Beauty Standards are Bulls**t: A Timeline of How Much the Times Have Changed Since the 1940s

Image Courtesy: Strike Tallahassee

As the children of the internet age, we are no strangers to the ever-changing styles and trends that go on as the years do. With every new decade and different influences to shape it, a consistent change in beauty is the new normal. However, in reality, do we know how far beauty standards have come?

We start our trip back in time at the Golden Age of Hollywood, which took place during the 50s. Fashion icons, namely Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor, are idols of the fashion/beauty standard of the 50s. Curves, large breasts, and a tiny waist were just some of the standards of the time. An era of pin-up girls and the launch of Playboy Magazine was just the beginning of overt female sexualization.

Image Courtesy: Biography

Not too far after, the rise of the 1960s follows, bringing back the adolescent physique of the past. The adolescent look was one of youth that characterized a slimmer boy-like figure. The London look certainly had a hold on women in the 60s and was the prime source of style inspo for American women at the time. With London's influuence, styles and beauty begin shifting more toward a boyish look. While the curvy physique of the past was still on-trend, this era of beauty and fashion brought back smaller physiques and girly features.

The 80s brought the rise of a more athletic figure, shifting the beauty standards to a toned yet curvy look. Style icons like Princess Diana and Madonna took hold of the beauty scene with things like neon workout suits, neon makeup, and fluffy hair, molding the 80s beauty look.

Do not even get me started on the 90s because androgyny definitely took the forefront to beauty standards. Do not get me wrong, I love a good 90s look, but the trend of looking thin, pale, and frail was an interesting collective choice. The women of this decade, namely Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, and Winona Ryder, brought back styles that we hold on to today. Jeans and a leather jacket will forever look boyish and badass.

Image Courtesy: POPSUGAR

With the beginning of the 2000s, we see yet another change in beauty standards (possibly for the better). While still idolizing a flat stomach, there is a shift towards a healthier look while still loving our curves. The rise of unachievable looks became the cause of generations to focus on a relatively unreachable goal. No hate- we have a long way to go until the world (or social media) finally accepts ourselves for the way we are.

Strike Out,

Writer: Natalie DelleDonne

Editor: Roxy Rico

Graphic Designer: Leah Solomon

Tallahassee