What People Were Wearing the Year You Were Born

Let's embark on a 100-year street style journey, shall we?

08 March, 2018
What People Were Wearing the Year You Were Born

Let's embark on a 100-year street style journey, shall we?

1916

This lovely Victorian lady would never get lost in a crowd with *this* hat.

11916

This lovely Victorian lady would never get lost in a crowd with *this* hat.

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1917

Can we just agree that if Beyoncé lived 100 years ago, this would definitely be a part of her wardrobe?

21917

Can we just agree that if Beyoncé lived 100 years ago, this would definitely be a part of her wardrobe?

1918

The great-grandmother of the midi skirt makes its appearance in 1918, with the must- have accessory of the season: the pointy black umbrella.

31918

The great-grandmother of the midi skirt makes its appearance in 1918, with the must- have accessory of the season: the pointy black umbrella.

1919

Nobody would be spotted at high tea without an umbrella, a wide-brimmed hat, or white gloves. Preferably, all three.

41919

Nobody would be spotted at high tea without an umbrella, a wide-brimmed hat, or white gloves. Preferably, all three.

1920

For 1920, this thoroughly modern look is basically the 2004 equivalent of the Mean Girls miniskirt.

51920

For 1920, this thoroughly modern look is basically the 2004 equivalent of the Mean Girls miniskirt.

1921

Photographic evidence that the roaring '20s were the epitome of elegance.

61921

Photographic evidence that the roaring '20s were the epitome of elegance.

1922

The woven skirt is a standout piece, but it looks even more chic coupled with the gloves that may or may not have inspired Lady Gaga's 2015 Oscar look.

71922

The woven skirt is a standout piece, but it looks even more chic coupled with the gloves that may or may not have inspired Lady Gaga's 2015 Oscar look.

1923

There's no such thing as too much fur, clearly.

81923

There's no such thing as too much fur, clearly.

1924

The fur hula hoop trend continues to grace the streets in 1924.

91924

The fur hula hoop trend continues to grace the streets in 1924.

1925

These youthful ladies hit the town, modeling some flapper costume inspiration: beads, hats, and skirts your clique will be copying next Halloween.

101925

These youthful ladies hit the town, modeling some flapper costume inspiration: beads, hats, and skirts your clique will be copying next Halloween.

1926

The bold bows, along with sassy pointy-toed pumps, tie these looks together.

111926

The bold bows, along with sassy pointy-toed pumps, tie these looks together.

1927

Between the sophisticated sun hats and the lace detailing on the skirts, 1927 is the year of garden-party chic.

121927

Between the sophisticated sun hats and the lace detailing on the skirts, 1927 is the year of garden-party chic.

1928

A pleated knee-length skirt can easily be paired with a Taylor Swift-approved bob and bold lip combo.

131928

A pleated knee-length skirt can easily be paired with a Taylor Swift-approved bob and bold lip combo.

1929

Flowy pattern play and oversized floppy hats are the name of the game.

141929

Flowy pattern play and oversized floppy hats are the name of the game.

1930

Here we see the (slightly more modest) lacy ancestor of the red carpet naked dress.

151930

Here we see the (slightly more modest) lacy ancestor of the red carpet naked dress.

1931

These washerwomen expertly coordinate their on-trend looks, nailing those neck shawls along the way.

161931

These washerwomen expertly coordinate their on-trend looks, nailing those neck shawls along the way.

1932

Whoa, wait a minute ... is that a pantsuit she's rocking? With the cinched belt detail, this is an impressively contemporary look for 1932.

171932

Whoa, wait a minute ... is that a pantsuit she's rocking? With the cinched belt detail, this is an impressively contemporary look for 1932.

1933

Structured, embellished shoulders complete these delicate looks, which might get you in the mood for a spot of tea and scones, to be honest.

181933

Structured, embellished shoulders complete these delicate looks, which might get you in the mood for a spot of tea and scones, to be honest.

1934

This houndstooth ensemble just screams "step into my office."

191934

This houndstooth ensemble just screams "step into my office."

1935

Throwing on a long fur coat and coordinating hat was clearly the move back in 1935.

