If you woke up tomorrow back in your UD residence, suddenly a student again, what would you be wearing? Would you have on a Metallica T-shirt? Maybe you’d be wearing platform shoes or have a scrunchie in your hair? Slip into your vintage best as we dive into the iconic fashion trends that prove no matter the decade, Flyers will never go out of style.

1. 1940s

The 1940s were defined by World War II, and Flyers opted for more conservative clothing options. Long pleated skirts — for the ladies — or a practical pair of slacks for the gents — could be found on students in every co-ed classroom and perhaps at the newly opened movie theaters. Simple, sleek and a sign of the times.

2. 1950s

Post-World War II, the ’50s saw the early years of the baby boom and Elvis Presley mania. Fashion-wise, that conforming style from the decade prior still trickled into campus clothing, this time with a preppier take. Students on campus wore letterman jackets, saddle shoes and bobby socks, perfect for class or sips at the soda shop. 

3. 1960s

Hey, Flyers. Welcome to the ’60s! While nationally this decade saw the rise of the fashion rebellion of the hippie movement, those counter-culture trends hadn’t quite made it to campus yet. Instead, female students in particular rocked the beehive, bouffant and bob — oh my! No hairspray was spared in the making of these chic styles. 

4. 1970s

Did somebody say disco? The ’70s introduced outta sight clothing pieces like bell bottoms and satin shirts and further popularized hairstyles like the shag and the Afro. Loud patterns shouted “right on!” to your roommate from across campus, but who are we to judge? It’s groovy, baby! 

5. 1980s

While girls teased their hair to the heav-ens, Bruce “the Boss” played nearby on somebody’s boom box. This decade was full of bold and bright colors, shoulder pads, rugby shirts and denim on denim. The preppy style from the ’50s rolled back around again, this time accompanied by the popularization of athletic wear. Follow any of these trends and you’d be considered totally tubular. 

6. 1990s

Ah, yes, the ’90s. When UD students decided that inside furniture could be used outside, too. The grunge scene rose to fame as bands like Nirvana ruled the charts. Flannels and baggy pants were staple items, as was headwear like bandanas and backward baseball caps. It was all that and a bag of chips!  

7. 2000s

While celebrities like Britney Spears and Usher walked red carpets in the early 2000s, UD students adopted the style trends that were taking pop culture by storm. Low-rise jeans, crop tops and shoulder bags had their time to shine on campus, as did basketball jerseys and popped collars. Dude, where’s your fashion sense? 

8. 2010s

The 2010s saw the rise of social media and athleisure wear. While students in this decade watched Lady Gaga don a meat dress to the MTV Video Music Awards, some rocked yoga pants, skinny jeans and statement necklaces or scarves to class. Graphic patterned clothing, Air Jordans and hoodies also dominated the decade of the iPhone.

9. 2020s

Nine decades since the start of this list, present-day Flyers have a more relaxed view of campus fashion. Observe any class change and you’ll see students being their most comfortable, authentic selves. Sweatpants, a sweatshirt and a solid pair of sneakers are all that’s needed to slay your 9 a.m. lecture.  

Photographs courtesy University Archives

A version of this article appears in print in the Summer 2025 University of Dayton Magazine, Page 18. EXPLORE THE ISSUE — MORE ONLINE