Silk, Lace, and
Liberation:
Revolutions in
Women's Wear
from the 1900s
Onward
The way the women of the 1900th century dressed can be seen as a reflection of the changing societal view that they were able to have. During the Edwardian era prior to World War I, the S-shape figure was the dominant silhouette corsets remained popular to achieve this shape. Additionally with the use of various undergarments were also used to create the illusive S-shape. 1910-1913 women started to become more independent women began to work outside of their home, additionally social and political changes were occurring that began to kickstart women’s suffrage movement across the US and Europe.
Women’s fashion began to trend more towards the natural figure due to the changes that allowed women to become more economically independent this created a need for less extravagant clothing in exchange for clothing that became more practical for everyday wear. Fashion for women evolved with the times and importantly showed the freedom that women now had within the workforce. After the end of the war women continued to fight for their freedoms that they had during the war time, this continued to change the ideas of fashion as well.
Vogue Cover from August 9th 1900
This 19th century Vogue cover shows a prime example of the S-Shape Silhouette. The S-shape pushed the bust forwards, while pushing the hips backwards. With this look, the woman in the illustration is completely covered wearing a long sleeved dress showing no skin.
Vogue Cover from December 15th 1920
In this 1920 edition of Vogue it is a stark contrast between the 1900 edition. Within this addition there is a more openness of style. The woman in the illustration dawns shorter hair, and a dress with an open back with less of an emphasis on the S-shape silhouette, and instead a more straight cut silhouette.