201935

Throwing on a long fur coat and coordinating hat was clearly the move back in 1935.

1936

These sunbathing beauties show off beach glamour in its original form.

211936

These sunbathing beauties show off beach glamour in its original form.

1937

Animal-inspired, bold-patterned coats aren't going anywhere in this decade.

221937

Animal-inspired, bold-patterned coats aren't going anywhere in this decade.

1938

Accessories clearly take the reign here — just see: the pom pom beret, fitted blazer, and heeled loafers. And we're happy to report that cute dogs are still a trend.

231938

Accessories clearly take the reign here — just see: the pom pom beret, fitted blazer, and heeled loafers. And we're happy to report that cute dogs are still a trend.

1939

A-line skirts quickly replace the pencil skirt suit, giving the legs just a bit of breathing room.

241939

A-line skirts quickly replace the pencil skirt suit, giving the legs just a bit of breathing room.

1940

Stripes: making backyard lounging stylish since 1940.

251940

Stripes: making backyard lounging stylish since 1940.

1941

Fur rules once again, pictured here with coordinated accessories: a boxy bag and an elegant pointed hat.

261941

Fur rules once again, pictured here with coordinated accessories: a boxy bag and an elegant pointed hat.

1942

The USA creates fireworks in the fashion world in 1942, inspiring bursts of patriotic touches.

271942

The USA creates fireworks in the fashion world in 1942, inspiring bursts of patriotic touches.

1943

A walk in the park requires a dash of springy florals.

281943

A walk in the park requires a dash of springy florals.

1944

Ruffles are absolutely everything in this look, and wedges give it a modern feel.

291944

Ruffles are absolutely everything in this look, and wedges give it a modern feel.

1945

These skirt-suited ladies are literally on their way to rule the city.

301945

These skirt-suited ladies are literally on their way to rule the city.

1946

Schoolgirl-inspired fashions capture the best of both worlds at the time — pants and skirts, and never without a cardigan.

311946

Schoolgirl-inspired fashions capture the best of both worlds at the time — pants and skirts, and never without a cardigan.

1948

The return of the pleated skirt, with ankle-strap heels to boot.

321948

The return of the pleated skirt, with ankle-strap heels to boot.

1949

Behold, a distant relative of harem pants! The first-ever bubble hem hits the scene in 1949.

331949

Behold, a distant relative of harem pants! The first-ever bubble hem hits the scene in 1949.

1950

Shoulder pads make their fashion debut with this coat and skirt set. And of course, more leopard print.

341950

Shoulder pads make their fashion debut with this coat and skirt set. And of course, more leopard print.

1951

Printed wrap dresses accessorized with embellished hats and white sandals dominate the summer street style in 1951.

351951

Printed wrap dresses accessorized with embellished hats and white sandals dominate the summer street style in 1951.

1952

Skirt suits still steal the moment in 1952, updated with a chunky beaded necklace and shoulder bag.

361952

Skirt suits still steal the moment in 1952, updated with a chunky beaded necklace and shoulder bag.

1953

These impeccably dressed ladies take the teeniest, tiniest bags with them on a stroll.

371953

These impeccably dressed ladies take the teeniest, tiniest bags with them on a stroll.

1954

The skirt suit is slowly evolving with the addition of a cape, an early source of style inspiration for the countless celebs who wear capes.

381954

The skirt suit is slowly evolving with the addition of a cape, an early source of style inspiration for the countless celebs who wear capes.

1955

Baskets are not just for Easter anymore. They happen to be the go-to accessory of 1955.

391955

Baskets are not just for Easter anymore. They happen to be the go-to accessory of 1955.

1956

Coats get longer and bags finally get bigger in 1956. Holiday shopping has never looked so fab.

401956

Coats get longer and bags finally get bigger in 1956. Holiday shopping has never looked so fab.

1957

A fun silk neck scarf and a matching skirt-and-jacket combo is just what any modern woman needs to get her through the day.

411957

A fun silk neck scarf and a matching skirt-and-jacket combo is just what any modern woman needs to get her through the day.

