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RECOMMENDED: See all of this year's fall fashion content

’87

The multitasking T-shirt puts in an appearance…at night.

Photo: Alexander Milligan

’88

Broad-shouldered suits, short (knee-length) dresses, pajamas as eveningwear and metallic everything abound.

’89

Stirrup pants and leggings make their entrance. Camel replaces navy and black as the “new” neutral.

’90

Everything is Technicolor and Day-Glo (including fur), though the color of the fall season is red.

Photo: Alexander Milligan

’91

“On the verge of becoming a wardrobe staple, the cat suit may be the tee-shirt of the nineties.”

’92

The ’70s hippie look is in: leather vests, velvet frock coats and tapestry jeans. Hardware details (chains, studs, zippers and grommets) offer contrast.

’93

Christian Louboutin arrives. Punk prevails (think safety pins, shocking pink hair, plastic jeans).

’94

Corsets make their way into the collections of Chanel and Versace, while rubber shows up in wrap skirts and tank dresses.

’95

Clean, uncluttered designs, like the classic black column dress, make a comeback.

Photo: Alexander Milligan

’96

Menswear fabrics like pinstripes mix with heavy gold.

’97

Sexy time: Lingerie-inspired slip dresses are paired with ice-pick heels.

’98

Futuristic fabrics like polyamide and metal are offset by sheer chiffon dresses.

’99

While pants get slimmer and narrower, embellishments (beads, rhinestones, ruching, lace) get bigger.

’00

Polished and pulled together define the year: tweed career wear, topped off with crocodile accessories.

Photo: Alexander Milligan

’01

Pantsuits replace last year’s ladylike suits. Chandelier earrings and cowboy boots arrive, and refuse to leave.

’02

Anything that ties—from lace-back boots to romantic blouses. Other big hitters include capes, culottes, gaucho pants and jumpsuits.

’03

Parkas in myriad permutations (bright, bold, sleek, shiny) complement mod miniskirts and A-line dresses.

’04

“This season, designers are cutting things short with pant legs falling well above the ankle, and most often just at the knee.”

’05

Black is back, in an almost puritanical way. Practical flats abound, along with military-inspired jackets and coats.

’06

Swaddling—via loads and loads of layers—emerges, along with comfy, maternityish dresses—all in the name of volume.