The Influence of Music On Fashion Throughout the Decades — ALT Magazine (2024)

Written by: Caroline Friedl

It’s almost impossible to imagine a world where fashion and music are not platforms of self-expression and creativity. However, a hundred years ago, young people viewed “fashionable” cravats and corsets as symbols of repression instead of catalysts for freedom. And instead of blasting punk rock music in their rooms, the common form of rebellion 100 years ago was reading books by the scandalous German philosopher Fredrich Nietzche under the dinner table.

Clearly, today’s millennials and Gen Z are much different — instead of reading philosophy books in secret, we’re bold and loud about our dissent. Using music and fashion as mechanisms of defiance actually started in the 1920s and, throughout the decades, music has become a platform for expressing political beliefs, individuality, and sexuality — thus giving birth to fashion styles that still live on today.

The Influence of Music On Fashion Throughout the Decades — ALT Magazine (1)

Going into the 1920s, the world was similar to today: kind of a mess. Instead of having #worldwar3 trending on Twitter, this generation was recovering from World War I. More Americans turned to “speakeasies” as nationwide prohibition started in January of 1920. Speakeasies contained alcohol, as well as the controversial music genre, jazz. Many groups, such as the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, labeled jazz as immoral and too sexual. These criticisms were racially fueled since most jazz performers were African American. But feeling rebellious and in a party mode, people of all races flocked to these clubs to drink and hear this new controversial music. This “wayward” form of entertainment and expression opened the door for a new revolutionary form of fashion for the youth. Young women ditched the loose full-skirt trends of the 1910s for a more scandalous look, sporting long pearl necklaces, short bob haircuts, and beaded evening dresses just below the knee (gasp). Men traded their polite double-breasted coats and high-collared shirts for the famous “Zoot Suits” and fedoras. Ultimately, the “speakeasies” symbolized a place of defiance by housing controversial jazz music and, in turn, inspired people to start expressing their defiance against society through fashion.

Moving on to the 1970s, America was gripped by the horrors of the Vietnam War and the Watergate Scandal. This led to music and fashion becoming a hotbed for dissent once again, allowing music genres like punk rock to shine. Emerging from British Mod Culture, punk rock had quickly become known for its aggressive sound and focus on originality and independence, giving the middle finger to the status quo. This musical liberation impacted the appearance of the “punk” crowd, who often donned tight leather, mohawks, and dark makeup around the eyes. The ultimate goal was to look radically different from anyone else, which is why punk rock is considered the first real music subculture.

Another booming subculture in the 1970s was glam rock. As the Star Wars franchise grew in pop culture, many musicians used sci-fi as a source of inspiration. The result was many futuristic and outlandish performances by David Bowie, Elton John, and Queen. The style of glam rock is characterized by catsuits, body paint, and a camp/androgynous looks. Since these outrageous looks didn’t absorb into the mainstream, glam rock is widely considered to have spurred another fashion subculture.

The Influence of Music On Fashion Throughout the Decades — ALT Magazine (2)

While glam rock and punk encapsulated the ‘70s, another form of music was being created at block parties in New York City: rap. It would go on to dominate music and fashion in the 1980s up until today. Since its birth, rap has served as a voice for marginalized groups. To this day, it is pioneered by minority artists, most who overcame violence-ridden neighborhoods in their youth and found both success and liberation through their music. This is when streetwear really started gaining attention; unlike the meticulously curated looks of punk and glam rock, rappers dressed to represent who they were and the communities they came from (much like their music). One of the earliest and biggest influences in the rap fashion community is Run DMC. The trio immortalized Adidas tracksuits, Adidas Superstars, and gold chains. They even wrote a song called “My Adidas,” which landed them a sponsorship with the company — the first time rap artists were supported by a big brand. This collaboration was the first to predict the long-lasting impact of this revolutionary self-defining genre on fashion.