1958

The veiled hat: allows literal shade to be thrown any time, anywhere.

421958

The veiled hat: allows literal shade to be thrown any time, anywhere.

1959

Automatic shade: the sequel. This look is just proof that tossing on a trench and black sunnies is the way to make sass happen.

431959

Automatic shade: the sequel. This look is just proof that tossing on a trench and black sunnies is the way to make sass happen.

1960

This woman is also trying to figure out how she'll walk in the longest, pointiest shoes you have ever seen in your life. Podiatrists everywhere are thankful that trend didn't last long.

441960

This woman is also trying to figure out how she'll walk in the longest, pointiest shoes you have ever seen in your life. Podiatrists everywhere are thankful that trend didn't last long.

1961

Silky trapeze silhouettes are the newest trend to blow up in 1961.

451961

Silky trapeze silhouettes are the newest trend to blow up in 1961.

1962

Just casually sitting on a car in a plaid skirt and scarf set, no big deal.

461962

Just casually sitting on a car in a plaid skirt and scarf set, no big deal.

1963

That hat though. And finally, a bag that is big enough to *actually* hold things!

471963

That hat though. And finally, a bag that is big enough to *actually* hold things!

1964

The art of the trapeze coat swings back in action in 1964, with a classy updo to match.

481964

The art of the trapeze coat swings back in action in 1964, with a classy updo to match.

1965

This woman struts her stuff in a bold-collared, long peacoat and a signature '60s high pony.

491965

This woman struts her stuff in a bold-collared, long peacoat and a signature '60s high pony.

1966

The poncho officially becomes an evening staple when paired with sexy, strappy heels and a high-volume do.

501966

The poncho officially becomes an evening staple when paired with sexy, strappy heels and a high-volume do.

1967

Street style gets a Shakespearean makeover with lacy cuffs, lacy collar, and buckled black loafers.

511967

Street style gets a Shakespearean makeover with lacy cuffs, lacy collar, and buckled black loafers.

1968

A look you could totally get away with in 2016: fitted turtleneck, plaid skirt, and high boots.

521968

A look you could totally get away with in 2016: fitted turtleneck, plaid skirt, and high boots.

1969

The mini dresses and long, layered necklaces are cute, but those patterned tights are on fire.

531969

The mini dresses and long, layered necklaces are cute, but those patterned tights are on fire.

1970

Corduroy bell-bottoms? A couple of years ago we would have said no way, but these might just be reincarnated in 2016.

541970

Corduroy bell-bottoms? A couple of years ago we would have said no way, but these might just be reincarnated in 2016.

1971

Who were you in 1971 if you didn't hit the streets in a psychedelic kimono set?

551971

Who were you in 1971 if you didn't hit the streets in a psychedelic kimono set?

1972

Ah, the pure essence of the '70s, namely that powder blue suit and matching ruffled shirt.

561972

Ah, the pure essence of the '70s, namely that powder blue suit and matching ruffled shirt.

1973

If it weren't for the addition of black tights, we would totally be getting Dukes of Hazzard vibes from the denim shorts and button-down combo.

571973

If it weren't for the addition of black tights, we would totally be getting Dukes of Hazzard vibes from the denim shorts and button-down combo.

1974

1974: when something your great aunt knitted meets street chic attitude.

581974

1974: when something your great aunt knitted meets street chic attitude.

1975

Only in the '70s could you look like a human banana and still be runway-ready

591975

Only in the '70s could you look like a human banana and still be runway-ready

1976

Flares are very much still present (it is the '70s after all), this time combined with long wool jackets, scarves, and a beret to add a touch of sophisication.

601976

Flares are very much still present (it is the '70s after all), this time combined with long wool jackets, scarves, and a beret to add a touch of sophisication.

1977

Long wool coats make yet another appearance, as these original hipsters show us how the beanie is done.

611977

Long wool coats make yet another appearance, as these original hipsters show us how the beanie is done.

1978

Every dancing queen needs a belted striped mini dress to let out her inner disco diva, right?

621978

Every dancing queen needs a belted striped mini dress to let out her inner disco diva, right?

