If you didn’t already know this, fashion has always been a direct reflection of the culture, the traditions, and the values of a particular time. Each decade brings its own unique style and flair, and this is irrespective of whether you are attending a themed party or simply want to incorporate some vintage elements into your everyday wardrobe. The whole idea of the dress to impress is to express iconic looks from different eras that can be both fun and, of course, fashionable. This article will explore the 10 Decades Dress to Impress fantastic outfit ideas that span various decades, thus giving you plenty of inspiration to dress to impress! 

    What are Decades Dress to Impress?

    Decade dress to impress refers to the styling outfits that are inspired by the fashion trends from various eras, typically for themed events like parties, school events, social gatherings, or even online challenges. The goal is to channel the iconic looks and spirit of a particular decade with the help of authentic accessories, hairstyles, and makeup to help complete the ensemble effortlessly and with a glam effect. 

    10 Fantastic Decades Dress to Impress Outfits to rock this year! 

    The Roaring 1920s’ flapper dress

    The 1920s were all about choosing to express your own self and breaking free from conventions and tradition. Nothing quite screams like the 20s more than the evergreen flapper dress, which features drop waists, short hemlines, and a lot of fringe and beading! To truly capture the essence of this, you could pair your flapper dress with a feathered headband, a dramatic strand of pearls, and high heels. Don’t forget to apply bold red lips to recreate a ‘Great Gatsby’ themed event! 

    1930s Hollywood Glam dress

    The 1930s brought us towards the golden age of Hollywood, with top stars like Jean Harlow and Greta Garbo gracing the silver screen with their impeccable fashion standards. The era is to be embraced with the elegance of floor-length gowns wrapped in silk or satin. The best way to perfect this look is with long gloves, a faux fur stole to add heightened drama, and art-deco inspired jewelry. Add bold makeup with smokey eyes and red or maroon lipstic,k and you’re good to go!

    1940s Wartime Chic-Inspired Outfits 

    Despite the various challenges of World War II in the 1940s, when the world was struggling and several shops were forced to shut down, the era still managed to produce iconic fashion trends. The 40s showed us ro embrace the practicality and the resourcefulness of the era with the help of tailored suits featuring a nipped waist, and masculine padded shoulders. The ensemble is completed with seamed stockings, black Oxford shoes, and a small hat for the hair. Don’t forget to add your signature red lipstick, and you’re good to go! 

    The Pin-Up girl from the 1950s! 

    If you’ve heard of Betty Boop, you might know exactly what we’re talking about! The 1950s saw a return to feminine beauty and glamour, and pin-up girls like Bettie Page had started taking center stage to set the beauty standard. Wear a body-tight wiggle dress – brownie points if it’s red in color! Style your hair in feminine rolls, or even a high ponytail, and do dramatic eye makeup with a winged eyeliner look. Pair this with bright red lips. Complete the look with peep-toe heels and you will look like the next Betty! 

    The Mod Girl from the 1960s 

    The 1960s, or as we call it – the swinging sixties, brought modern fashion to the table characterized by bold patterns with geometric prints, bold colors, mini skirts, and white boots. If you want to complete this look down pat, then you choose to sport a mini-dress with bold and geometric prints in a bright color combination. Pair this up with oversized sunglasses, and chunky plastic but colorful jewelry. For added points, style your hair into a sleek bob or pixie cut (extra brownie points if you dye your hair bleach-blond!).

    1970s  Disco Diva Outfits 

    The 70s were all about disco and glitzy outfits, and this is why this era is considered one of the most fun and fashionable eras. Sequinned jumpsuits and wrap dresses with a plunging neckline were all the rage back then. Colors like silver, gold, blue, and pink were quite the rage, but the mainstay of this era were sequins, crazy hairdos, shiny platform heels, and glittering eye makeup. 

    1980s power-suit gang 

    The 1980s fashion was all bout over-the-top trends without any exceptions. If you truly want to perfect the 80s fashion statement, then you must wear a bold-shouldered power suit in a vibrant color or pattern. The accessories are the most important and quite key to completely ace the ensemble. Wear big earrings, chunky necklaces, and a wide belt to cinch down the waist. It is a signature to tease your hair, use hairspray to make it appear bigger. 

    1990s Grunge-Rock chic 

    The 90s saw a rebellious attitude that appeared in fashion outfits, and this came in the form of grunge fashion outfits. We’re thinking of Kurt Cobain or Courtney Love as your main style inspiration, so the more ripped the jeans are, the better. Wear them with band baggy t-shirts and an oversized flannel shirt with spiked boots or with Uggs. Don’t forget to add dramatic eyeliner and wear black nail polish to ace the ‘I don’t give a damn’ attitude.

    Y2K Fashion-forward styles 

    The 2000s saw a different perspective towards fashion – the new millennium brought on new trends, and this was textbook style for becoming fashion-forward. We’re thinking shiny and metallic puffer jackets, crop tops and low-rise jeans, dramatic belts and more. Accessories are equally interesting, like tinted shades, chunky Mary Janes or platform sneakers, heaps of bracelets, and of course tons of glitter. Space hairbuns like inspired by Princess Leia, were quite the updo for the 90s.

    2010s social media and athleisure 

    The 2010s saw a dramatic change from the Y2K styles. One of the greatest changes in outfits included skinny jeans, athleisure wear, flannel shirts, hair beanies, and oversized tees. Influencers started taking center stage with crop tops, skinny jeans, hot pants, and leather clothes. The best way to ace this sort of outfit is to just look them up on social media for inspiration, but make sure you wear chunky jewelry, large earrings, minimalist make up and include a handbag as your staple! 

    Conclusion

    Fashion is subjective, personal, and sometimes depends on a lot of factors. Some people use fashion to express their unique style, some do it to keep up with the Joneses, some do it to start a new trend – the reasons are personal, but each reason is directed towards a universal truth: fashion never grows old. In fact, if anything, we have learned from history that fashion repeats itself, and with this comprehensive guide, you might get inspiration to dress up for your next themed event – or just to visit the supermarket store, it’s really your choice!