One Hundred Years of Womens Fashion

By Shannon Perry

1910 - 1919

Historical events of the time

1910 Ballets Russes perform in Paris, inspiring Asian-influenced harem pants, kimonos, and turbans (black and white photo) 1912 Sinking of the Titanic (typical fashion worn by women at that time is shown above right) 1914-1918 World War I; skirts rise to mid-calf, colors get darker and monochromatic, and clothes become practical for women to work in (bottom left picture) 1916 First issue of Vogue

Trend: Feminine; hemlines were floorlength to above the ankle Silhouette: Softer, fluid lines; straighter skirts, easy movement; corsets were no longer in fashion Fabrics: Gossamer, silk Colors: Pastels; vivid, bright, and bold colors made by new dyeing techniques Designers: Paul Poiret, Jeanne Paquin

1920s
Trend: Sporty, athletic; short, bob hairstyle; sleeveless dresses; kneelength hemlines; high heels; cloche hats; costume jewelry Silhouette: Straight lines; waist is lowered to hip on dresses; no defined waistline; diagonal hems Fabrics: Cotton, knits, jersey, tweeds, fringe, beading Colors: Bold color combinations; solid shades; geometric patterns Designers: Coco Chanel, Jean Patou

Historical events of the time

1920 Women are granted the right to vote, leading to more independence 1923 Flapper style becomes popular when short skirts are necessary for dancing the Charleston 1926 Coco Chanel creates the little black dress which becomes one of the most essential pieces in fashion 1929 Stock market crashes, leading to the Great Depression

1930s

Historical events of the time

1930 the Great Depression begins a time of hardship, bad economy, and unemployment 1931 Empire State Building is completed, showcasing the trend of Art Deco design 1937 Amelia Earhart vanishes (masculine style clothes are inspired by her) 1939 World War II begins

Trend: Feminine; menswear-inspired; midcalf hemlines; sportswear; pant suits; backless gowns; wedge heels Silhouette: Clean lines; cinched in waist; narrow hips; broad shoulders; triangular shape Fabrics: Bias-cut; silk, gabardine, chiffon; pleats and draping Colors: Muted colors and refined, elegant shades Designers: Elsa Schiaparelli, Charles James

 Trend: Fabric shortage caused shorter hemlines; shirtdresses; thick heels; mix and match styles; military-look Silhouette: A-line skirts; straight skirts; feminine shapes; square shoulders Fabrics: Gingham, denim, mix and match patterns; using older clothes to make new clothes Colors: Patriotic colors, navy, gray, and brown Designers: Claire McCardell, Christian Dior

1940s

Historical events of the time

1940 1945 Women work outside the home while men are fighting war; practical clothes are in style 1942 T-shirt is introduced 1945 World War II ends; women go back to being homemakers; housework-inspired clothes are in style 1946 Bikinis are introduced

1950s

Historical events of the time

Trend: Retro fashion of the early 1900s; feminine; cocktail dresses; bolero jackets; pencil skirts; petticoat skirts; Capri pants; ballerina flats; stiletto heels; gloves Silhouette: Hour glass shape; cinched in waist, flared skirt, soft shoulders Fabrics: Taffeta, wools, gazar silk Colors: Pastels, grays, muted shades and jewel tones Designers: Valentino, Cristobal Balenciaga

1951 Color TV is introduced 1954 Chanel introduces her famous black collarless suit jacket and skirt with gold chain trim 1955 Disneyland opens 1959 Barbie is introduced

1960 1960ss

Trend: Early 60s a-lines and pencil skirts, Jackie Kennedy style; Mid 60s Mod, miniskirts; Late 60s hippie, relaxed clothes Silhouette: Straight line, waistless shift; trapeze dress; bell sleeves Fabrics: Geometric patterns, cotton, jersey, wool, crochet Colors: Pales, black, white, bright, bold, tie-dye, neon Designers: Mary Quant, Pierre Cardin, Laura Ashley, Pucci

Historical events of the time

1963 John F. Kennedy is assassinated ending Camelot era and Jackie Kennedy fashion 1964 Beatles become popular in U.S., starting London style and Mod fashion 1969 First man on moon; Woodstock sparks hippie fashion

Trend: Bell bottom pants; platform shoes; wrap dresses; gaucho pants; Annie Hall menswear look Silhouette: A-line skirts; bodydraping clothes; above-the-knee to mid-calf hemlines; softer shapes Fabrics: Plaids, polyester, rayon, jersey, tweed, wool Colors: Patriotic colors (honoring bicentennial); pastels; bright, shimmery satins; muted tweeds for work Designers: Ralph Lauren, Halston, Gucci, Diane Von Furstenberg

1970s

Historical events of the time

1970 Beatles break up 1973 DVF creates first wrap dress 1975 Microsoft founded 1977 Star Wars premieres

1980s

Trend: Preppie look; pop music styles; retro fashion of the 1950s; cocktail dresses; acid wash jeans, designer jeans; big hair; balloon skirts; crop tops; exercise wear (bicycle shorts, legwarmers); ballerina flats; leggings; tunics; big sweaters; pumps Silhouette: Bulky top with skinny bottom; shoulder pads; tight jeans; shorter hemlines; feminine 1950s hour glass shape Fabrics: Taffeta, tulle, lycra, rayon, denim, sequins, knits Colors: Neons, brights, jewel tones, bold, black Designers: Donna Karan, Betsey Johnson, Perry Ellis, Calvin Klein

Historical events of the time

1981 Royal Wedding of Lady Diana and Prince Charles 1982 Michael Jackson releases Thriller 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident 1987 Stock Market crashes 1989 Berlin wall comes down

1990s

Trend: crop tops; baggy jeans; tapered leg jeans; floral dresses; boyfriend blazers; palazzo pants; grunge style; lumberjack shirts; overalls; platform tennis shoes Silhouette: Baggy top with small bottom or small top with baggy bottom; long, slender shapes; flowing lines Fabrics: Cotton, denim, knits, flannel, spandex Colors: dark, muted; floral patterns; plaid; color block; monochromatic; black Designers: Giani Versace, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Tom Ford

Historical events of the time

1991 Collapse of the Soviet Union 1992 Official end of the Cold War 1993 Internet is widely used 1994 Kurt Cobain dies, ending Grunge era 1997 Princess Diana dies

Historical events of the time

Trend: Vintage and Retro fashion; long lines from the 1930s, nautical look from 1930s and 1940s, shirtdresses from 1940s and 1970s, bohemian skirts and tops from 1970s; skinny jeans and tunics from 1980s Silhouette: long, lean; straight skirts; short skirts; tapered legs on pants; feminine and masculine shapes Fabrics: Cotton, knits, jersey, khaki, linen, rayon; vintage clothes Colors: All colors from muted and pale to bold and neon Designers: Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, classic and vintage

2000s

2001 Attacks on World Trade Center 2003 War in Iraq begins 2005 Hurricane Katrina 2008 Obama is elected first African American President 2010 Alexander McQueen dies