Decade Style Icons from the 20's - 90's

As Vintage lovers, our passion for the fashion of the past is well and truly alive. And what better way to appreciate vintage fashion than to delve into past trends and have a look at style icons whom previously rocked said looks.

In the last couple of years, 1920’s fashion has made a huge comeback. With novels like ‘The Great Gatsby’ having a remake for the big screen, the flapper look has taken off and everyone wants some fringe and a hint of sparkle. So, who better to celebrate the 1920’s fashion with than Coco Chanel? 

The ‘20’s was when Chanel really took off. 

She was the first designer to steer away from the corset, and create a relaxed, leisurely feel for woman's clothing. This look to the right is both classic and elegant, yet flowing and comfortable looking. The picture on the left is a recreation from Frock&Roll and perfect for a glamorous evening dinner! 

Moving on from Coco Chanel's glamorous feel of the 1920's, I'm introducing the playful polka dots, commonly seen throughout 1930's fashion! The polka dot was thrown into fashion after Disney depicted Minnie Mouse wearing a red polka dot dress, and since the 1930's has reoccurred numerous times throughout the following decades. 

To the left we have Bette Davis, iconic actress and the first woman to win the Lifetime Achievement Award. 



Her beautiful 1930's look, recreated on the right,  would work wonderfully for a first date, or a romantic walk. After all, Bette Davis' greatest successes are her portrayals in romantic dramas!

Film and television icon, Joan Crawford, was hugely influential throughout the 1940's as she had already made a name for herself in the industry by that point. Below is a daytime look created by Joan, that was typical of the casual, yet playful look of the 1940's.

This recreation creates a girly look which would work greatly for a ladies lunch. Afternoon tea, perhaps? 






Through the 1940's/50's, during and after World War II, there was a conformity, and conservative approach to fashion. However, by the end of the 1950's both men and women started to move towards a more rebellious look. And I doubt there's anyone better to base the 1950's rebellious fashion on than Marilyn Monroe. 

Deemed one of the most beautiful women in the world, and an icon for curvaceous women worldwide, this actress' fashion is influential to this day.





This sexy look recreated on the left, would work well with some elegant heels and a gold clutch. Though rebellious for this decade, nowadays this would be wonderful for an evening of cocktails!

Keeping in line with rebellious fashion but going forward into the 1960's we introduce our first male fashion icon, James Dean. After acting in his most influential film, 'Rebel without a Cause', he became an icon for socially estranged teenager. Dean's rebelliousness is shown in his choice of fashion. 

From the bomber jacket, to the quiff in his hair, Dean creates a sexy, yet troubled image contradictory to previous male fashion. 




And Frock&Roll's recreation is perfect for guys openly looking to add an edgy feel to their wardrobe.

As one of the most recognisable fashion and film icons ever, Audrey Hepburn is the female fashion icon of the 1960's. By this point she was already known for her roles in 'Roman Holiday' and 'Sabrina' but 1961 saw her star in her outrageously huge film 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'.

The look she wears here, is both classy and pretty. Frock&Roll's take on Audrey's dress would be perfect for a prom or a wedding.






To move on from Audrey's good girl image, we have bad girl Debbie Harry who hit the 1970's scene with her punk rock band Blondie. The turn of the 1970's brought with it punk and grunge fashion which is similar to today's rock and emo look.

Debbie Harry once stated that people would stare at her in the street because of her image: "It was different, outlandish, it was scary to some people".




So, if you're looking for a bad girl image to rock, or you just love the double denim look, check out this Frock&Roll recreation for yourself!

Along with bad girl Debbie Harry, we also have a football fashionista, George Best, representing the 1970's for the guys! With beige colours, flared jeans, and what some might call "dodgy" shirts as the male fashion trend of the 1970's, Bestie, is the perfect fashion candidate to recreate.

As one of the first celebrity footballers, this Northern Ireland born footballing legend, was an idol and icon to many guys throughout the UK.


Fancy charming a lady in Bestie fashion? Then this recreation on the right is brilliant!

If you have a modern day appreciation for the Rock bands of the 1970's/80's, then this next fashion icon will have your fashion senses tingling! The style depicted here is much like Bestie's fashion, yet I believe Strummer's take on it would appeal much more to the ladies who love a musician.

Joe Strummer, lead singer of The Clash, presents a cool, yet sophisticated image here.

The image on the left is great if you want to got for a more edgy, smart feel, perhaps for an evening do!


For women, the 1980's brought bright colours, loads of accessories, tutus and big hair! I didn't even consider anyone other than Madonna as the style icon here. 1980's Madonna is the go to for 80's fancy dress, she's the Madonna that everyone automatically thinks of when her name is mentioned. Madonna is still one of the most influential women in the world.

This Queen of Pop's wardrobe was spot on trend and the recreation on the right creates a fun look which would work wonderfully for a music gig!






The 90's produced a number of hugely successful models, one of whom was Kate Moss. Known throughout the 90's as an "anti-supermodel" due to her difference in appearance to other models of the time, Kate became worldly appreciated. She has even modelled for the previously mentioned Chanel!

The 90's was the decade of the comebacks with many previous trends returning. It saw a comeback from lace, leather, preppy & grunge fashion, as well as neon and trench coats.

Frock&Roll's recreation would be perfect for a night on the town! Add some strappy heels and a long necklace and the look is complete and party friendly!




Last but not least we have the Fresh Prince representing the 1990's for the male population! With the return of the bomber jacket, plus bright colours and caps, Will Smith, expertly shows the playful, fun-loving nature of the 90's.

Who doesn't love a bit of young Will Smith?






To the right we have a look worthwhile of any modern-day hipster! Personally, this is my favourite look but hey, I'm a 90's kid!

There you have it! My favourite fashionistas of the past! Frock&Roll have everything you need to recreate the looks you want from decades past. In the shop Ali, Kelly & Jonny are always happy to help you put together different looks - so if you ever need assistance - just ask! Thanks to Ali for the above recreations!

Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to see from the blog, and feedback would be greatly appreciated! The next post I'm planning will be titled 'Like our parents!' where I'm hoping to recreate looks from the past using parents and grandparents as models.

I hope you enjoyed :)

Much love,
Em x