1979

This Farrah Fawcett-inspired sunny beach ensemble rounds out the '70s quite well ... because you can never go wrong with bright yellow platforms.

631979

This Farrah Fawcett-inspired sunny beach ensemble rounds out the '70s quite well ... because you can never go wrong with bright yellow platforms.

1980

Blue and red color blocking was 100% a thing back in 1980. As were mom jeans and leg warmers, in case you couldn't tell.

641980

Blue and red color blocking was 100% a thing back in 1980. As were mom jeans and leg warmers, in case you couldn't tell.

1981

Don't you miss the days when you could go out in a puff-sleeved belted leo? Just ask your mom, she'll tell you.

651981

Don't you miss the days when you could go out in a puff-sleeved belted leo? Just ask your mom, she'll tell you.

1982

A never-before-seen pic of your aunt and uncle heading into a Journey concert. So *that's* why that leather jacket looks so familiar!

661982

A never-before-seen pic of your aunt and uncle heading into a Journey concert. So *that's* why that leather jacket looks so familiar!

1983

Never mess with a woman in head-to-toe pleather.

671983

Never mess with a woman in head-to-toe pleather.

1984

Now here's the '80s look we dreamed of in every Molly Ringwald movie. Side note, who decided to do away with pockets that could actually hold our belongings?

681984

Now here's the '80s look we dreamed of in every Molly Ringwald movie. Side note, who decided to do away with pockets that could actually hold our belongings?

1985

As the song goes, in 1985 there was Springsteen, Madonna, way before Nirvana. And it definitely holds true for these lace-gloved Madonna fans.

691985

As the song goes, in 1985 there was Springsteen, Madonna, way before Nirvana. And it definitely holds true for these lace-gloved Madonna fans.

1986

Blue on blue — 1986 was a monochromatic time.

701986

Blue on blue — 1986 was a monochromatic time.

1987

This dress might actually still be in your mom's closet. (Whether she can still get away with it is not our decision.)

711987

This dress might actually still be in your mom's closet. (Whether she can still get away with it is not our decision.)

1988

The choice to wear heels while shopping seems misguided, but the idea to match the two daughters in Madeline-inspired outfits is genius.

721988

The choice to wear heels while shopping seems misguided, but the idea to match the two daughters in Madeline-inspired outfits is genius.

1989

We reached the peak of floral on floral in the '80s, but mother-daughter outfit coordination has certainly outlived this era.

731989

We reached the peak of floral on floral in the '80s, but mother-daughter outfit coordination has certainly outlived this era.

1990

Crop tops, tight dresses, and sequins galore — today's trends are still taking notes from the 1990s. (And we're still copying their poses, too.)

741990

Crop tops, tight dresses, and sequins galore — today's trends are still taking notes from the 1990s. (And we're still copying their poses, too.)

1991

Friends who nail the light-wash jeans trend together stay together.

751991

Friends who nail the light-wash jeans trend together stay together.

1992

An all-white ensemble for the win. With an oversized jacket and pants, a high waisted belt, and an umbrella without rain, walking the dog has never looked better.

761992

An all-white ensemble for the win. With an oversized jacket and pants, a high waisted belt, and an umbrella without rain, walking the dog has never looked better.

1993

We won't tell anyone that she raided grandma's closet for this head-to-toe look — including the bright white hat and a small, over-the-shoulder bag — because by 1993 standards, she definitely worked it.

771993

We won't tell anyone that she raided grandma's closet for this head-to-toe look — including the bright white hat and a small, over-the-shoulder bag — because by 1993 standards, she definitely worked it.

1994

You "can't touch this" look, no matter what you do.

781994

You "can't touch this" look, no matter what you do.

1995

This is 1995 nightlife fashion at its finest: a white mock-neck tennis dress with cutouts paired with white sneakers. Cue "This Is How We Do It" blasting through the speakers.

791995

This is 1995 nightlife fashion at its finest: a white mock-neck tennis dress with cutouts paired with white sneakers. Cue "This Is How We Do It" blasting through the speakers.

1996

The late '90s were the days — when your look could include denim cutoffs and knee socks or citrus fruit print flares and no one would judge you in the slightest.

