What People Were Wearing the Year You Were Born

Fashion over the last 120 years — (Image credit: Getty Images)

There's nothing better than throwback fashion, especially when it reminds you exactly where you came from. From flappers in the 1920s to jean skirts in the early aughts, click through more than 120 years of street style, ahead, to see what people were wearing the year you were born. You're guaranteed to cringe, laugh, and reminisce.

1900

The beginning of the Edwardian age brought fashion looks like the S-bend corset and style standards of the "Gibson Girl," which were carried over from the last decade.

1901

These cool cats and kittens wore a trend popular in the western world. Broad hats decorated with feathers and other materials were thought to be a staple alongside "Gibson Girl" hairstyles.

1902

Pouter pigeon blouses and trumpet skirts were all the rage in 1902.

1903

Believe it or not, wearing your underwear inside out didn't start in Mean Girls. The camisole, which is still used today in modern forms, was a sleeveless undergarment for women usually accompanied with frills and lace.

1904

Frothy afternoon dresses started gaining popularity in the 1870s, but really started to peak in the 1900s. Stiff collars never looked better.

1905

Ruffled sleeves and waist-cinching bows were the defining features of dresses during this time—oh, and corsets, of course.

1906

Something makes us think that these bicyclists would be horrified (possibly enthralled...?) by today's current bike short trend.

1907

Conservative necklines were of the utmost importance in the Edwardian era. It even became fashionable for woman to take it a step further by adding a lace bib on the front of their dresses.

1908

How very Cora Crawley from Downton Abbey. Embroidered velvet or silk robes were all the rage as fashion began to shift towards more free-flowing styles in the early 1900s.

1909

Elaborately-beaded dresses like this one by the designer of the decade, Paquin, were common for formal evenings.

1910

High necklines, cinched waist dresses, and ostrich-feathered hats were the name of the game for Edwardian fashion.

1911

Coming out of the Edwardian era, boxy suits became a new wardrobe staple, although the high neckline and gloves remained key.

1912

A wide-brimmed sun hat covered in elaborate flowers and ribbons was the ultimate accessory in 1912.

1913

Opulent materials, like lace, muslin, and ostrich feathers, were status symbols in 1913.

1914

Wearing either a fur or ostrich stole on top of your many petticoat layers was the height of fashion, no matter what age you were.

1915

Women's bathing suits became a little bit more stylish around 1915 as designers started making them in a variety of cuts and patterns.

1916

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

1917

Can we all agree that if Beyoncé lived 100 years ago, this jacket would definitely have been 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.

1919

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.

1921

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.

1923

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

1924

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

1925

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

1926

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.

1928

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.

1930

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

1931

These washerwomen expertly coordinate their on-trend looks, slaying 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.

1933

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

1934

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

1935

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.

1937

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

1938

Accessories clearly take the reign here—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.

1940

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.

1942

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, no matter what Miranda Priestly would say.

1944

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.

1946

Schoolgirl-inspired fashion capturred the best of both worlds at the time—pants and skirts...never without a cardigan.

1947

Christian Dior led the charge for the fashionable A-line silhouette that added emphasis to a woman's hourglass figure.

1948

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 hit the scene in 1949.

1950

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 dominated the summer street style in 1951.

1952

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.

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.

1955

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.

1957

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

1958

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

1959

Automatic shade: the sequel. This look is 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.

1961

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, NBD.

1963

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

1964

The art of the trapeze coat swings back into 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.

1966

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, a lacy collar, and buckled black loafers.

1968

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 straight fire.

1970

Corduroy bell-bottoms? A couple of years ago we would have said no way.

1971

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.

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.

1974

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.

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 sophistication.

1977

Long wool coats make yet another appearance. 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.

1979

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

1980

Blue and red color blocking was 100 percent 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 leotard? Just ask your mom, she'll tell you.

1982

A never-before-seen pic of your aunt and uncle heading into a Journey concert.

1983

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. 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.

1986

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 up to us.)

1988

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

1989

Mom and daughter team match

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.)

1991

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

1992

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 in 1993 standards, she definitely worked it.

1994

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.

1996

The late '90s were the days—when your look could include denim cutoffs, knee-high 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 tops.

1998

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.

2000

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

2001

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 a perfectly authentic 2002 style.

2003

The most popular outfit in 2003? A spaghetti strap tank, boot-cut jeans, and pumps, of course.

2004

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

2005

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. Plus, those hair flowers!

2007

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.

2009

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 with a white linen dress featuring crochet accents, booties, and sunglasses.

2011

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

2012

Leopard print returns in the 20th century. It's alive and well in 2013.

2013

Leopard print returns in the 20th century. 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.

2015

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

2016

Layers on layers was the look of 2016.

2017

Suits make it into mainstream fashion once again in 2017—this time in an oversized fit. A bold color was encouraged.

2018

Dad sneakers slowly started creeping into the fashion world when designers like Balenciaga debuted them in 2018. By summer, they were one of the most popular trends.

2019

With nostalgia leading the charge on trends, we saw the return of the crop top in the mid-2010s. It wasn't long until that transformed into one of the biggest trends of the year: bras as shirts. Note the extended bike shorts and mules she paired it with.

2020

Quarantine looks consist of anything comfortable with subtle pops of color.

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Maggie Maloney is the associate editor at Town & Country and ELLE Decor, where she covers style, beauty, jewelry, and the many members of the royal family. She also manages social media and content strategy for both brands.