What's in Your Closet? More than any other century, the fashion of the 20th century changed radically from the 1900’s through the 1990’s. Vintage fashion has surged in popularity over the last few years because of TV programs like “Mad Men” and “Downton Abby” or movies such as the “Great Gatsby”. Hollywood stars have caught our attention by wearing vintage gowns during red carpet events and people are discovering that wearing something vintage or nostalgic can be fun and very stylish. As you read the descriptions of fashion for the decades, you will notice that styles fluctuate. The 20th Century started out Edwardian. From 1900 until 1919, the styles for women were long and with a little flounce. Bustles, corsets, fitted waists and high neck lines gave way to dresses with a looser fit and conservative style. Cotton and silk were fabrics of choice. Hats had lots of feathers, flowers and lace with large brims being the preference. Gloves were a necessity.
Fashion changed more in the 1960’s than any other decade. From the onset the fashions started changing. By 1962, suits and pill box hats were popular, influenced by Jackie Kennedy’s style. The jackets had ¾ length sleeves. Bikinis became popular for swimwear. Ski pants or stirrup pants were popular with fitted ski sweaters. By the mid-1960’s, the Beatles had arrived and so had the London look. Shift style dresses and Empire waist dresses became the rage along with knee high boots. Berets were the choice for hats. Up until now the hemline had been longer with the exception of the 1920’s. Now, hemlines crept higher. By the late 1960’s psychedelic tunics and palazzo pants become stylish along with maxi dresses and mini dresses. Dresses were shift or A-line with no defined waist. Bell bottom pants emerged and short shorts were worn for casual wear. Gloves were no longer a necessity.
The flapper 20’s were very different and fun but with little style accentuating the figure. Many of the dresses were shifts or drop waist designs. Hemlines were shorter and just below the knee or a little longer. Many were made of silk and had lots of beading or flowers in the designs. Hats were cap style fitted with flowers and feathers. Coats were oversized.
The 1970’s led to peasant style dresses for formals. Pantsuits became popular and for the first time ladies were wearing pants to work. Loose style caftans became associated with The Hippie fashions. Halter tops and bell bottom pants were everywhere. One piece “Jumpsuits” were popular in the mid 70’s. Platform shoes became the choice for footwear. Fabric by then was polyester because it was easy to wash and no ironing.
The 30’s attire shifted to being more feminine and the dress designs were fitted with skirts that were longer and cut on the bias. Wide brim hats came back in style. Fitted suits were a preference by the end of the decade.
The 1980’s ushered in the oversize fashions with large padded shoulders. Big jewelry pieces and broaches were popular. Skirts became longer and brightly colored suits were seen in offices. Jeans became popular for casual wear.
The 40’s became more tailored with padded shoulders and long A-line style skirts. World War II had a big effect in the design with more suits being worn and straight leg pants became popular. Gloves became an important part of dress when going out. Hats were cap style and fitted.
The 90’s brought with it a resurgence of stirrup pants and oversized sweaters. This decade also brought in longer dresses with wide collars with lots of floral and printed fabrics. Fashions today mimic many of the 1960’s and 70’s and blue jeans have become a staple. You may want to go check out what might be in your closet. You might just find something vintage and “In”.
The 1950’s were more feminine with shirtwaist dresses, spaghetti strap and halter sundresses with full skirts. Formals were made of tulle and full skirted strapless dresses were popular with long gloves. Two-piece swimsuits were around but most ladies chose a one piece. Ladies still wore gloves. Fitted pants and Bermuda shorts were stylish.
The River Region’s 50+ Lifestage Magazine
Nina Vickrey Kynard Owner Kynard Korner Vintage Boutique For more, visit Kynard Korner Facebook
R ive r Re gio n Bo o m . co m
July 2020
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