Historic Changes In Women's Fashion: 1900s –
1960s
Author: MaryLu

Throughout the years, women's fashion and design has always
been influenced by history, politics, and location. A woman's
status and station in society also affected the types of
clothing choices deemed acceptable or expected of her. When
taking a look at history, the role of the woman unfolds through
popular clothing styles, as revealed through hemlines, layers of
clothing, shoes, and overall fashion. Below you will find a
collection of significant changes in women's fashion trends
starting with the 1900s.

During the 1900s, legs and feet of the woman were rarely seen
(unless in the sitting position). This meant that stockings,
shoes, and other footwear didn't gain much attention. Clothing
and shoes of the time highlighted silk bows, small buckles, and
dark colors. Pointed toes and a moderate high heel were in
fashion. Women's skirts became narrower after the Civil War and
displayed more of a cone-shape rather than a bell. Clothing was
heavily starched and "shirtwaists" became the latest style,
which were fashioned after men's shirts.

In the 1920s, legs became an asset and showed through the kind
of clothing worn during this time period. Hemlines rose and
women began to take great interest in flesh-colored stockings
and shoes. The expensive silk stocking accompanied eveningwear,
while ribbed and patterned selections (diamond-cut) became the
rage. "Flapper" fashion took over with the Roaring 20s,
highlighting floating fabrics, handkerchief hemlines, and
girdles.

When the 1930s arrived, women's fashion took a turn back to
portraying a more "ladylike" appearance. The clothes were
feminine in style - crisp and clean during the day and glamorous
by night. More sophisticated shoes emerged, including the
strappy open-toed sandal. Additional features of the decade
included short-fitted suits and jackets, the "little black
dress," and the introduction of nylon.

In the 1940s, World War II took a toll on women's fashion, as
leather shoes lessened and certain fabrics were limited. Heavy
wooden soles and wedge heels became commonplace. A host of
clothing items were rationed - bought using a "coupon" system.
Some of the non-rationed items included mending wool, ribbons,
lace, suspenders, and clogs. Women began painting their shoes
with bright colors or decorating the sides of the soles with
small shells or studs to elevate their sense of style.

During the 1950s, glamour took over and it showed in the latest
women's fashion designs. Full skirts with petticoats, swoop-line
empire dresses, and fancy suits became popular. Many women now
wore a stiletto heel and Italian shoes (known for ultra-elegance
and refinement). Seamless stockings and beehive hairdos
accompanied the clothing of the 50's.

The 1960s brought more freethinking attitudes of the world,
including fashion. Skirts became much shorter - leading to the
creation of the "mini." Stockings were tossed to the side and
pantyhose made an impression on the women of the 60's. Flat
boots were worn with very short dresses. Additional fashion
introductions of the 60s included psychedelic fabric prints,
denim jeans, and the pill box hat. Shoes became chunkier,
displaying thicker low heels with rounded or squared toes.
Buckle shoes were quite "in" with matching gold or silver heels
to match the buckles.


About The Author: Red Hat Society Ladies stop by
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