A beautiful Turkish girl in a long red dress walks in the summer old city
Bollywood is not just a movie industry—it’s a cultural giant that sets trends, makes fashion statements, and dictates what’s “in.” Over the decades, Bollywood fashion has experienced a seismic change, reflecting not just changing times but more and more the growing influence of international style. If you have grown up watching 90s Bollywood movies, you certainly remember the ripped denim jackets that were oversized in size, loose-fitting high-waist jeans, and sequined loud clothes. Jump forward to now, and the style is radically different—simple, modern, and chic at ease. Then how did it happen? So let’s flashback to the transformation of Bollywood style from the 90s onwards.
The 90s: Bold, Colorful, and Unapologetic
The 90s were also a decade of experimentation in Bollywood. Fashion was in-your-face, bright, and full of exaggerated silhouettes. Heroines like Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, and Madhuri Dixit raided neon-colored outfits, while heroes like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan made leather jackets and loose-fitting shirts iconic.
Here are some of the most iconic fashion trends of the 90s:
- Denim and Dungarees Overload: From Urmila Matondkar’s ensemble in Rangeela to Kajol’s casual look in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, denim ruled the decade.
- Sequined and Shimmery Clothes: From Madhuri Dixit in Dil To Pagal Hai to Karisma Kapoor in Hero No.1, sequins dominated, making every outfit a statement.
- Crop Tops and Mini Skirts: Remember Raveena Tandon’s stylish looks in Mohra? The 90s were all about flirtatious and bold fashion with short skirts and tight crop tops.
It was also the decade of accessories that stole the show—large hoop earrings, colorful bangles, and headbands were essential items in every closet.
The 2000s: Chic Meets Casual
When Bollywood entered the 2000s, fashion got much more refined. Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Aishwarya Rai were leading the way for effortlessly glamorous themselves. Designer dressing was in full bloom during the decade, as Bollywood celebrities joined hands with leading fashion houses to create signature look.
Leading trends of the 2000s were։
- Low-Rise Jeans and Crop Tops: Think Kareena Kapoor’s famous Poo look in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham—a mix of sass and high fashion.
- Fusion Fashion: Indian and Western styles blended beautifully. Anarkali suits became a rage after Aishwarya Rai’s stunning looks in Jodhaa Akbar, while Indo-Western lehengas became popular thanks to Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
- Statement Accessories and Sunglasses: From chunky belts to oversized sunglasses, Bollywood brought accessories into the spotlight while styling.
The 2000s were also the time when Bollywood celebrities first started making international appearances at international fashion events and placed Indian fashion on the global map.
The 2010s: Minimalism Intersects High Fashion
By the 2010s, fashion at Bollywood had experienced a complete about-turn. Elegance and simplicity were in fashion, with more celebrities preferring structured and dignified apparel. While social media went wild, Bollywood fashion achieved greater exposure, and trends were picked up like wildfire.
A few of the key fashion milestones in this decade are.
- Sarees Get a Modern Makeover: Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone revolutionized the traditional saree with pre-draped, ruffled, and belted sarees.
- Athleisure Enters Everyday Wear: From Alia Bhatt’s gym look to Malaika Arora’s street style, athleisure was the staple in the wardrobe.
- Sustainable and Conscious Fashion: There was a growing awareness of sustainability, and Bollywood stars started promoting sustainable fashion labels, so organic cotton and ethical fashion emerged as a top trend.
The Present: A Blend of Comfort, Luxury, and Self-Expression
Individuality is the word now in Bollywood fashion. Celebrities are more innovative than ever before, blending designer couture with street style, reviving retro trends, and embracing gender-fluid fashion.
What’s happening now?
- Power Dressing and Oversized Blazers: Inspired by international fashion, stars like Ananya Panday and Janhvi Kapoor are wearing oversized blazers with a dash of femininity.
- Relaxed Silhouettes and Co-Ord Sets: No more rigid attire—relaxed silhouettes and stylish, cozy co-ord sets are the go-to for street and red carpet fashion.
- Custom-Made and Personalized Fashion: As customization increases, Bollywood celebrities are moving toward customized pieces, including shirt custom print options that customize their outfits.
The Takeaway: Bollywood’s Impact on Fashion Today
From the bold 90s to today’s stylish fashion, Bollywood has never been other than a reflection of changing times and evolving fashion sensibilities. What is intriguing is the manner in which these trends filter down to what we wear in everyday life. Be it adopting the fusion fashion of the 2000s, the minimalism of the 2010s, or borrowing from the new wave of customized fashion, Bollywood continues to push the envelope.
Fashion is not about following the trend—it’s about being you. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Bollywood, it’s that confidence suits everybody. So whether you’re dressed in a vintage 90s style or an elegant contemporary attire, own it like a Bollywood diva!
