Blast from the Past: 10 Surprising Fashion Trends That Will Leave Today's Fashionistas Stunned!

According to SAEDNEWS, We've all heard the saying, "Things were better in the past," especially when it comes to fashion trends. However, a deeper exploration of styles from previous centuries might make you rethink that notion.

From colorful eyebrows to corsets that constricted waists down to a mere 13 inches, the beauty norms of yesteryear were often quite extreme!

The Quest for Perfect Skin

In Ancient Rome, wealthy women pursued flawless skin through some rather unorthodox means. They could afford luxurious facial products, including the sweat of gladiators! This unusual concoction was mixed with olive oil and touted as a miraculous remedy for enhancing skin tone. Clearly, the Romans weren't afraid to embrace the bizarre in their beauty rituals.

Eyebrow Evolution: The Unibrow Trend

Eyebrows have long been a focal point of beauty standards across different eras. In Ancient Greece, the unibrow ruled the day. If a woman didn't possess this singular eyebrow, she’d don a "wig" crafted from goat hair to achieve the look.

Vibrant Brows in Ancient China

In the 2nd to 3rd centuries, colorful eyebrows became all the rage in China, spurred on by an emperor who mandated that his wives wear blue eyebrows. To comply, women shaved off their natural eyebrows and drew new ones with expensive, imported colored ink. This trend not only showcased the emperor’s aesthetic tastes but also his wealth, as such luxurious inks were accessible only to the affluent.

Channeling Innocence with High Foreheads

During the late 14th century, under Queen Isabeau of Bavaria, beauty ideals shifted towards high foreheads and swan-like necks. Women achieved this look by shaving hair from their foreheads and necks, and plucking their brows, aiming to resemble the pure and innocent visage of an infant.

Blonde Ambition in the Proto-Renaissance

The allure of blonde hair gained momentum in the 15th century, influenced by the poet Petrarch and his idealized muse, Laura. Women resorted to multi-day dyeing processes to turn their hair golden, a labor-intensive endeavor that reflected their commitment to beauty.

The Obsession with Pale Skin

In the 18th century, England saw a peak in the obsession with unnaturally white skin. Women used exotic and hazardous methods, such as dried horse dung and lead-based powders, to achieve this ideal. The dangers of lead were particularly concerning, as it was also present in the red pigments used on lips and cheeks.

The Price of Beauty: Georgian Era Dental Trends

During the Georgian era, achieving the look of fine porcelain teeth came at a cost. Some resorted to using sulfuric acid-based powders, which often damaged their teeth. Wealthier individuals could opt for "implants," which were actual teeth from live donors, attached with wire—a testament to the extremes people would go to for a perfect smile.

Long Nails, Signifying Wealth

In China, long fingernails were a symbol of wealth and status, signifying that the owner could afford not to work with their hands. During the Qing dynasty, some elite women sported nails up to 10 inches long, often protected by ornate metal covers adorned with gems to prevent breakage.

Reflecting on these bygone beauty trends, it becomes clear that while trends may evolve, the pursuit of beauty has always pushed boundaries. Perhaps our current standards, while different, are not so distanced from the extremes of the past!