So what about today? Even though Rave and EDM music in fashion had a brief stint in the 2000s, one of the largest influences on the fashion community right now is, again, rap. Rap started developing a different tone in 2011 when LA-based rap collective Odd Future dropped their album, The OF Tape, Vol. 2. Among the first groups to be born out of the social media era, their loud, freeform, out-of-sync sound was mesmerizingly authentic and representative of emerging counter-cultures like skate, surf, and hip hop. However, their style was drastically different from the gold chains and the designer labels that rappers in the 80s and 90s flaunted. Their West Coast style microculture was turned into a full-scale streetwear revolution consisting of bucket hats, torn up Vans, and Supreme, which resulted in hypebeast style. Realizing this link between fashion and music, the Odd Future leader, Tyler, the Creator, designed his fashion label Golf Wang.

The Influence of Music On Fashion Throughout the Decades — ALT Magazine (3)

Throughout the decades the world has changed in millions of ways, but at least one constant is the lasting influence of music on fashion. In 2019, Hypebeast and Strategy& published a Streetwear Style Report surveying 40,960 people about the impact of streetwear on their look, and the majority said that they drew inspiration from musicians. So remember, the next time you’re getting ready to go out, think about how much music from the past century has influenced the look you’re putting together: the shoes, the jacket, the hat. After all, music and fashion are some of the best storytellers.

The Influence of Music On Fashion Throughout the Decades — ALT Magazine (2024)

FAQs

How music has influenced the fashion industry? ›

The relationship between music and fashion trends is further strengthened by the fact that musicians could even be paid to highlight particular brands or products in their music videos. As their fans draw inspiration from their favourite artists, musicians frequently take on the role of trend-setters.

How did music in the 70s influence fashion? ›

The influence of disco music and the new wave of rock and pop encouraged more fashion-forward observers to don jumpsuits on nights, not complete without sky-high platform heels to match. There was an androgyny to the stage outfits of artists such as David Bowie that birthed a new way to dress for the masses.

How music influenced fashion in the 90s? ›

Musicians: The music industry also shaped 1990s fashion, as hip-hop culture turned oversized jackets and baggy jeans into popular casual wear. Singer Aaliyah became known for her effortless and minimalist style after popularizing crop tops, low-rise jeans, and athleisure.

How did music in the 1920s affect fashion? ›

During the 1920s, the growing popularity of dynamic jazz dancing encouraged designers to consider freedom of movement when creating eveningwear. Loose-fitting styles with short hemlines were ideal for dancing the Charleston and the Black Bottom.

Why is music important in fashion? ›

The music elements in a fashion show can make or break the event. The style of music chosen can help to accent the designer's collection and set the mood for the entire evening. Music really changes the mood of the show and it's important you select the correct genre depending on the collection.

What were the main influences on fashion styles in? ›

Fashion trends are influenced by several factors, including cinema, celebrities, climate, creative explorations, innovations, designs, political, economic, social, and technological.

What influenced 1980s fashion? ›

Fashion in the 1980s was bold and glitzy. Teenagers no longer dictated fashion trends - the baby boom generation was getting older and richer and demanded more glamorous, upmarket fashion. Fashion in the 1980s rejected the non-materialist `hippie' values that had inspired fashion in the 1970s.

What influenced fashion in the 1960s? ›

Fashion in the 1960s became progressively more casual across all genders and ages. Womenswear followed three broad trends: a continuation of the previous decade's ladylike elegance, the youthful styles of Mary Quant and the Space Age influence, and the late 1960s “hippie” style.

What happened in the 70s that influenced fashion? ›

Disco took over fashion for everyone in the mid-late '70s. Disco styles for women included jersey wrap dresses, tube tops, sequined shirts, spandex shorts, and high slit skirts with boots or chunky heels.

How did pop music influence fashion in the 1980s? ›

This open-programming format exposed a vast audience to a broad range of musical styles, and in this manner, music influenced dress in ways it had not been able to in the past. Fans could now see the musicians, and emulation of the bands' appearance and dress became common.

How did 80s music influence society? ›

Music in the 1980s reflected the beginning of a period with great income disparity, and a focus on affluence was shown in the music. There were also many new genres that popped up including: hip hop, new wave and hair metal, all of which have influenced music today.

What influenced fashion in the 2000s? ›

Many clothing trends in the 2000s were born out of globalization, the rise of fast fashion (affordable clothes based off runway designs usually found in department stores like Mervyn's, J.C. Penney, and Macy's), and celebrities' growing influence as style icons.

What style of music was popular in the US in the 1920s? ›

Jazz music became wildly popular in the “Roaring Twenties,” a decade that witnessed unprecedented economic growth and prosperity in the United States.

