The life of Indian women in the last century has changed drastically. Inconsiderate of age limits, women have all made their own choices and brought up a change. Women have taken charge of their lives and their fashion as well. They no longer care about those pointing fingers and questioning eyes. From a saree clad 60-year-old to a 15-year-old in a bikini, everyone has chosen their style and the way to shine! Let's see the evolution of fashion for women in the last century!
1900's - Heavily Embroidered Sarees and Lehengas
Mostly adorned by the royal families, heavy embroideries and inclusion of dummy pearls, diamonds and mirror work on the clothing was a sign of status in the 1900s. Covering the entire body, a Saree or a Lehenga was generally a common outfit for women whilst having a Dupatta on their heads. Even the
body covering clothing gives us an idea of how restricted women's life was in the early 1900s.
1930's - Contrasting Color Palette
Getting a little bolder, the 1930s denote a more confident woman who's free enough to raise a voice. Using contrasting colours in their Sarees, Skirt - tops and dresses, Indian women began to look after and care for themselves along with others. We also see the use of mild jewellery and accessories like handbags in this Era.
1950's - Getting Western!
With Bollywood coming into the picture, we see an instant westernization in women. Bolder, straightforward and confident, women were working 'hand in hand' with the men. Quite symbolically the usage of Jeans, shirts, bow ties, hats, caps, and boots - all that was earlier significant to men - became a part of Indian women's wardrobes.
1970's - Croppies and Flares
Experimenting with their clothes, baggy jeans, bell-bottom pants and knotted shirts, flared sleeves were the talk of the town. Long gone were the traditional saree drapes. In the 70's we witnessed a major evolution of Sarees with sleeveless and cropped blouses, frilled edges, and extra shimmer which went
on to an invigorating look.
2000's - Bralettes and Designer wear
With more and more fashion shows, beauty pageants and ramp show broadcasts, people adapted to the new era of fashion. Denim shorts, Bralettes, miniskirts, excessive bold jewellery were a must-have in the 2000s. Of course, not everyone could afford designer wear, but similar copies were sold and consumed on a mass scale. So, multicolour combinations, vibrant patterns and prints like wavy, polka dots, leopard stripes and checkered were booming. We also see more and more use of heels and stilettos to enhance the feel of body fitting clothing.
2020's - History repeats! But with our touch!
Coming to 2020, yes we see a great change in the amount of westernization in our ideas of fashion, but we also see that traditional outfits like pastel coloured Lehengas, Sarees, without any colour contrasts, are prevalent in the market. We can also catch a glimpse of baggy jeans and knotted shirts often paired up for an interesting blend. The use of jackets and vibrant prints is made to keep the look sober. Extra shimmer Sarees are combined with mild accessories and mild fashion wear is enhanced with the use of oxidized jewellery. We see a balance and a drastic change in the fashion sense of Indian women.
So we can safely say that while women have evolved, they have not forgotten the essence of Indian fashion. Differing from occasion to occasion, we see them flaunting their curves as well as gracing their elegance anytime today. Fashion nowadays is not just in short dresses or draped Sarees but the concept itself has evolved to include the confidence of women and how they carry a particular outfit as well. Nothing matters more than your comfort. Remember that your confidence is your ultimate fashion.
