The constantly changing fashion landscape has captivated teens for decades. From poodle skirts and leather jackets to baggy jeans and crop tops, clothing trends and choices have helped teens both fit in and stand out through self-expression. At what was originally Newton High School—later split into Newton North and Newton South—students’ styles have varied greatly from decade to decade, often reflecting not just popular fashion but also the music they listened to and, at times, the political or social groups they aligned with.
Thanks to the school’s long-standing lack of a strict dress code, stating that “students and parents have the right to determine how the student will dress providing that attire is not destructive to school property, complies with requirements for health and safety, and does not cause disorder or disruption,” North students had the freedom to reflect cultural shifts through what they wore.
The Newtonite reached out to various North alumni to highlight the styles of students over the years, beginning in 1950.
1950/1960s
In the 1950s, class and polish was a priority at Newton High School, according to Mimi Antonelli Hooper ‘53. For Hooper and many of her female classmates, daily outfits were carefully curated and reflected the decade’s emphasis on neatness and propriety. A “sweater, skirt, socks and loafers,” was the standard ensemble, she recalled. “Cashmere if possible, and straight skirts most often,” she added.
According to Hooper, outfits in the 1950s were more “put-together” than outfits worn by high school students now.
“[Students now] mostly dress for comfort, whereas we dressed to look nice and classy.”
1960s
After reviewing issues of The Newtonite from 1965 to 1968, clear patterns emerge in student fashion from the 1960s. Girls often wore high-waisted skirts paired with cardigans, while boys sported button-up shirts, ties, and even the occasional suit jacket. A version of today’s bell bottom jeans was also popular among girls, giving outfits a more casual edge. The decade’s style leaned chic yet slightly more relaxed, favoring comfortable fabrics like tweed, cotton, and linen. Hairstyles also reflected the era: many girls styled their hair in the short, simple “pouf,” while boys kept to classic crew cuts or embraced the trend of sideburns and turtlenecks.
1970s
The 1970s saw a rise in bold, colorful clothing, according to Erin Condon ‘74. Bell bottoms, corduroy jeans, vests, pea coats, and boots were staples for the average North student.
“I wore heavy hiking boots year round unless it was just too hot. Then I switched to Nike Waffle Trainers,” said Kenny Dews ‘75.
Dews added that fashion was distinct within different Newton communities.
“There were the ‘greasers’ from the Lake with leather jackets, and the kids from ‘The Hill’ who tended to dress very preppy,” he said.
According to Dews, without a strict dress code, students received the most pressure to dress well from their peers.
“There was a strong sense that the administration and teachers would allow anything, but one's fellow students were really the arbiters of fashion,” said Dews.
Dews added that one of the most notable components of 70s fashion was the hairstyles.
“I think the biggest distinction was that lots of guys had really long hair,” he said. “I did, even though it looks horrible in retrospect.”
1980s
By the 1980s, fashion at North had become more expressive and pop-culture inspired, according to Beals House executive assistant Cheryl Stover ‘84. An outfit she would typically wear to school in the 80s consisted of jeans “pegged, of course, into slouchy socks” and an Izod Lacoste collared “alligator shirt” with the collars popped. Stover added that neon colors and shaker sweaters were also popular.
Unlike today’s students, who often opt for sweatpants and hoodies, Stover said comfort-first fashion wasn’t the norm. “Fashion is much more informal now,” said Stover. “Pajamas? No way!”
Based on Newtonian yearbooks, Madonna, a pop icon of the decade, also inspired fashion for some students at the time with big hair and punk-glam outfits.
While North students today often wear concert merchandise from artists like Taylor Swift or SZA, these pieces tend to reflect fandom rather than the imitation that “Madonna girls” of the 80s strove for. Students today rarely seek to replicate the individual style of artists in the same way some students did in the 80s.
1990s
The 1990s marked a turning point as fashion at North began to more closely resemble the trends of today.
“Acid-washed jeans, cropped tops, and flannel shirts were pretty popular,” said special education teacher Beth Busa ‘94.
While students at North now often wear team hoodies to show spirit, varsity athletes more commonly opted towards letterman jackets in the 90s, according to Busa.
Busa added that style often indicated one’s social circle at North, especially because North was a “clique-driven school,” she said.
According to Busa, each clique tended to congregate in its own section of the old Main Street.
“Each area, like Barry or Riley, had a distinct sense of style,” said Busa. “As you walked down Main Street you could see the change in student culture, from gothic to jock.”
2000s
By the 2000s, fashion at North had fully embraced a mix of casual comfort and cultural influence.
According to Declan Healy ‘01, a typical student’s outfit consisted of “cargo pants or shorts with preppy shirts or flannel.”
Clothes in the 2000s also often had a baggy fit similar to those worn today, according to Healy, “so much so that the bottom legs of your jeans would be soaked from puddles if it rained,” he said. “On the contrary, though, Yoga pants were just becoming popular, so I remember girls started wearing those often towards the end of high school.”
According to Healy, since North had no strong dress code, he wore a hemp necklace to school on occasion, a nod to the laid-back, alternative vibe of the 2000s.
2010s
According to Nick Tuozzolo ‘20, during his time at North, Crocs and Birkenstocks were in style, and, “tragically,” so were short shorts with long socks.
“Vineyard Vines and leggings were also popular,” said Tuozzolo.
Sophia Vito ‘18 recalled other trends from the 2010s, including flannel, tall chestnut UGG boots, and Adidas superstars. “I swear, almost every girl had a pair,” Vito said.
She also noted how fashion at North had shifted since her time in school. “When I was at North, trends existed, but people weren’t afraid to branch out. I always used fashion to reflect my personality.”
She added that with social media and Tiktok driving trends, “it's no wonder everyone starts to look the same.”
“The pressure to fit in is stronger than ever,” said Vito. “Still, I love that some individuality is peeking through again: fun hair clips, stacked rings and statement earrings. Style should be personal. I hope more students feel empowered to show who they are, not just what’s trending.”
2020s
During COVID-19, comfort became more of a priority for North students, particularly when students attended classes online.
“A typical comfy outfit for a lot of girls was black leggings and a big sweatshirt and white sneakers,” said Ella Yolen ‘22. “When I was a freshman, skinny jeans were still a thing in a way that they aren’t anymore.”
While skinny jeans may be out of style now, COVID’s comfort-driven clothing aesthetic is still prevalent, according to senior Sienna Ullman, who wears “sweatpants and a sweatshirt” on a typical day. Senior Nina Bakal added that individuality is a cornerstone of student fashion today, with students expressing themselves through unique jewelry choices and distinct personal touches.
Images of Newton North students from the 1983 Newtonian Yearbook.
