With the rise of social media, it has become increasingly evident that fashion has evolved tremendously over the years. The trends of today differ vastly from styles of eras that have come before but also show some noticable similarities. It is perhaps important to explore different ages and eras of fashion from not just the past few decades, but also centuries. This blog will explore a selection of dress styles from past eras. Can you spot some similarities and differences to current styles?
Fashion within Ancient Greece is particularly notable in this era. Some suggest that the garments are forms of modern inspiration by virtue of their etheral looks. Women would usually wear silk and or linen due to the hot climates and the lack of need for sewing, these garments were designed for functionality in mind.
In the early medieval years, dresses had progressed to become more intricate. The heavy and ornate fabrics were synonymous with wealth and dresses began being constructured in pieces and layers.
High-waisted silhouettes synonymous with the earlier years of this decade were replaced with lower waistlines, further emphasising the waist. This became particularly popular among European nobility.
The style of the likes of Marie Antoinette of France was substantial within this era. Dresses were big, designs elaborate and the hair was high.
Nearing the end of the 18th century, women's clothing had become less structured with empire waists being the height of fashion paired with a draped, high neckline allowing for fluidity in movement.
With the USA now at war, dresses were much simpler with regards to fabric and design. Women wore full skirts made of only one material.
Silhouettes were conservative in nature, adopting many layers and coverage. Nevertheless, there was a strong emphasis on slim waists, thus the encouraging of wearing corsets. The later years of this era utilised a more playful aproach including lace, ruffles, and feather details. Nevertheless, hick necks were still the norm.
Now into the Edwardian era, dresses became boxier and looser, lace still being popular and waists still being cinchd with sashes. Notably, this is where the rise of the hemline became more obvious. This era welcomed the use of chiffon and women's silhouettes were becoming more streamlined.
The infamous flapper craze of the Roaring 20s had blown up. Shorter hemlines, cut off right below the knee with drop waists and sleeveless. These were no longer considered scandalous. Also, with citizens experiencing a rise in wealth, luxury in fashion was also on the rise with fringes, panels and embroidery being typical of glamourous dresses.
Priorities of consumers were different as a result of the Great Depression in America, thus consumers were not spending as much money on clothing. However, for those who were not strugling as much, there were a host of new patterns and textures as well as more diverse wardrobe options, notably, trousers! Casual dresses were popping up by the mid-30s. A dress with a belt at the waist and buttons up the front became the height of fashion!
Suit dresses with considerably structured including more structured shoulders, belted waists and A-line skirts. As a result of wartime rations, the goal was to repurpose clothing. However, with the end of the war, fashion became more spirited. While silhouettes remained similar, ruched fabric, beads and accessories became more evermore present within designs.
Tea-length dresses were now all the rage. Dress makers used tulle and chiffon as fabrics to create fuller skirts and accentuated waists for the dresses. The hourglass figure was still dominating. Dior was one notable fashion house that reflected these trends but also extended this beyond tea-length dresses to coat dresses and evening gowns.
Sheath dresses were all the rage, often worn with gloves for a more formal look or could be dressed down for everyday wear. The later period of this decade saw hemlines rising, leading to the infamous "miniskirt mania" peak. To complete the mod look, a chunky low heel and or knee-high boots and a baret were staples.
Here is where the jumper dress took over, usually worn over turtleneck tops or button-down blouses. Yet, the mid-70s experienced the takeover of halter necks, belted waistlines, sequins as well as lamé fabric and breezy dresses by virtue of Studio 54 and disco.
This era of fashion experienced a variety of different trends. Firstly, shoulder pads were everywhere. There was also an abundance of polka dots, and bold matching accessories. The 'big shoulder' look continued into the mid-80s with an inclusion of bright colours but now, tapered hemlines were rising in popularity. The late-80s was infamous for replicas of "the naked dress", inspired by Cher's rhinestone-encrusted sheer panelled dress coupled with fringe and beads.
Minimalism was vast within this era! We saw many spaghetti-strap dresses, shawls and slinky satin fabrics. A far cry from the lavish styles of the 1980s.
This era of fashion, frequently known as Y2K, was focused heavily on fabrics and patterns and midriff-baring silhouettes. However, the later years of this decade saw retro and vintage inspired dresses which could be characterised by a form-fitting bodice that gave way to flouncy skirts.
Some regard 2010s as perhaps one of the worst decades for fashion. Nevertheless, the bodycon bandage dress was perhaps considered a staple as well as a rise in popularity of cutouts. However, as the decade progressed, haute couture and everyday fashion came together, statement pieces flooded the red carpets.
As can be seen throughout, dresses have evolved substantially. Due to the pandemic fashion experienced a shift with leisurewear becoming a common way of dressing. However, one such dress that made its mark was the "Cult Gaia's Serita" dress. The style of this famous dress has now been immitated by countless brands is perhaps now a Summer staple style.
Can you see any significant features of these dress styles and trends? Check out the garments of the University of Lincoln's BA Fashion students collections on Sew In Style's other social media platforms and see if you can notice if any of the eras discussed might have inspired their collections!