How did music influence fashion in the 1950s? ›

Rock music has had a profound influence on fashion. For example, the iconic look of the 1950s was heavily influenced by the rock and roll music of the time. James Dean and Marlon Brando popularized the “rebel” look, which featured jeans, leather jackets, and t-shirts.

How did the Jazz Age affect fashion? ›

Jazz-influenced fashion during the 1920s was an exciting amalgam of garments, accessories, and textiles. It included clothing designed for dancing to jazz music, as well as textiles that either illustrated jazz musicians or incorporated motifs with the visual rhythms of jazz syncopation and improvisation.

Does musical style impact its effects? ›

The different effects music can have on your brain depends upon the genre we prefer to listen. Soothing music like Jazz helps us distress and has healing powers. Upbeat music releases endorphins and which makes us happy and increases our immune. Pop music boosts energy and helps us exercise better.

What major reasons show that music is important? ›

Music can raise someone's mood, get them excited, or make them calm and relaxed. Music also - and this is important - allows us to feel nearly or possibly all emotions that we experience in our lives. The possibilities are endless.

Why is music tied to our culture? ›

Music is an essential element of culture. Sharing music from one culture to another gives people an insight into another way of life. This is even more crucial during times of conflict when other methods of interaction are rendered impractical.

What are the 3 key influences on fashion? ›

Fashion Designing Basics: Factors Influencing Popular Fashion
  • Fashion Forecast (Colour & Fabric) Deciding the colour, fabric and look for the upcoming season is something that every designer works on. ...
  • Movies & Music. The entertainment world is a major influencer of fashion. ...
  • Fashion Stylist. ...
  • Economy of a Country.
Dec 20, 2017

What are 4 factors that influence clothing? ›

The selection of clothing should be done on the basis of age, season, income, occasion and fashion.

What are four factors that influence fashion trends? ›

Factors Influencing Fashion
  • Social Factors.
  • Cultural Factors.
  • Political Factors.
  • Environmental Factors.
  • Psychological Factors.
Jun 22, 2021

Why was 80s fashion so Colourful? ›

Hollywood used bright colors to convey youth, innocence and optimism in the cult movies of the 80s, such as in “Back to the Future” with brightly colored puffer vests, “The Breakfast Club” with plaid and neon in clashing combinations, “Flashdance” with its lycra and neon dancewear and “E.T.” with its 80s fashion trends ...

What decade was the best for fashion? ›

Truth be told, 1970s fashion is some of the best, and the decade has some of the greatest style icons, too. From Cher and Bianca Jagger to Diana Ross and Grace Jones, the sartorial choices of these legendary stars still hold up today. In fact, they're even better.

What were the key elements of 80s fashion? ›

80s fashion included high-waisted trousers, printed blouses, bright head and wrist sweatbands, ankle boots, Members Only jackets, and polka dotted dresses. Women then preferred bold oversized clothing and paired outfits with big hoops, fanny packs, bandanas, chunky jewelry, and socks.

Who influenced fashion in the 1940s? ›

When it comes to 1940s fashion, Christian Dior was one of the most influential designers, thanks to his groundbreaking new silhouette which redefined women's post-war style and revived France's fashion industry after a difficult few years.

What was fashion like in the 1970s? ›

It wouldn't be hyperbole to say that a fashion revolution occurred in the 1970s. Polyester was the material of choice and bright colors were everywhere. Men and women alike were wearing very tight fitting pants and platform shoes. By 1973, most women were wearing high cut boots and low cut pants.

How did fashion change from 1950 to 1960? ›

The clothes between 1950-1960

Bows were a popular choice of detail, often added to necklines. Sunnies were an accessory that grew in popularity, often with pointy frames and matching to the rest of the outfit. The skirt length was right below the knee which was a favorable length for the effect of the skirt.

What was fashion like in the 70s and 80s? ›

Exaggerated flares, mom jeans, saturated colors, printed denim, permed hair, dramatic ruffles, and over-the-top silhouettes — it's no surprise that the 70s and 80s were among the boldest decades in the fashion industry.

What was the most popular fashion in the 1990s? ›

Scrunchies, acid-wash jeans, tube tops, and capri pants reigned supreme among '90s style trends, along with crimped hair, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and punk rock.

