Fashion History 1900’s – 1950’s

1900’s

The Gibson Girl symbolized the feminine ideal of physical attractiveness!

1900’s – S-Curve The silhouette softened into the S-shaped curve with softer shoulders, less restrictive corsets, and the bustle, never returned.

1900’s Men The three-piece suit for gentlemen was introduced. The suit was relatively non constricting with a sack coat, simple vest, and pleated trousers.

1912: The Titanic The 1997 film Titanic is set in 1912 and can show you that the way the women dress reflects The Gibson Girl image

1900’s: The Bicycle Life began to move at a faster pace with many new inventions, such as the telephone, electric light, and the automobile, that gave people more luxury and freedom. The new two-wheeled cycle, was the craze of the country.

Women, Bloomers & The Bicycle Amelia Bloomer designed a practical outfit for the avid cyclist consisting of a tunic dress worn over loose trousers gathered at the ankle. Later this was revised into a split skirt with gathers under the knee, called Bloomers.

1900’s – The Bathing Suit The one piece bathing suit was introduced by Annette Kellerman which shocked the world.

The Bathing Machine Women would change in these so nobody would ever see them uncovered.

1910’s Men and women wore Dustcoats to protect their clothing when driving or riding in cars.

1910’s – The Hobble Skirt French designer Paul Poiret broke the new rule of freedom by designing the Hobble Skirt. The hemline was so narrow that women could only take very tiny steps. The Pope spoke out in defense of the women, so Poiret split the skirt to the knee, bringing a response of outrage from the public.

Movies that represent 1900-1910 Meet me in St. Louis Anne of Green Gables

Movies that represent 1910’s Anne of Avonlea Titanic

World War I & Fashion World War I saw fashion come to a standstill with patriotism at an all-time high. During and at the end of WWI. The barrel silhouette look comes in. It is a baggy dress/jacket combination that made women look large and droopy in the chest.

Women’s Movement The women’s movement demanded the right to vote, wear make-up, cut their hair short for the first time in a Bobbed style, and wear skirts above the ankle.

1920’s: Gatsby

The Roaring 20’s Era The flapper dress was introduced Women wore lots of costume jewelry The cloche’ hate became very popular The tubular silhouette was in!

Flapper vs. Thinking Woman

Swim Suits 1920

Movies that represent 1920’s The Great Gatsby Singing in the Rain Thoroughly Modern Millie

1930’s: Depression Era The Depression brought about the classic styles in suits and dresses, clothing that would last a long time and stay in style. The waistline was restored The shirtwaist dress was a classic.

1930’s: Depression Era Children wore clothing made from flour sacks and sugar sacks

1930’s on the Bias dresses were cut on the bias because it created a curvy and clingy silhouette .

1930’s Swimwear

1940’s: World War II Era

1940’s Fashion Trends  Men’s fashion stopped progressing until after the war- a reflection that most men were serving in uniforms instead of enjoying life at home. Women’s fashion echoed men’s traditional clothing with man-tailored dresses, coats and hats. These new serious looks were not about an idealized life but about supporting the war effort through fashion.

Women favored the “convertible suit,” a short jacket, A-line, knee-length skirt, and blouse, which could be easily transformed into evening wear by shedding the jacket once the workday was over.

Inverted Triangle

With no silk stockings available, many women gave the illusion of stockings by drawing a line up the back of their legs with eyeliner.

1940’s

Influence on Women The women were thrown into the workplace and then told to leave once the men returned. However, women now had their eyes open to the opportunities available to them.

Women began wearing slacks because they were now part of the workforce.

Rosie the Riveter

The Eisenhower Jacket & The Bomber Jacket were influenced by the service men’s uniforms

The Eisenhower Jacket

The New Look In 1947, a French designer, Christian Dior launched what he called “The New Look.” The war was over, the men had returned home, and The New Look gave women a softer, more feminine look and curve. This look was stylish, elegant, and reflected the opposite of wartime restrictions.

The New Look 1947-50’s The hemlines fell to just above he ankle and skirts were incredibly full. Yards and yards of fabric were used as well as petticoats with crinoline and flounces of lace. The shoulder pad was dropped with a thud and the sloping, soft shoulder replaced the squared, manly look. The bust line was accented; the waistline was high and cinched in again.

Movies that represent the 40’s A League of Their Own Memphis Belle

1950’s: The New Look

1950’s: Teenagers Until 1950 the term teenagers had never before been coined.  Children were known as girls and boys were called youths. During the 1950s a range of influences including film, television, magazines and the rock music scene created a new market grouping called teenagers.

1950’s: Teenagers

Saddle Shoes & Capris were introduced and very popular!

The Era of Rock n’ Roll

1950’s: The hourglass silhouette became very popular!