50 Fashion Styles And What They Mean With Examples & Pictures
Fashion is a universal language, a form of self-expression that speaks volumes about personality, culture, and creativity.
From timeless classics to bold avant-garde statements, the world of fashion has an amazing landscape of different fashion styles that define eras, reflect identities, and influence trends.
Whether you’re exploring your personal style or looking to find a bit of inspiration, understanding the nuances of different types of fashion aesthetics can help you elevate your wardrobe and express your individuality.
In this comprehensive guide, we dive into 50 distinct fashion styles, unpacking where they came from, their key characteristics, and the fashion pieces that you can use to recreate the look.
Through examples and visuals, you’ll get a better insight into some of fashion’s most iconic genres like timeless elegance, boho chic, and streetwear, alongside lesser-known yet aesthetics such as Lagenlook, Neo-Edwardian, and Coastal Grandmother.
By the end of this article, you’ll not only understand the meaning behind these styles but also discover how to incorporate elements of your favorites into your own look.
So, whether you’re drawn to vintage vibes, modern minimalism, or something in between, this article has something for you.
What is a fashion style?
A fashion style is a distinct, recognizable approach to dressing that reflects an individual’s or group’s aesthetic, cultural influences, and personal or sometimes collective identity.
A fashion style typically has a cohesive set of visual and thematic elements—such as silhouettes, color palettes, fabric choices or items of clothing—that give it longevity and continuity.
It serves as a signature look or philosophy, allowing people to create a more consistent form of self-expression through their dress rather than simply following whatever they see in front of them or happens to be popular at the moment.
The number of fashion styles there are is endless because fashion is constantly evolving and new styles emerge all the time.
Some people break styles down into a few broad categories—like classic, trendy, bohemian, avant-garde—while others create more specific labels, ranging into dozens or even hundreds of nuanced aesthetics.
What is the most popular fashion style?
Casual-chic (often called smart casual or everyday casual) is one of the most popular fashion styles in the western world.
This style is comfortable enough to be warn everyday yet looks a bit more polished allowing people to feel a bit more dressed up and put together.
Casual Chic is popular because it’s easy, versatile, and works for all sorts of everyday situations and is sometimes even acceptable in work situations—so it’s no surprise a lot of men and women gravitate toward it.
What are types of fashion styles?
1. 1920s Fashion Style
Known as the Jazz Age, 1920s fashion was all about liberation and glamour, featuring flapper dresses, dropped waistlines, sequins, fringe, and the rise of androgynous styles for women.
Men’s fashion embraced sharp suits, wide lapels, and the popularity of the fedora.
2. 1930s Fashion Style
The 1930s brought refined elegance with bias-cut gowns, feminine silhouettes, and longer hemlines for women, reflecting the influence of Hollywood glamour.
Men’s styles leaned toward double-breasted suits and wide ties, often tailored for a polished, sophisticated look.
3. 1940s Fashion Style
Fashion during the 1940s was shaped by wartime practicality, with utilitarian styles, structured shoulders, and A-line skirts for women, complemented by tailored uniforms.
Post-war, Christian Dior’s New Look brought a return to femininity with cinched waists and full skirts.
4. 1950s Fashion Style
The 1950s emphasized femininity and elegance, with full skirts, petticoats, and hourglass silhouettes for women, while men favored conservative suits, slim ties, and clean, polished looks.
Rock ‘n’ roll influenced casual styles like leather jackets and denim.
5. 1960s/Mod Fashion Style
The 1960s were a time of experimentation, marked by mod fashion with mini skirts, bold patterns, and geometric shapes, alongside the bohemian styles of the late decade.
Men’s fashion saw slim-cut suits and the rise of hippie influences.
6. 1970s Fashion Style
Known for its eclecticism, the 1970s featured bell-bottoms, peasant blouses, and bold prints, alongside the glam rock movement’s glitter and platform shoes.
Men embraced leisure suits, wide collars, and vibrant colors.
