Great fashion trends always come and go and come right back again. But while some don’t last that long, the ones that do make waves in the fashion industry in many countries around the world, often revolutionizing the way clothes are worn and sometimes making political or some other kind of statement. So far, every decade has one or two that stand out above the rest and that’s exactly what we’re revisiting today. Here are five fashion trends and the decades they came from. 

1. The Little Black Dress – 1920s

The little black dress or LBD is a black evening and cocktail dress which is considered by fashion observers to be an essential for a complete wardrobe. French designers Coco Chanel and Jean Patou are often credited with the origin of the classic dress. People often dress it up or down depending on the occasion, but they’re usually worn to events like weddings, balls, dinners and even funerals. The iconic character, Betty Boop, was first in an LBD before it was changed to red. 

2. The Bikini – 1950s

The bikini was designed by Louis Reard and was named after the Bikini Atoll, the site of the first public nuclear bomb test. The clothing item faced opposition from many groups and was banned in several countries due to its risque and minimalist design. Since then, even more revealing variations of the then jaw-dropping swimsuit have appeared, with bottoms featuring less cloth and tops that cover little more than the areolas. 

3. The Miniskirt – 1960s

Miniskirts were a hit during the 60s despite it being considered daring and risque for its time. It is said to have been created in 1964 by designer Mary Quant who drew her inspiration for the mini skirt from the street fashion of the time. Normally, this kind of skirt is usually at mid-thigh level or no longer than four inches below the buttocks. Later on, a micro-mini was created, with a hemline at the upper thigh or just below the underwear level. 

4. The Shoulder Pad – 1980s 

Shoulder pads emerged in the 80s as more women entered the workforce in large numbers. The padding used in men’s clothing was added to women’s jackets and blouses, giving the illusion of broader and less feminine shoulders and led to the movement known as power dressing. The power shoulders defined one’s silhouette and it wasn’t uncommon to see women in power like Margaret Thatcher, adopt these kinds of styles. 

5. The Mom Jean – 2000s

Mom jeans are high-waisted jeans which used to be worn by middle-aged American women during the late 90s and early 2000s. They’re usually high-waisted, ankle length jeans that make the buttocks appear bigger (and sometimes flatter) than it truly is. It has more space in the leg and sipper areas than regular skinny jeans and sometimes come with pleats or tapered legs. Though once unpopular among younger women, the jeans have since become fashionable in the late 2010s, especially with teens and young adults.