12 fashion accessories that defined their era

Fashion changes over time, and there's no shortage of accessories to go with it, from hats to shoes to bags. Some of them have even been so remarkable as to become emblematic of the period in which they appeared. We'll admit that a few were more or less unusual, but nobody saw it that way at the time. We've put together a list of the top 12 fashion accessories that characterized their era, so you can see how people lived in the past. You may even recognize some of your own favorites.

Who hasn't heard of those big, thin-rimmed glasses? Although intended for American aviators before the Second World War, they made their way to the faces of celebrities in the 70s and 80s. Rather practical with their anti-reflective finish, they even enjoyed a resurgence in popularity from the 2000s onwards.

Already famous a few centuries ago with painters and other artists such as Picasso, the beret was especially popular in the 1940s. Associated with various Resistance figures, it perfectly represents French culture. There's always that cliché of a Frenchman wearing a beret and carrying a baguette.

How do you make a statement with your clothes? Well, all you have to do is wear a big belt, and make sure it's clearly visible. I don't know if it's really credible, but that's what people thought in the '80s. You can also add a big metal buckle to accentuate the extravagance.

Created for basketball, All Star Converse became the most popular shoe in the NBA from the 50s to the 70s. Their popularity also spread to the streets, where they became the emblem of rock'n'roll, punk and skate culture. It's true that they're both practical and comfortable, even today.

Forget luxurious gems, say hello to less flashy costume jewelry. That's what Coco Chanel did in the 1920s, popularizing pearl necklaces as the new symbol of French chic. From then on, women preferred simpler, more casual styles.

In the 70s, you absolutely couldn't go to a disco without platform shoes. And unlike today, they were worn by both men and women. Representing freedom, they were also popular with followers of the hippie and feminist movements.

While the watches of yesteryear were rather fragile jewels, the Casio G-Shock takes a completely different approach. It relies primarily on its robustness, making it an excellent ally for military personnel, surfers and extreme sports enthusiasts. All in all, it became a streetwear staple in the 80s.

This scarf, which first appeared in 1937, is made from high-quality silk and screen-printed by hand. In other words, luxury à la française. As its name suggests, it is square in shape, offering a multitude of ways to tie it, whether around the neck, over the hair or as a belt.

In the Roaring Twenties, you weren't quite a woman if you didn't wear this rounded hat with lowered brims. Of course, it takes its name from the shape, which vaguely resembles a bell. It also goes perfectly with short hair, which enhances the shape even more.

Want to let others know you're not doing any work? All you have to do is show them that you're very clean. And what better way than to wear white gloves all the time. Today, this might seem like laziness, but at the beginning of the 20th century, it was a mark of social distinction.

We wanted something practical in the 80s and 90s, so we created the fanny pack, which could be worn around the waist or slung over the shoulder to keep your hands free. And like much of the fashion of the time, this accessory eventually became corny before regaining popularity.

This headgear was originally intended for British sportsmen and soldiers. In the '90s, the cap made its breakthrough in hip-hop culture and with film icons such as Samuel L. Jackson. We all recognize this badass look when it's worn backwards, ideal for street fashion.