What Everyone Was Wearing the Year You Were Born
Did you meet the world in plaid flannel or bell bottoms?
By 
Fashion changes at a rapid pace. When we say the '80s, everyone thinks of big shoulders and Madonna, but each year of each decade had its own unique sartorial mood. See what was at the top of the style conversation the year you were welcomed into the world. The question remains: Are you more or less likely to embrace the choker if Victoria Beckham was wearing it in the year of your birth?
1969
The Summer of Love was in full swing as was the Vietnam War. Girls like supermodel Twiggy were rocking mini skirts, often with matching or coordinating tops.
1970
It was a year of smart camel coats, Love Story and strong female silhouettes. Take note from a post-White House Jackie Kennedy in this dream jacket and cross-body bag to really pinpoint the vibe.
1971
Everyone was embracing stripes, good suiting and a solid wide brim hat. Women in ties was optional, but gave a good indication that Women's Lib was alive and well.
1972
A great wide collar was perfect for disco dancing. Bianca Jagger proved that embracing menswear shapes for women, as pioneered by Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking was all the rage. Obviously, this idea endures.
1973
The bell bottom was just the thing for men and women. It was all about showing your curves and making room for a big platform shoe underneath those roomy hems.
1974
It wasn't all suiting and menswear inspired in the 1970s. Off the shoulder-easy breezy dresses were having a moment. All the better in white cotton.
1975
The world saw the end of the Vietnam War and the rise of platform sandals, mini dresses and turtlenecks for layering. There was an ice-skater vibe in fashion and the price of a brand new Mustang was just over $4,000.
1976
The Apple Computer Company formed and Charlie's Angels premiered on TV. Women were wearing shirt dresses, midi skirts and pussy bow blouses. Feathering your hair was an unofficial mandate.
1977
Spain held its first democratic election in 41 years, the Trans Alaskan Oil Pipeline opened and Saturday Night Fever hit the big screen. Ladies wore a little sparkle whereever they could, smart, slouchy turtlenecks and anything that you could do the Hustle in.
1978
If you weren't wearing a giant collar and fitted vest in 1978, who even were you? Harvey Milk became the first openly gay person elected to public office in California and Fleetwood Mac was at the top of the charts.
1979
It was two more years before nothing could get between Brooke Shields and her Calvins but dark, fitted denim was already everywhere. Everyone was reading The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams and life expectancy for males was 70 years old.
1980
It was gold lamé or bust, baby and the question on everyone's lips was “Who Shot J.R.?” It was all glamour and glitz and looking like the richest girl in the room.
1981
Consider it the precursor to today's athleisure boom. It was all about a Jane Fonda-style workout with the leotard and leg warmers to match. Heather Locklear pulled it all off with particular aplomb.
1982
A lace portrait collar and smart velvet with a statement shoulder was just the sort of tasteful look royals and non-royals alike favored. This was a time when the world was falling in love with Princess Di and happily hadn't embraced neon yet.
1983
Pick your polka dot, any polka dot. Black, white and red was having a graphic moment, shoulders were still big and a wasp waist was everything. Everyone was naming their daughters Jennifer, Jessica, Amanda or Ashley.
1984
Everyone was still feeling the sartorial affects of "Flashdance." Off the shoulder sweaters and stir up leggings hit the masses. Christie Brinkley was the supermodel of the moment and Vanessa Williams became the first black Miss America.
1985
It was all about big hair, the slouch boot and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union and Michael Jordan was named "Rookie of the Year" in the NBA.
1986
It was only one look of Madonna's many looks, but it was a big one. Off the shoulder velvet and a lot of taffeta made appearances at proms all over America. Girls were wearing their boyfriends' leather jackets and it was all about a good pump.
1987
For every primary color and fuchsia silk rosette available, there was also a sleek buttoned-up moment in fashion. Brows were bold, cheekbones were high and so were collars. Heavy jewelry was a must and Whitney Houston just wanted to dance with somebody.
1988
The sleek skirt suit, preferable in a color of the rainbow was in every power woman closet. "Working Girl" was in theaters and it wasn't out of the question to throw on that suit with some slouch socks and sneakers. The glass ceiling was just beginning to show cracks and Wall Street was booming.
