subject: The History Of Ladies Wear [print this page] Through the decades of history, ladies wear has changed dramatically, reflecting the differing lifestyles and events of each decade.
In the 1900's young ladies were influenced more by the tall, stiff collars and narrow neckties worn by men and these became incorporated into their dress code in classic ladies wear. Low necklines were also the order of the day with a full flow of hair, some of which might be swept up to the top of the head. This left the rest to flow onto and past the shoulders in soft waves and curling tendrils.
As the bustle became less popular showing a marked decline, it became apparent that sleeves began to billow out in size. Once again the hourglass figure, which had been more reminiscent of the 1830s, began to be the new desired silhouette. So, as the 1900s swept in ladies fashion became full of confidence with ladies showing a full low chest and curvy hourglass hips.
By the middle of this decade, skirts began to brush the floor and sometimes, even with day dresses, with a train. Then the Parisians, as always at the forefront of fashion design, began to display a new silhouette for ladies fashion, with a thicker waist, flatter bust, and narrower hips.
As the 1900s drew to a close, hemlines were beginning to rise. Ladies in fashion began to wear their skirts with hems that cleared the floor and were more at ankle length. Dresses became narrower and more straight, rather than the hourglass silhouette. This was now the fashion which largely prevailed up until the First World War.
When we fast forward to the 21st century it is now a different story altogether. While fashion in general has become far more relaxed with a more 'anything goes' attitude, there are still definite fashion trends. Ladies dresses are no exception and the big designer labels continue to dominate the scene. Celebrities and stars have added to this, setting new trends and showing the dresses at prestigious events. The media nowadays has also played a more significant role with faster communications reaching around the world in seconds.
This has meant online boutiques have now sprung up, bringing easy relaxed and friendly service to ladies everywhere right from their own living rooms. Online clothes boutiques, where ladies can get the personal honest advice of a high street shop and styling tips are no longer a dream.
