Feminist Fashion Trends That Revolutionized the Modern Dress Code
Feminist Fashion Trends That Revolutionized the Modern Dress Code
When considering what modern women wear to work, images of jeans, blazers, blouses, and skirts come to mind. Many trendy clothing items, now essential to a standard wardrobe, have undergone a long journey to become not just women’s fashion staples but also office classics. Let’s explore which trendy pieces, starting from the 1970s, have left a significant mark on the lives of working women, both past and present.
The 1960s: The Mini Skirt
Although the 1960s were marked by socially significant events such as the pacifist movement, nuclear safety concerns, numerous tragic assassinations, and the fight for civil rights, this decade was also pivotal for women. The women’s liberation movement introduced birth control pills and several fashion trends that embodied a newfound freedom previously unknown to women.
The mini skirt was one of the hits that quickly secured its place in women’s wardrobes alongside layered skirts, becoming a part of both evening and everyday wear. Paired with strict collars and feminine blouses, the mini skirt became an excellent option for office creativity. Today, the mini skirt remains relevant and appears in various styles, with fabrics and prints that fit seamlessly into any modern dress code.
The 1970s: Androgynous Style
The rising popularity of glam rock and the blending of male and female styles in the mass culture of the 1970s led to the birth and widespread popularity of the androgynous style. Previously, pants were considered taboo for women, especially in the workplace. However, they soon became not only acceptable but also fashionable. This gender-neutral approach to women’s clothing gave rise to masculine suits popular in office environments.
Blazers, wide-leg trousers, and loose-fitting shirts changed the perception of women’s fashion forever. This trend not only expanded the boundaries of the fashion industry but also helped women fight for equality in the workplace and occupy positions previously held only by men.
Today, the androgynous style remains one of the hottest trends, much like the topic of equality itself. It can be said that fashion is moving in the same direction as society. The reform of dress codes, the expansion of standards for women and men at work, and, of course, new clothing innovations are advancing not only the fashion industry but also collective consciousness.
The 1980s: Shoulder Pads
As women began to occupy more responsible positions in the workplace, previously exclusively male domains, power dressing became a foundational trend that changed fashion for decades. In the 1980s, the key element in business women’s clothing was shoulder pads made of paralon, which added volume and conveyed a more business-like image.
What helped make the female silhouette more masculine and respectable opened the door to wardrobe elements such as jackets and women’s suits, enabling women to stand on equal footing with men.
Today, shoulder pads have gone out of fashion as more feminine styles are in vogue, even in power dressing. Fitted jackets, high-waisted trousers, belts, and shoulders
