Whether we are aware of it or not, fashion is a form of expression we all partake in every day. Sometimes this form of expression is intentional, like wearing specific garments and makeup to be associated with a specific niche. For example, the dark clothing and makeup of goths or Birkin bags for those wanting to show off wealth are forms of expression, but sometimes we communicate how we feel without even realizing it. You might’ve put on a sweat-set to go to class without thinking twice about it, nevertheless those around you might conclude that you want to feel comfortable, or that you are laid back, or maybe that you’re tired. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to know fashion is often used to show political sentiments and even set them in motion. 

If we look back on American history, we will notice an interesting pattern. Whenever fashion trends lean conservative, so does the country’s party and vice versa. When the American people get tired of tradition and embrace the avant-garde, the political climate seems to shift left too.

In the 1960s, tired of the conservative climate of the past decades, young guys and gals began to demand radical change, and as a result, a counterculture movement shook the country. Women wanted to have control over their bodies and sexuality, every other member of the younger generation was tired of the Vietnam War, environmental consciousness grew and minorities demanded true racial and economic equality. Consequently an American subculture in which peace, love and freedom reigned, and Hippie culture was born. Messy and colorful was in and above-the-knee, loose mini dresses and skirts replaced waist cinching long dresses and poodle skirts.  

“[Hippie] anti-fashion silhouettes, Flower Power prints, psychedelic colors, peace signs, long hair and flared pants were radical fashion statements that took America by force in the mid 1960s,”  said vintage fashion expert Debbie Sessions on her webpage Vintage Dancer. This kind of liberal fashion only made sense to be paired with a liberal president, Lyndon B. Johnson, whose policies definitely matched the trends of the decade: The Clean Air Act, The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and The Social Security Amendments of 1965, not to mention, the first birth control pill hit the market in 1960. 

Now, after a pretty leftist couple of decades from the ‘60s through the ‘70s, the States suffered a recession, transforming America back to traditional.

 “Fashion trends are often indicative of larger cultural and societal shifts,” Danielle Vermeer, the head of social commerce at ThredUp, said for The New York Post. 

The 1980s is a decade characterized by blazers and a revival of the ‘50s, preppy Ivy League style. “From the timeless elegance of Princess Diana to the classic coolness of Ralph Lauren… these trailblazers set the stage for [‘80s] fashion,” said the writers of the Lewkin style blog. 

Preppy is code for conservative, so it was only fitting for conservative member of the Republican party–cue Ronald Raegan— to step into office for most of the decade. From 1981 to 1989, Raegan slowed government spending, reduced government intervention and lowered taxes, which were policies representative of the right.

As seen in the election results this past November, the tone of America is leaning conservative after the liberal wave four years ago. Feminine, classy and business casual are taking over the nation, in addition to the most obvious indicator: a rising fascination with trad-wives in the media. Scroll on TikTok and you’ll see Nara Smith cooking everything from scratch and staying at home to take care of her kids and husband. Log into Hulu and you’ll see the popular show, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” a reality T.V. show following three stay at home moms, who although messy, are pretty traditional in their roles, focusing heavily on a pro-family sentiment. 

Glamour magazine came out with their Trend Predictions for Spring 2025  this February, only further confirming the conservative attitude going forward this year. Forecasting petal pink for the spring, a traditionally feminine color, paired with a coastal preppy aesthetic, tweed jackets, pearl earrings and blazers, it couldn’t be clearer where society is leaning in the mid ‘20s. 

So, next time we start wearing heavy eyeliner and we leave the “clean girl” aesthetic for something more rebellious, you’ll know it’s just America getting tired of the right and looking to the left, as it always does. After all, politics is a cycle, just like fashion.

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Hi! I’m Hannah Planey, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.