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Style Through the Decades

What's your style vibe?

Find it with this decade-by-decade fashion timeline.

Where Do You Fit In On Fashion's Timeline?

Think about three words that describe your approach to style. (We’ll wait!)

Now take a read through this decade-by-decade fashion breakdown to see what resonates with your personal style (and maybe find a few new “aha” moments for putting together your next look). History, inspiration, and plenty of suggestions—coming right up.


The 1940's

You gravitate towards all things classic and vintage. And you consider Casablanca your style manifesto.

THE LOOK

While this period saw clothing become streamlined and functional as more women entered the workforce during WWII, we also saw the opposite when it came to jewelry—there was a surge in the popularity of costume jewelry and big, bold pieces. For brides, feminine, organic pieces were favored (as were rough cut diamonds).

 

KEY PIECES

Photo lockets (they often had pictures of loved ones serving in the war inside), matching earrings and brooches, and bold, playful statement pieces.

Capture the Style

Ellaura Timeless Vintage-Inspired Diamond Engagement and Wedding Ring Bridal Set 3/8ctw

Ellaura Timeless Vintage-Inspired Diamond Engagement and Wedding Ring Bridal Set 3/8ctwEllaura Timeless Vintage-Inspired Diamond Engagement and Wedding Ring Bridal Set 3/8ctw

Ellaura Timeless Vintage-Inspired Diamond Engagement and Wedding Ring Bridal Set 3/8ctw

Created Ruby and Created White Sapphire Sterling Silver EarringsCreated Ruby and Created White Sapphire Sterling Silver Earrings

Created Ruby and Created White Sapphire Sterling Silver Earrings


The 1950's

Feeling feminine is your jam. Your style is either super playful or you can’t get enough glam and live for that old-school Hollywood look. Ever sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” in a Marilyn voice? Definitely for you. 

THE LOOK

If the 1940’s were somewhat sparing, the 1950’s spelled glamour, luxury, and celebration. Stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor played up the opulence factor on-screen while women everywhere flocked toward fun, bright prints, beaded cardigans and larger than life skirt silhouettes. A bold red lip and winged eyeliner often completed the look.

 

KEY PIECES

Matching fine jewelry sets (called parures) were popular, as were Victorian-inspired flower and leaf motifs. Pearls also spiked in popularity.

Capture the Style

MIKIMOTO Akoya Cultured Pearl Pearl Strand, Bracelet, and Earring SetMIKIMOTO Akoya Cultured Pearl Pearl Strand, Bracelet, and Earring Set

MIKIMOTO Akoya Cultured Pearl Pearl Strand, Bracelet, and Earring Set

MIKIMOTO Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace and Earring SetMIKIMOTO Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace and Earring Set

MIKIMOTO Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace and Earring Set

MIKIMOTO Akoya Cultured Pearl Pearl Strand, Bracelet, and Earring SetMIKIMOTO Akoya Cultured Pearl Pearl Strand, Bracelet, and Earring Set

MIKIMOTO Akoya Cultured Pearl Pearl Strand, Bracelet, and Earring Set


The 1960's

You exude confidence and walk to the beat of your own drum. When it comes to color and pattern, it’s all about big and bold (but you’re not afraid of a little minimalism either). Your company of choice would be Andy, Edie, or Audrey.

REEDS Exclusive True Petals Flower Diamond Station Necklace 1/3ctwREEDS Exclusive True Petals Flower Diamond Station Necklace 1/3ctw

THE LOOK

This decade is almost synonymous with free love, flower children, and pop art. We revelled in shorter hemlines, psychedelic and painting-inspired prints, and the brightest of brights, punctuating the look with pale, frosty lips.

 

KEY PIECES

Flowers, geometric shapes, and statement earrings reigned supreme, as did stacks of bracelets and rings. Yellow gold was at the height of popularity and so were colorful enamel.

Capture the Style

REEDS Exclusive True Petals Flower Diamond Station Necklace 1/3ctwREEDS Exclusive True Petals Flower Diamond Station Necklace 1/3ctw

REEDS Exclusive True Petals Flower Diamond Station Necklace 1/3ctw

Kendra Scott Candice Cuff Bracelet in Silver ToneKendra Scott Candice Cuff Bracelet in Silver Tone

Kendra Scott Candice Cuff Bracelet in Silver Tone

Kendra Scott Sophia Earrings in RhodiumKendra Scott Sophia Earrings in Rhodium

Kendra Scott Sophia Earrings in Rhodium

 


The 1970's

You’re an even-keeled, go-with-the-flow type person and partial to subtle, earthy shades. And maybe your go-to haircut is still the Farrah.

