1950s Bollywood fashion - Nargis in 'Shree 420'

The 1950s, often hailed as the Golden Age of Indian Cinema, captured the fervor of a newly independent India. As the nation grappled with modernity versus tradition and the disparities between the rich and the poor, its cinema mirrored these sentiments.

Trailblazing actresses set fashion benchmarks through their on-screen personas. For instance, Nargis's effortlessly elegant sarees with a relaxed pallu in 'Shree 420' became iconic.

Vyjayanthimala in ‘Madhumati’ and ‘Naya Daur’

Vyjayanthimala, through her roles in films like ‘Madhumati’ and ‘Naya Daur,’ masterfully portrayed the essence of rural India. With her earthy avatar, she not only presented a slice of the countryside but also seamlessly brought its rich traditions and raw beauty into the limelight, making it a focal point in the cinematic landscape of the era

During this period of the 1950s, fashion predominantly revolved around long skirts paired with blouses and dupattas, or sarees complemented by modest, form-fitting blouses. Hairstyles were uncomplicated, favoring neatly plaited braids or tied-back long hair, ensuring a clean and unobtrusive look.

1960s Bollywood fashion - Madhubala in 'Mughal-e-Azam'

The sixties marked a flamboyant era for Bollywood. Actresses embraced a more fashionable and sophisticated look. There was a notable evolution in hairstyles, with many becoming timeless trends still prevalent today. Iconic films from this period not only shaped the cinematic landscape but also showcased leading Bollywood ladies setting style benchmarks for a nation transitioning from its colonial past.

'Mughal-e-Azam' popularized the anarkali outfits, paired with lavish Mughal-inspired jewelry, encapsulating pure grandeur and theatricality. Madhubala's ethereal beauty set a gold standard, and her on-screen style became a sought-after trend that many aspired to replicate.

Meena Kumari in 'Saheb, Biwi Aur Ghulam'

In 'Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam', Meena Kumari elegantly showcased the timeless allure of rich silk sarees, reinforcing their enduring place in fashion.

Sharmila Tagore in 'Aradhana'

Sharmila Tagore's portrayal in 'Aradhana' revolutionized saree fashion. She introduced tight-fitted blouses with deeper necklines, paired with impeccably pleated sarees, placing a heightened emphasis on the bodice. This trend not only showcased her elegance but also set a new standard for contemporary saree styling during that era.

1970s Bollywood fashion

Bollywood's cinematic landscape during this period was dominated by action, spiced with romance and a sprinkle of hippie vibes. Leading actresses such as Sharmila Tagore, Parveen Babi, Zeenat Aman, Hema Malini, Neetu Singh, and Dimple Kapadia showcased a vibrant energy, eagerly embracing evolving fashion choices. Hairstyles underwent transformations, adorned with accessories like headbands, clips, and flowers, while the wardrobe options became increasingly diverse and expansive.

Zeenat Aman introduced the iconic retro hippie aesthetic to Bollywood, setting a new trend. Meanwhile, actresses like Sharmila Tagore and Dimple Kapadia captivated audiences by confidently donning bikinis on screen, showcasing a blend of boldness and allure that was emblematic of the changing fashion landscape of the era. They received equal parts backlash and admiration for introducing a bold intervention in the then-fashion trends.

The '70s witnessed the introduction of pants with daring thigh-high slits became the dominant trend. Bell bottoms and bell sleeves emerged as defining fashion statements of the decade, with many women embracing mini dresses adorned with bell sleeves.

During this period, polka-dotted blouses became the pinnacle of fashion, with many of the '70s leading Bollywood actresses embracing and popularizing this trend on and off screen, solidifying its iconic status in the annals of fashion history.

1980s Bollywood fashion

The disco fashion wave not only persisted but expanded in its influence, with a heightened emphasis on translucent and shimmering fabrics such as chiffon and crepe. Sequined attire became a hallmark of this era, reflecting the glitz and glamour of the time.

Rekha and Sridevi radiated glamour on the big screen, captivating audiences with their effervescent femininity as they engaged in romantic storylines with their leading men. Ruffled sleeves became the in-thing during this era.

The era showcased a diverse fashion palette, from Juhi Chawla's maxi dresses in 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' to Sridevi's diaphanous sarees in 'Mr India' and 'Chandni', and Rekha's iconic looks in 'Umrao Jaan'. Often termed as a "potboiler", this period mixed and matched various style elements, offering a bit of everything.

1990s Bollywood fashion

As India witnessed economic growth during this year, there was a fresh cinematic perspective. Movies transitioned towards romantic comedies like 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and 'Dil To Pagal Hai', while still retaining a touch of familial sentiment in films like 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' and 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun'. This period artfully combined romance and humor with the traditional essence of family dramas.

Consequently, prominent actresses of the era, including Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, began incorporating Western fashion influences. Their wardrobes evolved to include short dresses, maxis, denim jackets, jumpers, and an array of fusion attire, blending the best of both worlds.

Sarees underwent a transformation, featuring deep-cut blouses and noodle straps for suits. Aishwarya Rai dazzled in 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' with her stunning choli and ghagra combination, and also embraced the saree look with grace in subsequent years of the decade.

2000s Bollywod fashion

The decade marked a shift where 'looks' were tailored for characters rather than the actors themselves, leading to a harmonious blend of ethnic and western aesthetics. Aishwarya exuded elegance in traditional attires in films like 'Mohabbatein' and 'Devdas'. Meanwhile, Kareena's portrayal as Poo in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' remains iconic.

The rise of the internet during this decade ushered in a plethora of changes. Increased NRI-focused content, exotic filming locations, and big-budget movies became the norm. Bollywood queens like Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra dominated the scene, donning outfits with daringly short hemlines. This era celebrated the popularity of crop tops, mini skirts, mini dresses, backless cholis, and bikinis.

It's hard to overlook the unforgettable "desi girl" aura of Priyanka Chopra from 'Dostana', marked by her chic bikinis and impeccable style!

Fashion in the 2010s and onwards 

The 2010s heralded an era of progressive cinema, spotlighting female-driven narratives that championed not just women's empowerment in dialogue but also in style and persona.

Kangana Ranaut transformed an ordinary character into a veritable fashion icon with her journey to Paris in 'Queen'. Similarly, Deepika Padukone brought a vibrant touch to everyday attire in 'Piku'. The era emphasized relatable, everyday fashion that reflected societal trends. Whether it was Taapsee Pannu's sarees in 'Thappad' or Kangana Ranaut's attire in 'Panga', the message was clear: personalize fashion and make it authentically yours.