Bollywood Fashion Evolution from the 1940s to the present

1930s to 1940s was the era of minimalism and conservative fashion in black-and-white films. 

Most actors were clad in Indian clothes; men dressed in dhotis whereas women were in ghagra-cholis or draped sarees like Naseem Banu in this song from Anokhi Ada (1948).  

On-screen hair and makeup was a neat hair bun or finger-coiled hairdos, smokey eyes, and pencil-line eyebrows offset by dark lips. 

Noor Jehan's makeup in 'Jawaan Hai Mohabbat' from Anmol Ghadi (1946) showcases the trend of this period. 

But this period also embraced Westernised outfits like suits, wide-legged trousers, and cropped shirts; women wore pants for the first time. Take a look at the outfits worn by Nargis and Dilip Kumar in 'Hum Aaj' in Andaz (1949).

This era showcased Indian and Western styles with Anarkali kurtas, sarees, and body-hugging clothes in brighter shades.  The song 'Are Husn Chala' from Bluff Master (1963) reflects the 50s trends and Elvis Presley's influence on Shammi Kapoor's flamboyant style.

Female actors dazzled the screen with puffy hair and winged eyeliner as worn by actor Saira Banu in this song. 

On the other hand, men wore suits, as seen in this song from Funtoosh (1956).

The song 'Likha Hai Teri Aankhon Mein' from Teen Devian (1965) showcases Dev Anand's sophisticated style with a shirt, a neck scarf and a newsboy hat.

The introduction of technicolour films towards the end of this era made Bollywood fashion bolder and vibrant. The outfits of actors Dharmendra and Padmini in 'Agar Mujhe Naa Mili Tum Toh' from the movie Kaajal (1965) are perfect examples of Bollywood costumes during this time.

The 70s was the era of experimental styles. Both men and women looked stylish with bell-bottoms, flared sleeves, and shirts with bold prints. 'Arre Kaahe Ko Kaahe Ko' song from Chori Mera Kaam (1975) reflects the style of the 70s.  

Have you heard of the Sadhana-cut? The trend was set by actor Sadhana who sported a fringe; the song 'Tumko Bhi To Aisa Hi Kuchh' from Aap Aaye Bahaar (1971) gives a glimpse of her famous hairstyle.

In the classic song – 'Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani from The Great Gambler (1979), Zeenat Aman and Amitabh Bachchan looked stylish with their printed ensemble. 

The retro look of the 70s is also showcased in the song 'Kal Raat Usne Sapne Mein' from the movie Hawas (1974) starring Neetu Singh.

Rekha is another iconic star of the 70s who carried ethnic and Western styles with oomph. In the song 'Aao Yaaro Gao Aao Yaaro Nacho' from Hawas, she captures the audience with her striking sequined outfit.

The fearless style of the 1970s trickled down to the 1980s as well. However, the additions were collared shirts, sweaters and leggings and fishnet stockings such as the ones worn by actors Govinda and Neelam in this song. 

The 80s can also be called the disco era's prime with the Disco King Mithun Chakraborthy's shiny costumes in Disco Dancer (1982).

This era was all about shimmer with metallic coloured clothes and makeup, headbands and chunky accessories.  Actors Kimi Katkar's and Govinda's costumes in this song Gair Kaanooni (1989) reflect the 80s fashion. 

Among the female actors, Parveen Babi rocked the sequined disco attire in 'Jawani Janeman' from Namak Halaal (1982).

'Raat Baaki' is another iconic song from the same movie where Parveen Babi dazzles the screen with this shimmery black costume. Though none matches Amitabh Bachchan's glowing costume in 'Sara Zamana Haseeno Ka Deewana' in Yaarana (1981)! 

The early 90s continued the love for puffy sleeves, bold prints, and puffy hairdos from past decades. In the famous song 'Aankhon Mein Base Ho Tum' from the movie Takkar (1995), Sonali Bendre and Sunil Shetty sport the 90s style.

Both male and female actors wore high-waisted jeans and trousers like actors Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Kapoor sported in 'Ankhiyan Milaoon Kabhi' from Raja (1995). 

But later in the 90s, Bollywood fashion became more casual with street style clothing, including denim, dungarees, pinafores and chunky boots. Raveen Tandon wore the trending leather pinafore with boots outfit in this song from the movie Vinashak (1998).