Walk across campus at Iowa State University, and you will see students wearing everything from oversized sweatshirts and vintage denim to athletic wear. Fashion trends may feel new, but many of the styles popular among students today have appeared before.
Fashion has always been a reflection of culture, identity and social change. By looking back at decades of student life through the pages of “The Bomb” school yearbook, it becomes clear that what students wore on campus evolved alongside national trends and cultural movements.
For many students, clothing is also a way to express identity. Outfits can reflect personal interests, social groups or creative style. On a college campus where thousands of students interact each day, fashion often becomes a quiet form of communication.
The 1960s: Formal style
In the 1960s, college fashion at Iowa State was more formal than what students wear today. Many students appeared in yearbook photos wearing power suits and collared shirts. Dressing modestly was common, even in everyday settings.
But as the decade progressed, fashion began to loosen. Across the country, the 1960s brought cultural shifts tied to youth movements such as civil rights activism and the rise of popular music. On college campuses, including Iowa State, clothing began to reflect individuality more than strict social expectations.
The 1970s: Relaxed style
The 1970s brought a noticeable shift toward relaxed, expressive fashion. Students began embracing denim, flared pants, patterned shirts and earth-toned colors. Photos from the decade show more casual outfits and hairstyles. Bell-bottom jeans, suede jackets and layered looks were common across campus.
Fashion in this era reflected the changing attitudes of young adults, who increasingly used clothing as a form of self-expression. The style reflected the broader cultural emphasis on freedom and individuality.
The 1980s: Big style
The 1980s introduced brighter colors and more dramatic silhouettes. Oversized sweaters, bold patterns and athletic influences became popular. Sportswear apparel began appearing more frequently. The decade reflected a blending of casual clothing with media-driven style trends.
The 1990s: Casual and grunge
By the 1990s, student fashion leaned heavily toward comfort. Baggy jeans, oversized flannels and simple T-shirts became common. The influence of alternative music was evident in looser silhouettes and layered clothing. Compared to earlier decades, fashion became more relaxed. Campus fashion during this time often balanced the personal style, something that still resonates with students today.
Today: Vintage comebacks
Fashion on campus today is more diverse than ever. Many students mix styles from multiple decades, combining thrifted clothing and modern trends. Y2K styles, 90s denim and retro sneakers have returned. Oversized silhouettes and comfortable clothing also remain staples of campus fashion.
Fashion trends may change over time, but the role clothing plays in shaping identity remains constant for students. For many, what they wear reflects the communities they belong to and how they express themselves on campus.
Jenna Whalen, a senior majoring in advertising at ISU, said fashion plays an important role in how she connects with others and feels confident throughout the day.
“Fashion means a lot to my identity,” Whalen said. “For one, it helps me distinguish what groups and activities I’m really passionate about. I’ve connected with so many people I didn’t know before through marching band or color guard merch.”
Whalen added that the right outfit can also influence how she approaches the day.
“Wearing the right outfit just gives me the confidence to romanticize my day,” Whalen said.
Whalen also notices certain trends appearing frequently among students on campus. Camo sweatshirts, Adidas Sambas and tote bags are among the styles she sees most often.
“No relation to each other necessarily, but I do love that the comfy 2000s style is making a slight comeback,” Whalen said.
Illustration: From the first “The Bomb” yearbook in 1894
Students today often pull inspiration from the past while making trends of their own. Vintage pieces, thrifted clothing and retro silhouettes allow students to combine decades of style into one look. Student-run publications such as Trend Magazine also give students a platform to express their personal style on campus, highlighting how style continues to evolve through student creativity.
Looking back through “The Bomb” yearbook archives shows that while trends change, one thing remains the same. Students continue to use fashion to express identity, creativity and community at Iowa State.