History of Fashion

The depression of the 1930s and austere times of the 1940s made fashion design plain, unexciting, and almost non-existent. But by the 1950s, style returned. Women’s clothes became chic, colourful, and feminine, and hemlines reduced. A decade later in the 1960s, the mini style became an item.

Fashion design in its real sense emerged in the mid-19th century and was pioneered by Charles Frederick Worth, father of haute couture. Before then, unknown dressmakers and tailors were designers and makers of women's fashionable clothing. Find out what the beginnings of true fashion design were.

Vintage apparel styles of the 1950s woman has returned to a wider embrace of both vintage fashion enthusiasts and women who love that sophisticated look of the styles of over six decades ago. What were the most popular styles of the time and how can you incorporate those styles in today’s fashion?

Some popular jean brands of the 1980s are still being worn today, like Guess, while others have fallen out of fashion. Let's relive '80s denim!

One of the most peculiar riots in American history took place in New York City in which hundreds of youths stole and destroyed property, plunging the city into chaos during the September of 1922. It all started because of straw hats and a workplace ritual amongst colleagues.

Kim Kardashian's tiny waist corset at the 2024 Met Gala looked illusory (her body sends a message)

Learn the history of the classic sheath dress, and how fashion icons made it their signature look. Also learn how to accessorize a sheath dress to make it your own signature look.

In the vast tapestry of fashion history, few items have endured and evolved quite like the high heel. From its humble origins to its status as a symbol of power and style, the high heel has traversed centuries, continents, and cultures, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion.

Fashions of the 1970s brought us androgyny, polyester, mixed patterns, Punk, Disco styles, and an extension of '60s hippie chic. The self as art created an eclectic mix that is still with us.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, men wore flamboyant powdered wigs; some of the reasons for doing so are not very wholesome.

Associated with the English gentleman, the bowler hat has a far greater reach.

Bustles added bulk to the rear of Victorians' skirts. Other 1870s fashions featured narrow skirts, tight bodices, and much ornamentation. These styles persisted through the 1880s. Let's learn more about women's fashions during this era.

Empress Sisi was one of the most beautiful women of her time, and she kept it like that by practicing a beauty regime so demanding it would even put today’s fanatically body-conscious celebrities to shame. And she never looked older than 30 ever in her life.

Orientalism refers to the West's view of non-Western cultures. Fabric, design, and patterns adapted from Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa have influenced Western garments for centuries.

Some celebrities, achieved fame without the bikini (albeit some achieved fame through no clothing at all) but a rare few were famous for their one piece suits. A historical review of famous actresses throughout history from the 1950s and onward is fun and intriguing. Revisit history with us as we view Grace Kelly to Farrah Fawcett. Surprisingly a couple of top celebrities such as Farrah Fawcett, Elizabeth Taylor simply were never photographed in a bikini. That doesn't mean they never wore one bu

Women of the 1890s wore large puffed sleeves, bell-shaped skirts with tight waists, and suits based on an hourglass figure. Increased activity brought simple new designs for sport and day wear.

The influence of World War II on fashion was huge. Shortages and rationing limited the use of fabric and other materials used in fashion design. Hemlines were up, and hair was long, creating an iconic style

The sixties heralded a remarkable change in fashion. With changes in textiles, colour and design of clothing, together with a change in attitudes ...

Where does the first version of the swimsuit stem from? What kind of bathing suit was the first Miss World wearing? You will find out from our post that the bikini might not be such an old invention and what the public opinion was in the 20th century when it appeared.

Get an overview of ladies' clothing of the 1950s, from the New Look to a new love for everything casual. A housewife with an hourglass figure was the epitome of mid-20th-century style.

A history of bohemian style and its influence on hippie style and boho chic. For 200 years, this style has been the fashion for artists and intellectuals who embrace an alternative lifestyle.

During the American Civil War, women of the South were limited by the availability of products due to the blockade. The fabric was needed for the military, so women became creative with limited resources.

