How Party Looks Have Evolved Over Time

The biggest party night of the year is around the corner and inevitably, we feel like we need something new to wear. Fashion archives allow new designers to delve into the past, digging back for inspiration, because lets face it; our ancestors did have all the fun! Ai Lim takes a personal look at key party looks that have evolved — and are still continuing to — over time

The preparation that goes into having a good evening with friends can take awhile, from hair and makeup to the outfit that we choose to wear. And while most of my girlfriends take at least an hour or two to get ready, I find myself ready within half an hour, hair up in a bun, a touch of mascara and lipstick, donning my staple party uniform which consists of a classic black dress, or a semi-casual top and denim trousers, paired with sneakers (Common Projects are my current go-to).

But getting to this point is a journey. Admittedly, my personal style has changed over the years and is still continuing to evolve. Also, depending on the occasion, I do make an effort (too little in my tiger mother’s opinion—my ‘signature’ top-knot - bun is her biggest peeve) to dress to the nines in an evening gown lest I be spared from my mother’s raging fury. And yes, we’ve all been there: I had some questionable outfits in my wardrobe that left me thinking “Why?”.

Often, your personal style is a brewing hot pot of many contributing factors such as the era and environment you grew up and are living in, as well as your personal interest. The fashion industry also plays a key role in the evolution of our styles. New season trends and looks clutter our inbox on a daily basis and we click on the links with glee, feasting our eyes on fashion’s latest offerings and guides in our bid to look on-trend. Through this rigorous process, it is interesting to note that many brands have come full circle and are digging back into their archives for inspiration. Today, these references and influences from the past remain alive in our wardrobe albeit with a more current twist.