If there’s one place we’re finding style inspiration, it’s on the streets. From the most stylish men to the most stylish women, we’re constantly seeing fashion style inspiration on social media.
But how can we replicate this style inspiration on the blog? With so many costumes and hairstyles to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start! That’s why we’ve gone ahead and curated this detailed guide, filled with style inspo from the most fashionable stars. Whether you’re looking for fashion styles or costume ideas, this guide is for you.
The Evolution of Fashion & Beauty
Over the years, we’ve seen many fashionable men and women evolve their style and approach to beauty. From clean-cut looks to heavy make-up, here are some of the greatest fashion trends and styles that have swept the globe.
1920s
A decade that began with the introduction of women’s right to vote, the 1920s were a decade of transition. While women gained the right to vote, they still had less economic and social power than men. As a result, the fashion styles of the time favoured male dominance and practical clothing. After years of men dominating the catwalks, female designers began to flourish, and we saw a rise in style-conscious women looking for the most innovative fashion trends.
1930s
The roaring ‘30s were a decade of exuberance and innovation as the world adapted to the modern world. Fashion, art and design responded favourably to the new ways of living. This was particularly true in the fields of art and design where we saw fantastic clothing and accessories. Tailored suits and bright colours were big during this time period as were the women’s ‘barmitzvahs’ or graduation dresses. These were everyday dresses that women wore to celebrate finishing their studies. While the world focused on the great depression, people had more time to spend with their families and friends, socializing and keeping up with the latest trends.
1940s
After several decades of change, the 1940s were a decade of retro revival. People wanted to go back to formality and warmth, and so many fashion trends were inspired by the ‘40s era. The world was still recovering from the devastations of World War II and the fashion industry worked hard to make up for lost time. The retro ‘40s look is often described as ‘mature’, ‘classy’ and even ‘elegant’. During this time, we mostly saw men wear tuxedos and women in ball gowns or suits. These formal outfits are what we describe as ‘granddad dresses’ as many people in the ‘40s often used to dress up as their favorite grandfather. It was a way of celebrating their heritage.
Modern
Fashion, art and beauty have continued to evolve and change since the 1960s. While style-conscious individuals have always existed, the emergence of the ‘hipster’ subculture helped to create an audience for unique, innovative and fashionable styles. Whether you call it ‘grunge’ or ‘dad dressing’, rough and ready looks were extremely popular and heavily inspired style choices during this time. It was a rebellion against the style conventions of the time. Today, we often associate the ‘hipster’ look with vintage styles coupled with a modern twist. This hybrid style emerged partially as a result of the ‘70s culture of ‘peace, love and understanding’. These were often expressed through ‘flower power’ and ‘hippie’ styles. While people were still interested in dressing up as their favorite Hollywood star, they also wanted to express their individuality through their clothing. These two contrasting ideals inspired the birth of modern fashion.
The Evolution of Fashion & Beauty
This decade saw an evolution in the way we dress. While many celebrities still wore classic attire, rough and ready looks were replaced with a greater interest in unique style choices. It wasn’t just about looking good, but about standing out.
Mad Men
If there’s one place we find style inspiration, it’s on the screens of Hollywood’s most prestigious drama series, Mad Men. Set in the ‘60s, Mad Men explores the fashion, lifestyle and culture of the time. While the show isn’t entirely representative of the ‘60s, it does offer a unique insight into how style consciousness was perceived and pursued in the ‘60s.
The Evolution of Style
In keeping with our theme of styles and trends inspired by Hollywood stars, let’s take a look at how some of Hollywood’s most stylish individuals evolved their style.
Kate Hudson
Actress Kate Hudson is a style inspiration for many for her glamorous yet simple style choices. Since appearing in films like Freaky Friday and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Hudson has maintained a chic and sophisticated look. Although her style may not be suitable for all occasions, Hudson usually pairs trendy looks with simple jewellery and accessories. This combination makes for an elegant look that is perfect for the red carpet.
Jared Leto
Jared Leto is another stylish actor who emerged on the scene in the early 2000s. Best known for his roles in Requiem for a Dream and Dallas Buyers Club, Leto’s style is unique. The 41-year-old used to be a fashion model before becoming an actor, and it shows in his on-screen and off-screen style. His fashion choices are both innovative and representative of the time in which he lives. The Australian model and actor was a master of the white suit and red carpet. This minimalist look is both classic and stylish at the same time.
Lauren Conrad
He may not be a household name yet, but 39-year-old Conrad has been around long enough to be a style inspiration. The former Miss Universe turned fashion designer is credited with making an off-white look popular. Offering a unique perspective on style, Conrad opened up a range of white clothing options for the masses. Since then, she’s helped to establish the white dress as an option for weddings and other formal events. This traditional outfit is now available in a range of colors too, so it’s suitable for a variety of events. When it comes to her outfits, Conrad usually chooses simple yet elegant dresses and separates. Style icon.
Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani is another style inspiration for many. The 49-year-old singer and songwriter is best known for her work with the band No Doubt. A style pioneer, Stefani designed the band’s iconic costumes and helped to establish their distinctive look. This fashion-artistic woman has been a constant source of style inspiration ever since, helping to define a new era of cool.
Kanye West
Kanye West is yet another style inspiration. The 39-year-old singer, songwriter and fashion designer is famous for pioneering the creative use of denim in fashion. He is also responsible for creating his own fashion lines as well as collaborating with leading designers. A true style chameleon, West is known to change his look many times throughout the year. This season alone, he debuted a new fashion line inspired by his favorite fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent. We’ve even seen him dress as a completely different person for a music video.
As you may have guessed, celebrities don’t always dress the same as the role they play. While many continue to choose white suits and red carpet looks, we’re also seeing a resurgence in fashion choices that are evocative of the ‘70s. This nostalgia is undoubtedly what helped to fuel the retro revival that has emerged in recent years.