The clothing styles of medieval Europe in the early Middle Ages (aka Dark Ages) did not change rapidly, and garments were plain but distinguished by fine fabrics.

In the high and late Middle Ages, attractive styles became more available to a new middle class. Clothing styles changed more quickly due to new technology, Eastern influences, and a better economy.

At the end of World War I, society experienced a dramatic shift. Shaking off the misery and shell shock, young people broke with traditional values and embraced all things modern.

The 1960s' fashion changed the way we look at clothing. Everything from mini skirts to folk costumes, classic styles, and the bohemian styles of the hippie movement made a dramatic change in what was trendy.

Edwardian fashion refers to the clothing worn in the early 20th century and features an elegant, mature look for women, created around the S curve with its monobosom and a new long line.

Though ready-to-wear clothing was once a cottage industry, the Industrial Revolution changed the way we shop and dress.

The sleek, elegant look was quite a change after the wild fashions of the Roaring 20s. A slim silhouette continued with lower hemlines and diagonal lines.

This article details the history of the apron, which was a protective garment, an indication of a particular trade, and a cultural icon. From vintage styles to Anthropologie's beautiful styles, the apron is back.

Ladies' clothing of the early 1800s featured a high waistline called Empire and employed the use of soft, lightweight fabrics. Later Romantic style included large sleeves and decorated hems.

For over 500 years wearing black clothing was a custom following the death of a loved one in Europe and the United States. Sumptuary law and later etiquette dictated rules for mourning dress depending on status and loss.

For a few decades, a handful of glamorous women were international celebrities whose faces and bodies expressed the trends of the moment. What happened?

The Aesthetic Movement, a counterculture of artists, writers, and designers in Victorian England, opposed the dehumanization of the Industrial Age. Aesthetic fashion favored a natural look based on medieval styles.

Pants and trousers have been worn since ancient times and were seen by the Ancient Romans as barbaric. It was not until the late 20th century that pants became an acceptable garment for women.

Read all about the long history of hair.

People have long worn clothing for a variety of reasons, from protection to decoration, modesty, group affiliation, ceremonial occasions, and self-identity.

I'd love to wear these '20s fashion styles today. Would you?

A dashiki is a loose, tunic-type shirt popular in the United States in the 1960s. The traditional African-style shirt gained a following among African Americans and became a staple of hippie fashion.

Christian Dior brought fashion out of the doldrums of the WW2 era and created the iconic look of the mid-20th century style. His influence revolutionized the world of fashion with the New Look of 1947.

Although early 18th-century style featured elaborate gowns festooned with decorations, by the end of the 1700s style had changed to simpler neoclassical designs.

Shoes are at the top of the list of things people remember about 1980s fashion. In fact, many of the '80s designs are back and trending.

The women of the '70s had more freedom to wear what they wanted than at any point before. Let's learn about the favorite female fashion trends of the '70s.

Movies can introduce new styles and offer a peek at fashion at a particular time in the culture. Check out these classic fashion movies, including "Morocco" (1930).

1970s fashion was fierce, free, flirty, and fantastic! From the big floppy hats to the looks inspired by punk music, from natural, hippie styles to glam rock, here are 70 fashion trends of the '70s.

This article offers a historical look at workwear brands such as Dickies and Levi's and how simple work clothing transformed into fashionable attire.

Men's fashion in the late Victorian era includes styles worn during the Gilded Age and La Belle Epoque.

A wide variety of clothing styles and materials were worn by women of the historic American West. Garments were handmade and featured cross-cultural influences. Clothing depended on ethnic affiliation, occasion, status, and weather.

1980s fashion was a mix of conservative and extravagant influenced by a princess, punks, goths, and new romantics. Athletic gear as daywear, designer franchising, and ripped jeans became staples.

Children's clothes of the 1800s in Europe and the United States looked much like adult styles.