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Have you ever wondered how fashion got to the point it is today? The start of detail began with the class and grace from 1800's Victorian Era. This style was the base for the fashion that people have today. Fashion is a cause and effect chain where one designer inspires another. Style choices have also been influenced by personality as the years go on.
The 1870's were about adventure and trial. Not for fashion though. Women's clothing was influenced by the belief that their bodies should be covered. Dresses were returned to their natural shape with cuirass bodices. In the early 1870's, designers added a sort of apron to the front of the bodice. Dresses now had light colors and fabrics. Frills, braids, ruffles, and pleats were used for evening skirts. Skirts also trailed for all gowns. “-with a train reminiscent of a peacock trailing his closed tail”(Nunn 2000).The sleeves were fitted and ended at the elbow or wrist. Undergarments such as petticoats, corsets, and drawers were worn no matter what time of the day it was.
1880's fashion was constraining. Corsets were still worn under slim dresses with long sleeves. Dress collars were pulled up and necklines started at the chin. Skirts were upgraded and now had pleats. Skirts were also pulled back so the inside design of a dress could be shown. On top of the dress being slim-fit, the fabrics were heavy and in dark colors like apple green, deep red, and royal blue. "Popular demand brought back the bustle in 1883 but, with changes" (Vintage Fashion Guild 2013). The bustle was making a reappearance and was now harder and molded to women's bodies.
In the later 1880's, sleeves slimmed and skirts flourished. The new bustle was adjusted to fit the silhouette of a woman. Skirts now looked natural and had lower placement. Dress design started to change with the addition of accessories. Flowers were used in hair to add detail. Hats used feathers and bows to exaggerate the dress. The tailored dress was becoming popular since it's introduction in 1874. Women started dressing more for power and nobility than for parties.
The end of a millennium seemed to bring a mass of creativity. “According to Fashion-Era, ‘Queen Victoria's influence over fashion was long gone’ (Thomas n.d.). Designers started only using two colors to make dresses with. The Leg of Mutton sleeve or the triangle sleeve was used for dresses. That sleeve was then evolved into balloon sleeves. Bustles were fading while bodices were enlarging. Pigeon breast was a term used to describe fullness of the bustle. Skirts now became circular. The style of a high neckline was transferred into the 1890's but, with a scarf trailing out. 90's dresses helped the 1900's pack a punch.
During the 1900’s, more style choices were created besides Victorian. Not every girl or woman wanted to look the same. Style choices have their differences but, do share their similarities. Bohemian is the style of an open-minded artist. In fashion it is categorized as floral prints, glamor, tie-die, and wild. Where there was Victorian style, there is now modern. Modern is the classy, feminine, fashions with floral cut-outs and bright colors. Chic are the monotone outfits that catch eyes because of the accessories. “-classic and stylish designs that are striking and smart” (Enki Village n.d.). Romantic refers to the big lockets, hearts, and fluffy blouses that come in one package. Preppy is the average college look with blouses, skirts, patterned tights, and boots. When plaid, black, and leather come together it is punk style. It was introduced after World War II but, has evolved to what it is today.
In today's world, designers stress the point that this current decade has to be a milestone for fashion. Women traded the pumps for platform heels and ballet flats. Instead of the whole ensemble matching, the idea of mix-and-match was introduced. Pants and shorts became more of a major trend than skirts. Skinny jeans were for quick outside adventures while high-waisted shorts were for the inevitable, hot days. Color palettes for designers expanded to pastels, warm tones, and naturistic titles. “Soft, cool hues blend with subtle warm tones to create a soothing escape from the everyday hustle and bustle” (Eiseman 2015). Even with changes some things had to be brought back from the Victorian period.
Ideas can be re-used especially with fashion. Most of the time, trends bring back something from the past or change the original trend. Boyfriend blazers had Mutton sleeves that were slim at the end but, puffy at the top. In order to exaggerate the dress, accessories like statement necklaces are worn. These derived from the flower detail with dresses. The intricate color selections still made an appearance on all articles of clothing. The most popular being black and white.
Since the Victorian Era, more articles of clothing have been created besides the dress. Skirts, pants, shorts, dresses, tops, and coats are just the main selections of garments that people wear today. Even with more choices, skirts still had the same make-up from the Victorian Era. In the 1880's, skirts were pulled back to reveal the inside pattern. Today, skirts are pulled back but, the inside is cut out to reveal a woman's legs. Skirts match tops instead of bodices. Patterns of skirts still consist of pleats, ruffles, and frills. Now that women like to show their bodies, mini skirts have come into play and skirts with slits have as well.
With all the changes, differences, and similarities, one thing hasn't changed and that is undergarments. Drawers are still worn under all clothing. Women's clothing is still based upon the fact that women shouldn't show their privates but, women can show the rest of themselves. Designers have protected that belief by creating even more clothing to wear underneath. Camisoles are for sheer shirts. Cardigans cover up the sides of your clothing that might be showing an undergarment. One-pieces are for dresses that show too much body. Protecting a woman's body is one of the main beliefs that keep fashion alive.
Trends never go away, they only come back as something new. Fashion shapes personalities just like it shapes history. The later 1800's were times when women really had no say in what they could wear. Now, they do and designers still use some of the ideas from then for today. Style variations all derived from the Victorian Era and that shows a common denominator. Trends, fashion, and style all come together to create the world that people have today.