Good Morning Casual Workers!
Remember shoulder pads and power suits? (Okay, maybe some of us try to forget...). The evolution of workwear is a wild ride, and this week, we're taking a trip down memory lane.
Get ready for Casual Workwear Through the Decades! Because understanding where we have been can help us navigate where we're going (in style, of course).
The 1950s: "Conservative Casual"
For the Ladies: Think "Mad Men" but a little more relaxed. This era was all about polished separates, tailored dresses, and subtle accessories.
Key Pieces: Pencil skirts, cardigans, pearls, saddle shoes.
Modern Twist: Pair a high-waisted midi skirt with a tucked-in blouse and a statement belt for a vintage-inspired silhouette.
For the Gents: Think tailored suits in gray flannel or navy, crisp white shirts, and skinny ties. This was the era of the classic businessman look.
Key Pieces: Fedora hats, wingtip shoes, cufflinks.
Modern Twist: A slim-fit suit in a modern fabric like linen or cotton, paired with a knitted tie and a pocket square, offers a contemporary take on this classic style.
The 1960s: "Mod Minimalism"
For the Ladies: Shift dresses, bold colors, and geometric patterns defined this era of youthful rebellion.
Key Pieces: A-line dresses, mini skirts, go-go boots, cat-eye sunglasses.
Modern Twist: Rock a shift dress with ankle boots and a colorful scarf for a playful, retro vibe.
For the Gents: Slim-fit suits in bold colors, turtlenecks, and Chelsea boots were all the rage. Think "The Beatles" during their early years.
Key Pieces: Polo shirts, slim-fit trousers, desert boots.
Modern Twist: A slim turtleneck sweater with tailored chinos and Chelsea boots provides a sleek and modern look.
The 1970s: “Groove Era”
For the Ladies: Think flared pants, earthy tones, and free-flowing fabrics. This decade embraced comfort and individuality.
Key Pieces: Bell bottoms, peasant blouses, platform shoes, macrame vests.
Modern Twist: Incorporate wide-leg trousers, flowy tops, and natural textures like suede and corduroy into your wardrobe.
For the Gents: Think flared jeans, corduroy jackets, and paisley shirts. This era was all about embracing individuality and expressing oneself through fashion.
Key Pieces: Leather jackets, wide-collared shirts, platform shoes.
Modern Twist: A corduroy blazer paired with a printed shirt and dark-wash jeans creates a stylish and modern boho look.
The 1980s: "Power Casual"
For the Ladies: Shoulder pads, bold colors, and statement jewelry ruled the workplace. This era was all about confidence and making a statement.
Key Pieces: Power suits, oversized blazers, statement earrings, leggings.
Modern Twist: Embrace the oversized blazer trend with a fitted top and tailored pants for a modern take on power dressing.
For the Gents: Power suits with strong shoulders, bold patterned ties, and suspenders were key. Think "Wall Street" vibes.
Key Pieces: Leather bomber jackets, preppy sweaters, loafers.
Modern Twist: A structured blazer with a graphic t-shirt and slim-fit jeans offers a contemporary take on 80s power dressing.
The 1990s: "Grunge Meets Minimalism"
For the Ladies: Think relaxed silhouettes, muted colors, and a touch of rebellion. This decade was a mix of grunge and minimalist aesthetics.
Key Pieces: Slip dresses, oversized sweaters, mom jeans, combat boots.
Modern Twist: Pair a slip dress with a chunky knit cardigan and sneakers for a comfortable and stylish look.
For the Gents: Grunge brought in flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots. Minimalism offered relaxed-fit suits and muted colors.
Key Pieces: Oversized sweaters, graphic tees, Doc Martens.
Modern Twist: A plaid shirt layered over a plain t-shirt with straight-leg jeans and sneakers captures the 90s essence.
The 2000s: "Business Casual Boom"
For the Ladies: The rise of tech companies and the dot-com bubble led to a more relaxed dress code. This era was all about comfort and practicality.
Key Pieces: Khakis, polo shirts, cardigans, loafers.
Modern Twist: Elevate your business casual look with tailored pants, a crisp button-down shirt, and loafers or flats.
For the Gents: Khakis, button-down shirts (often with the sleeves rolled up), and loafers were the go-to. This was the era of "casual Friday" becoming the norm.
Key Pieces: Polo shirts, cargo pants, sneakers.
Modern Twist: Chinos in a slimmer fit with a button-down shirt and a casual blazer create a polished yet relaxed look.
The 2010s - Present: "The Athleisure Era" and Work from Home (WFH)
For the Ladies: Comfort and functionality reign supreme, with a focus on versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down.
Key Pieces: Leggings, joggers, sneakers, hoodies, statement tees.
Modern Twist: Embrace the athleisure trend with stylish leggings, a tailored blazer, and sneakers for a comfortable and chic look.
For the Gents: Joggers, hoodies, and sneakers are staples, often paired with more tailored pieces for a balanced look.
Key Pieces: Performance wear, bomber jackets, minimalist sneakers.
Modern Twist: Combine tailored joggers with a fitted t-shirt and a bomber jacket for a stylish athleisure look.
What does the future of the 2020’s look like? Who knows! But by learning from the past, we can create a future of workwear that's both stylish and comfortable.
Stay casual, stay curious, and we'll see you tomorrow,
The Casual Work Week