What kind of music is associated with the 1970s? ›

Aside from disco, funk, soul, R&B, smooth jazz, and jazz fusion remained popular throughout the decade. Rock music played an important part in the Western musical scene, with punk rock thriving throughout the mid to late 1970s.

What two genres of music influenced fashion the most in the 1990s? ›

Rap and hip-hop rose from subculture status in the 1980s to world domination during the 1990s, and both genres' dynamism caused this success.

What was pop music heavily influenced by? ›

Pop music was initially inspired by jazz, ragtime, rock and roll, and blues. But as years go by, pop music evolves to incorporate new styles like disco, dance, electronic music, rap, R&B, and others.

Why was 80s music so great? ›

The economy was booming and the middle class was resurging. The wealthier population mixed with increases in music technology meant that was much more easily accessible. People were listening to all kinds of music: Latin, Afro-pop, reggae, etc. This differentiation of music started to blend together in 80's music.

What was invented in the 1980s that had a huge impact on music? ›

Digital Synthesizers

Everybody thinks of the '80s as the era of the synthesizer, but for the first few years of the decade, synth technology was still stuck in the '70s—strictly analog. It wasn't until Yamaha introduced the DX7 in 1983 that digital synthesizers really took off.

What are the benefits of 80s music? ›

[These] 1980s pop hits could have positive nostalgia attached to them for many people, and their upbeat, party-like sounds can induce the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain, both increasing feelings of happiness and calm.”

What influenced fashion in the 2010s? ›

The 2010s were defined by hipster fashion, athleisure, a revival of austerity-era period pieces and alternative fashions, swag-inspired outfits, 1980s-style neon streetwear, and unisex 1990s-style elements influenced by grunge and skater fashions.

What was the fashion in the 1990s? ›

For much of the 1990s, particularly the middle years, teenage boys and girls bought and wore very simple clothes, such as shortalls, athletic shorts, dress shorts, high waisted ankle length jeans and pants plain or pleated. flannel shirts, grey knitted sweaters, and backpacks.

What was the fashion like in the 1990 2000? ›

Both men and women adopted grunge fashion in the early part of the decade and loose, oversized clothing and jeans became staples. As the decade progressed, women's fashion became more streamlined as minimalism became de rigueur, while children's clothing often featured popular Disney characters.

Why were the 1920s and 1930s important in the development of popular music? ›

A. During the 1920s and 1930s, the production and consumption of popular music was deeply influenced by new technologies, including radio and sound film, and by new institutions designed to protect the rights of composers and music publishers. B. The record industry expanded rapidly after World War I.

What was music like in the 1930s? ›

In the 1930s, big bands and swing music were popular, with Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller popular bandleaders. In the 1940s, the bands started to break up, and band singers like Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan went out on their own. War songs became popular.

How did jazz impact the Roaring 20s? ›

Jazz greatly increased in popularity during the 1920s. No longer a regional music dominated by African Americans, jazz in the 1920s helped define a generation torn between the Victorian society of nineteenth century America and the culture of modernity that was quickly defining the early twentieth century.

How music has influenced fashion styles? ›

The relationship between music and fashion trends is further strengthened by the fact that musicians could even be paid to highlight particular brands or products in their music videos. As their fans draw inspiration from their favourite artists, musicians frequently take on the role of trend-setters.

What was the 1950s music trend? ›

Rock and roll dominated popular music in the mid 1950s and late 1950s, and quickly spread to much of the rest of the world. Its immediate origins lay in a mixing together of various black musical genres of the time, including rhythm and blues and gospel music; with country and western and Pop.

How did music change American society during the 1950s? ›

The impact of rock In' roll was first felt by the masses in the 1950s. During this time rock In' roll became a dividing and uniting force. It pitted parents, the mass media, and the government against teenagers, and at the same time helped erode some of the prejudices felt towards African Americans.

What are 3 fashion trends from the Jazz Age? ›

Dropped-waist dresses, sporty knits, fringe and long necklaces are among the trends born from the groundbreaking, looser look that first emerged in the 1920s.