THE LOOK

After the color explosion of the 60’s, we took a sharp turn to a neutral palette during the 70’s. Fashion and beauty both saw a renaissance of ‘au naturel’ and a resurgence of earthy, muted colors, flowy fabrics, and an almost bare-faced makeup approach.

KEY PIECES

Yellow gold keeps its hold (but now shows up as chains, tassels, and beads) and gemstones like turquoise, malachite, and lapis lazuli become popular and part of women’s signature styles. Beaded jewelry and bold pieces inspired by the disco lifestyle also take hold of our hearts.

Capture the Style

Yellow Gold Glitter Bead Tin Cup Rope Chain NecklaceYellow Gold Glitter Bead Tin Cup Rope Chain Necklace

Yellow Gold Glitter Bead Tin Cup Rope Chain Necklace

 

Ellaura Glow Marquise Diamond Twist Band Engagement Ring 3/4ctwEllaura Glow Marquise Diamond Twist Band Engagement Ring 3/4ctw

Ellaura Glow Marquise Diamond Twist Band Engagement Ring 3/4ctw

Yellow Gold Glitter Bead Tin Cup Rope Chain BraceletYellow Gold Glitter Bead Tin Cup Rope Chain Bracelet

Yellow Gold Glitter Bead Tin Cup Rope Chain Bracelet

 


The 1980's

Extra and unapologetically you. If that’s you to a T and your motto is “just wanna have fun,” you’ll love the irreverent style inspired by this decade.

REEDS Exclusive True Petals Flower Diamond Station Necklace 1/3ctwREEDS Exclusive True Petals Flower Diamond Station Necklace 1/3ctw

THE LOOK

Bye au naturel, hello neon! Dubbed the decade of excess, the 80’s certainly had a “more is more” mentality. Look-at-me colors, big hair, broad shoulders, and mix and match statements dominate. In a couple of words: lavish and voluminous. 

 

KEY PIECES

Choker necklaces and cocktail rings were all the rage, and so were gemstone rings (Princess Di’s sapphire engagement ring set this trend on fire). Diamond prices skyrocketed, shifting the focus to pearls, colored stones, and smaller diamonds. This also made pavé and channel set melee designs popular.

Capture the Style

Created Blue Sapphire and Created White Sapphire Three Piece Set Box SetCreated Blue Sapphire and Created White Sapphire Three Piece Set Box Set

Created Blue Sapphire and Created White Sapphire Three Piece Set Box Set

Exclusive REEDS Signature Diamond Round Engagement Ring, 1ctwExclusive REEDS Signature Diamond Round Engagement Ring, 1ctw

Exclusive REEDS Signature Diamond Round Engagement Ring, 1ctw

Created Ceylon Sapphire and Created White Sapphire Bolo BraceletCreated Ceylon Sapphire and Created White Sapphire Bolo Bracelet

Yellow Gold Glitter Bead Tin Cup Rope Chain Bracelet

 


The 1990's

This look might be for you if you've worn a plaid flannel or combat boots recently. Especially for you if you paired those with a spaghetti strap dress. Or named your daughter Fiona or Alanis.

THE LOOK

This decade was full of contrasts—grunge and glamour collided with a side of retro-inspired style. But most notably there was an air of minimalism. Certainly more low maintenance than the 80’s, it was all about spaghetti straps, crop tops, mini skirts, slip dresses, and looks influenced by music and Hollywood.

 

KEY PIECES

Jewelry stayed large and dramatic but had simpler flair—think a big pair of metal hoops. For brides, fancy-shaped solitaire diamonds saw a boost in popularity. This is also the decade that saw a notable rise in men’s jewelry, including chain necklaces and bracelets.

Sterling Silver 45mm Polished Hoop EarringsSterling Silver 45mm Polished Hoop Earrings

Capture the Style

Sterling Silver 45mm Polished Hoop EarringsSterling Silver 45mm Polished Hoop Earrings

Sterling Silver 45mm Polished Hoop Earrings

Exclusive REEDS Signature Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 1/2ctExclusive REEDS Signature Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 1/2ct

Exclusive REEDS Signature Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 1/2ct

Single Row Round Diamond Bangle Bracelet 1ctwSingle Row Round Diamond Bangle Bracelet 1ctw

Single Row Round Diamond Bangle Bracelet 1ctw


The 2000's

You have a fierce sense of independence and like to treat yourself to what’s timeless AND trending. (And maybe Carrie is still your fashion idol).