7. 1980s Fashion Style
The 1980s were all about excess, with power dressing, padded shoulders, and bold neon colors defining women’s fashion, while men adopted preppy styles, oversized blazers, and casual sportswear.
The rise of MTV influenced trends like punk and hip-hop streetwear.
8. 1990s Fashion Style
The 1990s saw a mix of minimalism and grunge, with slip dresses, flannel shirts, and combat boots becoming iconic.
Streetwear gained prominence, and casual, laid-back styles like baggy jeans and oversized T-shirts dominated both men’s and women’s wardrobes.
9. 2000s/Y2K Fashion Style
Y2K fashion embraced futuristic aesthetics with metallics, low-rise jeans, crop tops, and shiny materials, reflecting the tech-inspired optimism of the era.
Pop culture heavily influenced styles, from rhinestone embellishments to tracksuits and butterfly clips.
10. Alpine Ski Fashion Style
Inspired by the slopes, this style features cozy and functional pieces like puffer jackets, thermal layers, chunky knit sweaters, fur coats and après-ski boots.
Often incorporating bright, light colors, fur trims, and sleek silhouettes, it blends performance with winter luxury.
11. Artsy/Eclectic Fashion Style
Characterized by bold self-expression, this style mixes textures, patterns, and colors in unconventional ways.
It often includes handmade or unique pieces, vintage finds, and creative accessories, showcasing individuality and artistic flair.
12. Athleisure/Sporty Fashion Style
A fusion of athletic and casual wear, this style combines comfort and functionality with sleek aesthetics.
Key pieces include leggings, joggers, hoodies, and sneakers, often styled with elevated elements like tailored jackets or accessories for a chic, on-the-go look.
13. Beatnik Fashion Style
Rooted in the counterculture movement of the 1950s and 1960s, this style embraces minimalist black turtlenecks, slim trousers, berets, and striped tops.
It often conveys an intellectual, bohemian vibe associated with art, poetry, and jazz culture.
14. Biker/Edgy Fashion Style
A free-spirited, bohemian style that draws inspiration from the 1960s and ’70s, featuring flowing maxi dresses, floral prints, fringe, and layered accessories like necklaces and bracelets.
Earthy tones and natural fabrics complete the laid-back, yet stylish look.
15. Boho Chic Fashion Style
A free-spirited, bohemian style that draws inspiration from the 1960s and ’70s, featuring flowing maxi dresses, floral prints, fringe, and layered accessories like necklaces and bracelets.
Earthy tones and natural fabrics complete the laid-back, yet stylish look.
16. Bon Chic Bon Genre (BCBG)
French for “good style, good attitude,” this look reflects polished, preppy elegance.
Hallmarks include tailored blazers, pleated skirts, silk scarves, and classic accessories like pearl earrings, epitomizing sophisticated refinement.
17. Casual Chic Fashion Style
Effortlessly stylish, this look combines relaxed and polished elements.
Key pieces include well-fitted jeans, tailored blouses, and sleek sneakers or loafers, creating a balanced ensemble that is both comfortable and elevated.
18. Channel Chic Fashion Style
Inspired by the timeless elegance of Coco Chanel, key elements include tweed jackets, tailored skirts, pearl accessories, and quilted handbags.
Neutral tones like black, white, beige, and navy dominate, often paired with gold accents, creating a polished and refined look that exudes classic femininity.
19. Coastal Grandmother Style
A breezy, minimalist style inspired by seaside living, featuring linen pants, oversized sweaters, button-up shirts, and straw hats.
Muted tones like white, beige, and navy dominate, exuding effortless sophistication and comfort.
20. Cottage Core/Prairie Fashion Style
Rooted in romanticized rural life, this style features vintage-inspired dresses, puffed sleeves, floral prints, and lace details.
Layered cardigans, aprons, and straw accessories complete the cozy, pastoral aesthetic.
21. Country Western/Cowgirl Style
Embodying rugged charm, this style includes denim, plaid shirts, fringe, cowboy boots, and wide-brimmed hats.
