By: Haziqah binti Ramli (2023670634)
Pop fashion is more than just clothing—it’s culture you can wear. It’s shaped by the music we listen to, the shows we binge, and the icons we admire. Unlike traditional or cultural costumes, pop fashion represents what’s popular in mainstream entertainment at a given time. It’s expressive, bold, and always evolving.
There are tons of pop fashion styles—from edgy streetwear and glam disco to grunge rebellion and playful Y2K revivals. Each era brings something fresh, with old trends constantly being reimagined for the new generation.
Ready to explore how pop fashion has changed over the decades? Let’s take a walk through time and see how the past still inspires what we wear today.
POP FASHION THROUGH THE ERA
1920s – The Jazz Age
Then: The Roaring Twenties broke traditions with bold flapper dresses, long pearl beads, bob haircuts, and cloche hats. It was a decade of rebellion, jazz, and redefining femininity through fashion.
Now: These vintage elements inspire today’s eveningwear—beaded bags, satin slip dresses, and finger waves are stylish nods to a century-old era, revived for parties, red carpets, and retro-themed events.
1950s – Rock & Roll
Then: The ‘50s brought classic Americana to life with full skirts, layered petticoats, and polished leather jackets. Rock & roll icons, like Elvis Presley, helped define the greaser look with slick hairstyles and rebellious flair.
Now: Modern streetwear embraces these retro roots through polka-dot prints, cat-eye sunglasses, and edgy leather pieces—blending vintage charm with contemporary cool.
- 1960s – Mod & Hippie
Then: The 1960s split into two iconic trends. Mod fashion flaunted mini skirts, go-go boots, and bold geometric prints. On the flip side, the hippie movement embraced tie-dye, fringe, and bell-bottoms as symbols of peace and freedom.
Now: From color-blocked pieces and flared jeans to tie-dye crop tops seen at music festivals, these vintage styles are enjoying a groovy comeback—especially popular on TikTok and among Gen Z.
1970s – Disco & Glam
Then: Disco fever dominated the ‘70s with eye-catching sequins, metallic jumpsuits, and towering platform shoes lighting up every dance floor. Glam fashion brought dramatic flair and sparkle into everyday looks.
Now: This glitzy aesthetic lives on through shimmery fabrics, halter necklines, and retro sunglasses—making waves in festival wear and on modern fashion runways alike.
1980s – Bold & Flashy
Then: The 1980s were all about standing out. Neon colors lit up the fashion scene, shoulder pads added drama to silhouettes, and leg warmers became both a workout and streetwear staple—thanks to the aerobics craze and icons like Madonna.
Now: Today’s fashion influencers are channeling that same bold energy with bright hues, oversized blazers for a power look, and eye-catching statement jewelry that nods to ‘80s glam but feels modern and sleek.
1990s – Grunge & Hip-Hop
Then: The ‘90s offered two powerful styles: grunge and hip-hop. Grunge brought in flannels, ripped jeans, and a raw, unbothered vibe popularized by bands like Nirvana. Meanwhile, hip-hop fashion embraced oversized jackets, gold chains, and bold logos as a form of cultural expression.
Now: Those looks are still going strong. Ripped denim, plaid shirts, and streetwear brands like Supreme and Stüssy are everywhere—blending rebellion and nostalgia into today’s casual wardrobes.
2000s – Y2K Era
Then: Fashion in the early 2000s was all about bold, playful, and sometimes over-the-top looks. Low-rise jeans ruled the streets, paired with bedazzled tops full of rhinestones and sparkle. Velour tracksuits, especially those by Juicy Couture, became a casual luxury must-have.
Now: Fast forward to today, we’re seeing a strong Y2K revival among Gen Z. Baby tees with cute or edgy graphics, butterfly clips adding fun to hairstyles, and cargo pants making a comeback as both functional and fashionable pieces dominate the scene.
2010s–Now – Digital Influence
Then: The 2010s saw the rise of influencer culture, where bloggers and Instagram personalities shaped fashion choices more than traditional celebrities. Normcore—minimalist and ‘normal’ fashion like plain jeans and T-shirts—became a statement, and streetwear gained global influence thanks to hip-hop and skate culture.
Now: Today, TikTok and Instagram have sped up the trend cycle, making micro-trends come and go faster than ever. Y2K styles have resurfaced, corsets are now paired with jeans as a regular outfit choice, and new fashion crazes pop up almost weekly, pushed by viral social media content.
Fashion vs. Costumes
Fashion is everyday clothing that reflects trends, personal style, and cultural influence. It evolves with time — like the Y2K revival or streetwear trends you see today.
Costumes are outfits worn for a purpose — performances, festivals, or themed events. They represent a specific character, era, or concept (think Halloween, cosplay, or movie costumes).
Streetwear originally grew out of the skateboarding and hip-hop scenes in the 1980s and 1990s, where style was all about self-expression, rebellion, and creativity. As pop culture started evolving with music, movies, and television, these influences shaped how people dressed on the streets. What started as a small subculture soon became a major movement, blending everyday comfort with bold artistic statements inspired by what people were listening to and watching.
Pop Culture’s Impact on Everyday Streetwear
From Michael Jackson’s signature leather jackets to Run-DMC’s Adidas tracksuits, pop culture icons have always played a key role in pushing streetwear into the mainstream. Over time, brands began noticing the influence of pop culture on fashion, leading to major collaborations—like Supreme and Louis Vuitton—blurring the line between luxury and streetwear. These partnerships turned casual clothing into global fashion statements, with fans wanting to dress like their favorite celebrities.
In today’s world, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram make fashion trends spread globally within days. What’s viral online quickly makes its way into everyday wardrobes. From oversized graphic tees to nostalgic Y2K aesthetics, modern streetwear constantly changes with pop culture’s influence. Now, it’s more than just fashion—it’s personal. What people wear represents who they are, their inspirations, and the cultural moments they connect with.
