Fashion Flashback: A History of Women’s Casual Clothing

Casual clothing is one of the best things to happen to womenswear. From lounging around in sweatpants and an oversized sweater to walking the streets carefree in jeans and a white tee, casual attire gives women a break from more restrictive professional attire. But women haven’t always had this relaxed luxury.

Starting in the 50s, we’ll give you a brief history of some of your go-to comfort pieces.

  • 1950s: A unique youth culture emerged during this age, where younger people aimed to stray from the traditions of their parents and create something different. Inspired by icons James Dean and Marlon Brando—both of whom popularized jeans—women began to leave behind dresses for jeans and T-shirts.
  • 1960s-70s: These decades brought about a time that made room for freedom of expression. Women’s casual wear became more androgynous as ladies began to wear pieces like hot pants, bell bottoms and of course, denim.
  • 1990s: While women began to strut their stuff in mini dresses, jeans were still a part of their casual repertoire. Baggy pants, tracksuits and crop tops were also pieces you would find in a woman’s collection of informal attire.
  • 2000s: Velour sweatsuits and miniskirts were a huge part of casual wear for the ladies of the early 2000s, but today, different items such as tunics, fitted shorts and leggings have changed the casual style game. But as it was in the 50s, the jeans and T-shirt combination continues to be the poster child for women’s casual attire.

Now that you have a better understanding of casual wear’s history, break out your jeans and tee. Not only will you be comfortable, but you’ll be wearing an important piece of history.

Enjoy your down-time in stylish casual clothing.

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