Embellished belts and leather jackets add a touch of modern flair to the traditional Wild West aesthetic.
22. Dark/Light Academia Style
Inspired by intellectual and literary aesthetics, these styles embrace muted color palettes and timeless pieces.
Dark Academia leans into darker tones, such as browns, blacks, and deep greens, with tweed blazers, knit sweaters, and pleated skirts.
Light Academia features softer hues like creams, whites, and pastels, paired with airy blouses, trench coats, and loafers for a scholarly yet whimsical vibe.
23. Countryside / Equestrian Style
Reflecting refined rural living, this style combines tweed jackets, riding boots, and tailored trousers with classic prints like houndstooth and plaid.
Rich earth tones and elegant accessories like scarves and gloves emphasize timeless sophistication.
24. Geek Chic Fashion Style
A playful style blending intelligence with fashion, Geek Chic features elements like oversized glasses, cardigans, graphic tees, plaid patterns, and loafers.
It modernizes “nerdy” staples with a stylish twist, often combining vintage-inspired pieces with contemporary accessories.
25. Glam Rock Fashion Style
A bold and edgy style rooted in the rock music scene of the ’70s, Glam Rock features metallic fabrics, leather pants, platform boots, and dramatic accessories like oversized jewelry and studs.
The look is unapologetically theatrical, often incorporating glitter, animal prints, and exaggerated silhouettes.
26. Glamour Fashion Style
Glamour style exudes luxury, and opulence. It features form-fitting evening gowns, sumptuous fabrics like silk and velvet, and dazzling embellishments such as sequins and crystals.
Accessories include statement jewelry, stilettos, and elegant clutches, creating a red-carpet-ready aesthetic.
27. Hippie Fashion Style
This free-spirited style draws inspiration from the counterculture movements of the 1960s and ’70s.
Key pieces include flowing maxi dresses, fringe details, floral prints, and natural fabrics.
Accessories like wide-brimmed hats, layered necklaces, and leather sandals complete the relaxed, earthy look.
28. Hipster Fashion Style
A modern, alternative style focusing on individuality and vintage inspiration, Hipster fashion often includes skinny jeans, flannel shirts, beanies, and thrifted graphic tees.
Accessories like oversized glasses, boots, and messenger bags add a quirky, non-mainstream touch.
29. Indie Fashion Style
Reflecting creativity and individuality, Indie style often incorporates vintage and handcrafted elements.
Think band tees, boho-inspired dresses, distressed denim, and unique accessories like scarves or hats.
The look emphasizes a laid-back, effortless vibe that’s distinctively non-commercial.
30. Military Fashion Style
Military style is inspired by utilitarian designs and structured silhouettes. It includes pieces like camouflage prints, cargo pants, trench coats, and combat boots.
Neutral tones such as olive green, beige, and black dominate, often paired with hardware details like buttons and zippers.
31. Minimalist Fashion Style
Clean, simple, and timeless, Minimalist fashion is characterized by neutral color palettes, sleek tailoring, and high-quality fabrics.
Key pieces include structured blazers, plain tees, streamlined trousers, and understated accessories, emphasizing elegance through simplicity.
32. Mob Wife Fashion Style
This bold and glamorous style takes cues from the flashy yet sophisticated fashion of women in crime dramas. It features luxurious fur coats, fitted dresses, leopard prints, gold jewelry, and stiletto heels.
The look is dramatic and unapologetically extravagant, exuding confidence and power.
33. Modern Edwardian Style
Inspired by the elegance of the Edwardian era, this style modernizes high collars, lace, tailored waistcoats, and long skirts with contemporary silhouettes and fabrics.
Key elements include corset-inspired tops, structured jackets, and intricate detailing like embroidery and brocade.
34. Modern Victorian Style
This style blends Victorian-era opulence with contemporary trends, featuring high-neck blouses, puffed sleeves, lace, and long, flowing skirts.
