Historic Changes in Women's Fashion: 1900s - 1960s

Throughout the years, women's fashion and designdress," and the introduction of nylon.
has always been influenced by history, politics, andIn the 1940s, World War II took a toll on women's
location. A woman's status and station in society alsofashion, as leather shoes lessened and certain fabrics
affected the types of clothing choices deemedwere limited. Heavy wooden soles and wedge heels
acceptable or expected of her. When taking a lookbecame commonplace. A host of clothing items were
at history, the role of the woman unfolds throughrationed - bought using a "coupon" system. Some of
popular clothing styles, as revealed through hemlines,the non-rationed items included mending wool,
layers of clothing, shoes, and overall fashion. Belowribbons, lace, suspenders, and clogs. Women began
you will find a collection of significant changes inpainting their shoes with bright colors or decorating
women's fashion trends starting with the 1900s.the sides of the soles with small shells or studs to
During the 1900s, legs and feet of the woman wereelevate their sense of style.
rarely seen (unless in the sitting position). This meantDuring the 1950s, glamour took over and it showed in
that stockings, shoes, and other footwear didn't gainthe latest women's fashion designs. Full skirts with
much attention. Clothing and shoes of the timepetticoats, swoop-line empire dresses, and fancy
highlighted silk bows, small buckles, and dark colors.suits became popular. Many women now wore a
Pointed toes and a moderate high heel were instiletto heel and Italian shoes (known for
fashion. Women's skirts became narrower after theultra-elegance and refinement). Seamless stockings
Civil War and displayed more of a cone-shape ratherand beehive hairdos accompanied the clothing of the
than a bell. Clothing was heavily starched and50's.
"shirtwaists" became the latest style, which wereThe 1960s brought more freethinking attitudes of the
fashioned after men's shirts.world, including fashion. Skirts became much shorter -
In the 1920s, legs became an asset and showedleading to the creation of the "mini." Stockings were
through the kind of clothing worn during this timetossed to the side and pantyhose made an
period. Hemlines rose and women began to takeimpression on the women of the 60's. Flat boots
great interest in flesh-colored stockings and shoes.were worn with very short dresses. Additional
The expensive silk stocking accompaniedfashion introductions of the 60s included psychedelic
eveningwear, while ribbed and patterned selectionsfabric prints, denim jeans, and the pill box hat. Shoes
(diamond-cut) became the rage. "Flapper" fashionbecame chunkier, displaying thicker low heels with
took over with the Roaring 20s, highlighting floatingrounded or squared toes. Buckle shoes were quite
fabrics, handkerchief hemlines, and girdles."in" with matching gold or silver heels to match the
When the 1930s arrived, women's fashion took abuckles.
turn back to portraying a more "ladylike" appearance.Resource:
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during the day and glamorous by night. MoreSociety Clothing, plus Red Hats, Pink Hats, and
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included short-fitted suits and jackets, the "little blacknotifications too!