How the “Perfect” Female Body & Fashion Has Evolved, Decade by Decade

Fashion is a deeply personal form of self-expression, often sparking heated debates. The concept of the ‘ideal’ female body is no exception. 

Over the years, societal norms have dictated what body types are considered desirable, leading to a fascinating evolution of beauty standards. 

Here’s how female body types and fashion have evolved with each passing era.

The 1910s: The Era of the ‘Gibson Girl’

In the early 20th century, the ‘Gibson Girl’ was the epitome of beauty. Named after the famous illustrator Charles Dana Gibson, this ideal woman was often depicted in long gowns and corsets. 

The stunning actress and model Camille Clifford was a perfect example of this trend, with her 18-inch waist being the envy of many.

The Roaring 1920s: Rise of the ‘Flappers’

The 1920s saw a significant shift in beauty standards with the emergence of the ‘Flapper’ look. The Gibson Girl’s long gowns and corsets were replaced by loose clothing, short hairstyles, and hats. 

Margaret Gorman, the first Miss America in 1921, embodied this new ideal with her slender, boyish figure.

The 1930s: The ‘Soft Siren’ Makes a Splash

The 1930s brought another change in fashion. Women returned to form-fitting attire emphasizing a more feminine look, starkly contrasting the previous decade’s boyish aesthetic. 

Dolores Del Rio, a popular actress of the time, epitomizes this ‘Soft Siren’ look.

The 1940s: The ‘Star Spangled Girl’ Era

World War II had a profound impact on American society, including fashion. The ideal woman of the 1940s had long limbs and broad shoulders. 

Betty Grable, a famous actress of the time, was considered the perfect woman and was a common pin-up for many soldiers.

The 1950s: The Hourglass Figure Returns

The 1950s saw a resurgence of the hourglass figure, starkly contrasting the slender, boyish figures of the previous decades. With her hourglass figure and undeniable beauty, Marilyn Monroe became an iconic symbol of this era.

The 1960s: The ‘Twig’ Trend

The 1960s brought a drastic change in beauty standards. The curvy hourglass figure was replaced by a very slender, almost twig-like body type. 

Lesley ‘Twiggy’ Lawson, a popular model of this era, popularized this rail-thin look.

The 1970s: The ‘Disco Diva’ Dazzles

The 1970s saw curves return, albeit more moderate than the 1950s. The ‘Disco Diva’ look was all the rage, with women dancing the night away in glamorous outfits. 

The popular movie Charlie’s Angels’ cast perfectly embodied this decade’s ideal body type.

The 1980s: The Supermodel Era

The 1980s ushered in the era of the supermodel. Tall, long-legged models dominated the fashion scene, with Rachel Hunter and Elle Macpherson leading the pack.

The 1990s: The ‘Waif’ Look

The 1990s drastically shifted from the tall and voluptuous supermodel look to the waif-thin’ heroin chic’ aesthetic. Kate Moss, a fashion icon of this era, was the face of this trend.

The 2000s: The ‘Buff Beauty’ Emerges

The new millennium brought a shift towards athleticism. Women with toned arms and rock-hard abs graced magazine covers. Gisele Bundchen, a Brazilian model, epitomized this ‘Buff Beauty’ look.

The 2010s: The Era of ‘Booty Babes’

The 2010s celebrated curvy booties, with celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Nicki Minaj leading the trend.

The 2020s: Embracing Body Positivity

Today, women are breaking away from the concept of an ‘ideal’ body type. 

The focus has shifted towards body positivity, encouraging women of all shapes and sizes to feel confident and beautiful. Brands like Aerie are leading this change, featuring models of all sizes and body types in their campaigns.

The Future of Beauty

Predicting future beauty trends is challenging, as societal norms and preferences constantly evolve. However, the rise of social media and the increasing popularity of cosmetic procedures suggest that pursuing beauty will continue to be a significant part of our culture. 

The most important trend, however, is the growing acceptance and celebration of all body types and fashion styles, promoting a healthier and more inclusive definition of beauty.