801996

The late '90s were the days — when your look could include denim cutoffs and knee socks or citrus fruit print flares and no one would judge you in the slightest.

1997

Jeans got even lighter as the decade wore on, and bikinis became even more acceptable as shirts.

811997

Jeans got even lighter as the decade wore on, and bikinis became even more acceptable as shirts.

1998

1998 was the year of the "midriff" top: Britney Spears-tested, parents-unapproved.

821998

1998 was the year of the "midriff" top: Britney Spears-tested, parents-unapproved.

1999

Mixing just about every color of the rainbow in one outfit is completely allowed in 1999. In fact, it's encouraged.

831999

Mixing just about every color of the rainbow in one outfit is completely allowed in 1999. In fact, it's encouraged.

2000

Neon + netting was enough to make us toss our hair too in 2000.

842000

Neon + netting was enough to make us toss our hair too in 2000.

2001

JNCO jeans decided to make one last billowing appearance in the new millennium.

852001

JNCO jeans decided to make one last billowing appearance in the new millennium.

2002

When in doubt, throw on a fedora and choker to achieve perfectly authentic 2002 style.

862002

When in doubt, throw on a fedora and choker to achieve perfectly authentic 2002 style.

2003

The most popular outfit in 2003? Spaghetti strap tank+ boot-cut jeans + pumps, of course.

872003

The most popular outfit in 2003? Spaghetti strap tank+ boot-cut jeans + pumps, of course.

2004

Don't lie, we remember you wearing this outfit on school picture day, and maybe even repeating it once or twice.

882004

Don't lie, we remember you wearing this outfit on school picture day, and maybe even repeating it once or twice.

2005

Both Paris Hilton and Elle Woods would endorse this pink patterned halter dress and sunglasses combo.

892005

Both Paris Hilton and Elle Woods would endorse this pink patterned halter dress and sunglasses combo.

2006

These two BFFs bring Snooki and JWoww realness, and hair flowers, to street style.

902006

These two BFFs bring Snooki and JWoww realness, and hair flowers, to street style.

2007

The perfect tenth grade outfit begins with a striped tank and slouchy knit beanie.

912007

The perfect tenth grade outfit begins with a striped tank and slouchy knit beanie.

2008

Remember when hands-free bags existed? Or heeled Mary Janes? Yeah, neither do we.

922008

Remember when hands-free bags existed? Or heeled Mary Janes? Yeah, neither do we.

2009

This yellow shift dress gets finishing touches in the form of black heeled booties with killer side-eye.

932009

This yellow shift dress gets finishing touches in the form of black heeled booties with killer side-eye.

2010

Anyone can give off that cool California girl energy in a white linen dress with crochet accents, booties, and sunglasses.

942010

Anyone can give off that cool California girl energy in a white linen dress with crochet accents, booties, and sunglasses.

2011

Business casual gets a 2011 update with a pale pink blazer, white skinny crops, and peep-toe pumps.

952011

Business casual gets a 2011 update with a pale pink blazer, white skinny crops, and peep-toe pumps.

2012

This bright purple satchel offsets the 50 shades of grey in this sweater dress, long peacoat, fur piece, and booties.

962012

This bright purple satchel offsets the 50 shades of grey in this sweater dress, long peacoat, fur piece, and booties.

2013

Leopard print returns again and again in the 20th century, and it's alive and well in 2013.

972013

Leopard print returns again and again in the 20th century, and it's alive and well in 2013.

2014

Vintage festival fashion, which most of us are not cool enough to pull off, resurrects itself in the age of Coachella.

982014

Vintage festival fashion, which most of us are not cool enough to pull off, resurrects itself in the age of Coachella.

2015

2015 seems so last year, despite this fresh black high-neck chiffon dress, wide-brimmed hat, and booties.

992015

2015 seems so last year, despite this fresh black high-neck chiffon dress, wide-brimmed hat, and booties.

2016

Layers on layers are the look of 2016, which promises to be a year of traffic-stopping street style.

1002016

Layers on layers are the look of 2016, which promises to be a year of traffic-stopping street style.

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