Ellaura Embrace Round Diamond Multi-Row Anniversary Ring 1ctwEllaura Embrace Round Diamond Multi-Row Anniversary Ring 1ctw

THE LOOK

With the world increasingly at our fingertips (hello, internet!), style becomes globally influenced and even more driven by celebrity fashion—think the ubiquitous, signature looks of shows like Sex and the City and Friends. It’s about being playful, on-trend, and even a bit flashy (courtesy of hip hop).

 

KEY PIECES

Diamonds, diamonds, diamonds—especially on hoops and showstopping engagement rings (princess cuts are especially popular now). Iconic pieces from this period include cuff bracelets, cocktail rings, layered chain necklaces, and chokers.

Capture the Style

Diamond Hoop Earrings 1ctwDiamond Hoop Earrings 1ctw

Diamond Hoop Earrings 1ctw

Shy Creation Thin Diamond White Gold Bangle Bracelet 1/6ctwShy Creation Thin Diamond White Gold Bangle Bracelet 1/6ctw

Shy Creation Thin Diamond White Gold Bangle Bracelet 1/6ctw

Ellaura Glow Marquise Diamond Twist Band Engagement Ring 3/4ctwEllaura Glow Marquise Diamond Twist Band Engagement Ring 3/4ctw

Ellaura Embrace Round Diamond Multi-Row Anniversary Ring 1ctw


The 2010's

You get your style inspo from accounts on Instagram, have a closet full of ba

THE LOOK

Fashion is no longer the sole domain of celebrities—social media influencers are starting to dictate trends, too. The big idea of this decade owes its look to architecture, and was about focusing the eye on the architectural form of the body and contouring through makeup.

 

KEY PIECES

Delicate, layered jewelry dominates the style scene -- it's about mixing and matching metals and infusing neutral tones for a 'no rules' approach to accessorizing. This includes chain necklaces and stacks of rings, too. That said, there's still room for a bold embellishment here and there.

Capture the Style

Yellow Gold Flat Oval Chain Necklace 2mm, 18 InchesYellow Gold Flat Oval Chain Necklace 2mm, 18 Inches

Yellow Gold Flat Oval Chain Necklace 2mm, 18 Inches

Shy Creation Diamond Pavé Heart Necklace 1/10ctwShy Creation Diamond Pavé Heart Necklace 1/10ctw

Shy Creation Diamond Pavé Heart Necklace 1/10ctw

Shy Creation Round Diamond Huggie Hoop White Gold Earrings 1/20ctwShy Creation Round Diamond Huggie Hoop White Gold Earrings 1/20ctw

Shy Creation Round Diamond Huggie Hoop White Gold Earrings 1/20ctw


The 2020's

This look is for you if, well, you're reading this right now. Because style is more about self-expression than ever, it’s about defying preconceived notions about gender, do’s and don’ts, etc. It’s about doing you, however you want to do it.

THE LOOK

We’re just inching into this decade but there are huge themes of body positivity and an embrace in diversity happening. We’re already seeing a style shift toward tiered skirts, two-piece formal looks, and novel new sleeve shapes. One of the biggest trends we’re seeing—styling out multiple ear piercings in new and unique ways.

 

KEY PIECES

Yellow gold is still on trend, including mixing and matching it with white gold, rose gold, or silver. With the advent of COVID and mandatory mask-wearing, earrings became the statement makers since they’re easily visible. Layered necklaces also helped put a polished look on work-from-home outfits during video calls.

Capture the Style

Yellow Gold Geometric Drop Diamond Earrings 1/4ctwYellow Gold Geometric Drop Diamond Earrings 1/4ctw

Yellow Gold Geometric Drop Diamond Earrings 1/4ctw

Yellow Gold Paperclip Link Chain Necklace 4.2mm, 24 InchesYellow Gold Paperclip Link Chain Necklace 4.2mm, 24 Inches

Yellow Gold Paperclip Link Chain Necklace 4.2mm, 24 Inches

White Gold Diamond Climber Hoop Earrings 3/8ctwWhite Gold Diamond Climber Hoop Earrings 3/8ctw

White Gold Diamond Climber Hoop Earrings 3/8ctw