How did jazz change clothing? ›

The first mass marketed jazz recordings were made in 1923, and the popularity of jazz soared. Consequently, women's dresses became loosely fitted, and waistlines dropped to the hips.

What styles did jazz influence? ›

Rock, R&B, Hip-hop, Pop and other genres have been influenced by Jazz. Jazz rhythms and harmonies have been featured in styles of music that produce a sway rhythm, like R&B or Latin styled tunes.

What influence does music have on shopping? ›

For example, shoppers may feel more sophisticated while listening to certain types of music, or they may feel calmer while browsing with other music in the background. Shoppers move faster or slower, depending on the tempo of a song, and this may impact how much they purchase or how fast they eat.

How did MTV influence fashion? ›

This open-programming format exposed a vast audience to a broad range of musical styles, and in this manner, music influenced dress in ways it had not been able to in the past. Fans could now see the musicians, and emulation of the bands' appearance and dress became common.

How has hip-hop music influenced fashion? ›

Breakdancers and hip-hop artists popularized tracksuits, chains and Kangol hats, creating a new and exciting street fashion culture. As hip-hop evolved during the '80s, the music aspect of the genre became more important than the dancing aspect.

How did the fashion of the 1960's get influenced? ›

It was heavily influenced by the Space Race of the Cold War , in addition to popular films and television series Science fiction, paper bags , such as Star Trek , Dan Dare or Lost In Space. The synthetic fabrics of the 1960s allowed space age fashion designers to design garments with bold shapes and a plastic texture.

How did music change from the 1950s to the 1960s? ›

Music during the 1950s and 60s. In the 1950s, country music came into its own before rock-n-roll took off in the 60s while jazz and classical music continued to innovate. To one extent or another, all of these forms of music drew from roots that were planted firmly in rural America.

What type of music encourages shopping? ›

Shoppers' Preferences

More than 70 percent of people say they are more likely to shop in locations that play music they enjoy. But what they love can vary. Women often prefer oldies, pop, and R&B in their shops, while men frequently prefer rock, blues, and bluegrass. Think hard about your customer base.

In what ways does music have an impact on the economy? ›

They bring in tourists, create jobs and generate income for local businesses. Live music events also provide a platform for musicians to showcase their talent and build a fan base. In today's article, we will discuss the economic impact of music events and how they contribute to the local economy and the wider GDP.

How does music shape people? ›

How does music affect our lives? Music has the ability to deeply affect our mental states and raise our mood. When we need it, music gives us energy and motivation. When we're worried, it can soothe us; when we're weary, it can encourage us; and when we're feeling deflated, it can re-inspire us.

What inspired 80s fashion? ›

A decade typified by its “power dressing,” the 1980s actually opened with stylish sportswear and the soft “New Romantics” style. Carrying on from the late 1970s trend for sportswear and encouraged by a fitness craze, women increasingly wore stylish gym wear in their day-to-day life.

What was the trend in music in the 80s? ›

Soft rock, glam metal, thrash metal, shred guitar characterized by heavy distortion, pinch harmonics, and whammy bar abuse became very popular. Adult contemporary, quiet storm, and smooth jazz gained popularity. In the late 1980s, glam metal became the largest, most commercially successful brand of music worldwide.

What effect did MTV have on the music industry in the 1980s? ›

"What MTV did was for the first time give one big central outlet for music, and so rather than having to go radio station to radio station, there was one big hit that became the primary outlet for new music and new bands." MTV's timing was perfect because pop culture was ready for it.

How did jazz music influence fashion? ›

Jazz-influenced fashion during the 1920s was an exciting amalgam of garments, accessories, and textiles. It included clothing designed for dancing to jazz music, as well as textiles that either illustrated jazz musicians or incorporated motifs with the visual rhythms of jazz syncopation and improvisation.

How does streetwear influence fashion? ›

Streetwear has become a major force in the fashion industry in recent years. It has influenced traditional fashion brands, high-end designers and major retailers to adopt its style. Streetwear often combines classic items like denim or turtlenecks with unconventional logos and branding elements for a distinctive look.

Why did hip-hop fashion start? ›

As is the case with the music itself, there is not a single individual or music group that started hip-hop fashion. Rather, each rapper and DJ brought his own style to the party, as well as the dance crews that wore different attire as uniforms to distinguish themselves from competition.

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