Corset-inspired details and rich fabrics like velvet and silk are paired with modern elements for a romantic yet wearable look.
35. Nautical Fashion Style
Rooted in maritime aesthetics, this style features navy and white stripes, anchor motifs, and brass buttons.
Sailor-inspired collars, tailored trousers, and boat shoes or espadrilles complete the fresh, coastal look.
36. Oriental-Inspired Fashion Style
Drawing from traditional East Asian influences, this style incorporates elements like mandarin collars, kimono-style jackets, silk fabrics, and intricate embroidery.
The use of bold colors, floral patterns, and flowing silhouettes adds a touch of elegance and cultural richness.
37. Peasant Fashion Style
This style evokes rustic simplicity with natural fabrics, earthy tones, and practical yet feminine designs.
Key pieces include linen dresses, aprons, headscarves, and woven baskets, reflecting a connection to countryside living and traditional craftsmanship.
38. Pinup Fashion Style
A playful, vintage-inspired style popularized in the 1940s and ’50s, Pinup fashion features figure-hugging silhouettes like pencil skirts, halter-neck tops, and high-waisted shorts.
Bold patterns like polka dots, gingham, and florals, paired with red lipstick and cat-eye makeup, create a flirty, retro vibe.
39. Power Dressing Fashion Style
A statement-making style characterized by sharp tailoring, structured blazers, pencil skirts, and wide-leg trousers, often in neutral or bold tones.
Accessories like pointed heels and leather handbags complete the look, exuding authority and confidence.
40. Preppy Old Money Fashion Style
This timeless style reflects wealth and sophistication through tailored blazers, polo shirts, cable-knit sweaters, and loafers.
Key patterns include argyle, plaid, and stripes, with a focus on neutral and muted colors for a polished, refined aesthetic.
41. Resort/Aloha Fashion Style
A breezy, vacation-inspired style featuring lightweight fabrics, tropical prints, flowy maxi dresses, and relaxed tailoring.
Key pieces include Hawaiian shirts, linen trousers, straw hats, and sandals, evoking a laid-back, beach-ready vibe.
42. Romantic/Girly Fashion Style
Feminine and delicate, this style highlights soft fabrics like chiffon and lace, pastel colors, and floral prints.
Details like ruffles, bows, and puffed sleeves create a dreamy, whimsical aesthetic perfect for a romantic look.
43. Royal Elegance Fashion Style
Inspired by regal fashion, this style features luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, and brocade, often adorned with intricate embroidery or embellishments.
Long, flowing gowns, structured jackets, and pearl or gemstone accessories exude sophistication and timeless grace.
44. Safari Fashion Style
Inspired by adventure and exploration, Safari style features neutral tones like khaki, beige, and olive green, alongside functional designs like utility pockets, belted waists, and button-up shirts.
Key pieces include cargo pants, safari jackets, and wide-brimmed hats, blending practicality with effortless style.
45. Scandi Fashion Style
Minimalist and functional, Skandi (Scandinavian) style focuses on clean lines, neutral tones, and high-quality materials.
Layered outfits, oversized knits, and practical outerwear create a cozy yet polished aesthetic, emphasizing simplicity and timeless elegance.
46. Sophisticated Chic Fashion Style
A refined and polished style that balances elegance with modern trends, Sophisticated Chic features tailored blazers, midi dresses, and sleek trousers.
Neutral colors and luxurious fabrics like silk and cashmere dominate, creating a look that is effortlessly stylish and mature.
47. Steetstyle Fashion
A dynamic and ever-evolving style rooted in urban culture, Streetstyle mixes casual and edgy pieces like oversized hoodies, sneakers, distressed denim, and graphic tees.
Accessories such as bucket hats, backpacks, and bold jewelry add a personalized, contemporary edge.
48. Timeless Classic Fashion Style
Characterized by enduring pieces that never go out of fashion, this style includes tailored blazers, crisp button-ups, pencil skirts, and little black dresses.
