors, though the classic metal scissors have remained. The chair itself has evolved as well. From a high-back, stiff, swivel-only chair of one height to a low profile seat with a low back that not only swivels but moves up and down adding ease for the stylist.
Think about women’s hairstyles over the years. From the carefully set pin curls of the 1940s to the teased volume of the '80s, women’s hairstyles have always reflected the spirit of their time. Today, versatility rules—sleek blowouts, beachy waves, and effortless buns all coexist, with modern tools and products making it easier than ever to switch up styles to match any mood or moment.
When you think of stylistic icons, who comes to mind? Marilyn Monroe with her classic flowy dresses and skirts? Dazzling Doris Day with her big curly hair and colorful outfits? Both of these fashion icons were booming in the 1950s and 60s.
Consider music styles. The Beatles rock and roll and their many outfit changes for each album. How about ‘purpley’ Prince in the 1980s with his funky suits and unique guitars. Avril Lavigne became popular in the early 2000s with her emo style and punky music. Nowadays, Taylor Swift is all the rage with her ever-changing style depending on the “Era” of the album. Many artists are influenced by those who came before them, but still add their own flair and personality. Not only were all of these icons different in how they presented themselves and what they wore, the art they created was also very unique to them.
Think of your favorite style icon—what is it about them that draws you in? Is it their ability to stay true to their signature look, or the way they’ve evolved over time? Trends come and go, and no one can truly predict which ones will stick. Sometimes it feels like there’s no rhyme or reason, because style is so deeply personal. Whether it’s a favorite shirt, hairstyle, band, or artist, our individual preferences are what make each of us stand out.
It has been said: “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. As we all explore our own styles, embrace what you like and be uniquely yourself! The real beauty of style is that it’s a reflection of you.
It has been said: “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Be uniquely you!
As we all explore our own styles, embrace what you like! Who knows, maybe one day you will start a trend.