Neutral colors and high-quality fabrics ensure a sophisticated, versatile wardrobe that transcends trends and quiet luxury is often synonymous with the understated elegance of this style.
Check out our article on how to elevate your style with a practical step by step guide on how to dress classy and create timeless outfits.
49. Utilitarian Fashion Style
A functional and utilitarian style inspired by workwear, Utility features cargo pants, jumpsuits, and jackets with large pockets and durable fabrics.
Earthy tones and minimal detailing emphasize practicality and understated fashion.
50. Lagenlook
A German term meaning “layered look,” Lagenlook style involves wearing multiple layers of oversized, flowing garments in varying textures and fabrics.
Loose tunics, wide trousers, and draped cardigans create a unique, artistic aesthetic that emphasizes individuality and comfort.
Other Fashion Styles
- Acubi
- Afro-punk
- Afro-retro
- All-American
- Angelic/ Ethereal
- Ankara
- Aristocrat
- Art Deco
- Art Nouveau
- Avant-garde
- Aztec
- Babushka Bois
- Baddie Style
- Barbiecore
- Beach Bum
- Black Loli (Black Lolita style without Goth elements; Tokyo street style)
- Bollywood
- Bro (Bronies, Scrumbro, Snowbro, Surfer Bro, Tech Bro)
- Bubble Goth
- Celtic
- Coastal Cowgirl
- Cosplay
- Coquette
- Creepy Cute
- Cyberpunk
- Dandy
- Dasakawa (dasai=lame & kawaii=cute; Tokyo street style)
- Decora (short for “decoration”; Tokyo street style)
- Dieselpunk
- Disco
- E-Girl/Boy
- Emo
- Ero-Kawaii (Tokyo street style; erotic & cute)
- Ethnic
- Fairycore
- Fetish
- Flapper
- Folkloric
- Furry
- Futuristic
- Gamine
- Gangster
- Garconne
- Ghetto (fabulous) / Hip-Hop
- Goth
- Gothic Lolita (Tokyo street style)
- Grunge
- Gyaru
- Gypsy
- Hadeko (“Hade” = gaudy; Tokyo street style)
- Hairband
- Harajuku
- Heavy Metal
- Hip-hop
- House
- Industrial
- Ivy League
- Kampala Blend
- Kawaii (Japanese street fashion; cute, hip, cool, adorable)
- Kitsch
- Kodona/Ouji/Boystyle (Tokyo street style)
- Kowa-Kawaii (Tokyo street style; scary & cute)
- Latino
- Lolita (Tokyo street style; multiple variations)
- Lunarpunk
- Macabre
- Mad Max
- Metalhead
- Mermaidcore
- Mori Girl
- Neo(n) Goth
- Neo-Y2K
- New Romanticism
- Normcore
- NuGoth
- NYC style
- Nymphet
- Pastel Goth
- Phat
- Pop
- Pop Punk
- Post-apocalyptic road warrior
- Psychedelic
- Psychobilly (a dark, rockabilly pinup style; Tokyo street style)
- Punk
- Rasta
- Rave/Raver
- Rock (Rocker)
- Rockabilly
- Rustic
- Sapeurs
- Scene
- Scrumbro
- Seapunk
- Ska
- Skate/Skater
- Skinhead
- Sloane Ranger
- Softboys
- Solarpunk
- Soulies
- Southwestern (American)
- Spacecore
- Steampunk
- Surf (Californian)
- Techno
- Techwear
- Teddy Boys/Girls
- Tiki Goth
- Tomboy
- Trendy
- Tribal
- Twee
- Ulzzang
- Urban
- Vaporwave
- Varsity
- Visual Kei (Tokyo street style; Angura Kei, Casual Kei, Cult Party Kei, Eroguro Kei, Fairy Kei, Kote Kei, Koteosa Kei, Kurofuku Kei, Otome Kei, Victorian/Lolita Kei)
- Vsco Girl/Boy
- Zoot Suiters