Regency Era - Today
Regency Era (1790-1830)
The style that best characterizes the Regency Era is the high waisted dress known as the Empire waisted dress. This dress is fitted tightly under the bust and loosely cascades down. Often the Empire dress would have a low square neckline with neatly puffed capped sleeves.
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Victorian Era (1837 - 1901)
The Victorian Era is best known for the elaborated fashions with heavily draped embroidered fabrics atop each other. Scallops became a popular form of drapery during this time. By using drapery, the waist would immediately appear slim because the skirt was so full. Capped sleeves carried over from the Regency Era only with a wider neckline to expose slightly more shoulder.
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Aesthetic Movement (1870 - 1880)
Though the Aesthetic Movement took place during the Victorian Era, the Aesthetes found inspiration in the Regency Era along with the Medieval Period fashion. Aesthetes (poets, artists, writers, and actors) were the original "flower children" or "hippies" who opposed society and refused to conform to their standards. They would wear earth and floral hues with loose fitted clothing.
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Flappers (1920 - 1929)
Flappers were the rebellious young ladies that could be found dancing the nights away in Speakeasies during the 1920s. The silhouette changed drastically from the S figure that was carried over from the Victorian Era to a more flat and straight figure. This was to create more of a boyish look along with the short hairstyles. Although the boyish look was so coveted, women still wanted to be glamorous and would wear heavy makeup and powders with deep red lips.
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1940s Fashion
The silhouette of the 40s was influenced by the fashion of the Victorian Era. During WWII materials became very scarce and people began making their own clothing. Designers in Paris and London introduced lines that had a particular emphasis on practicality and convenience. Also, the '40s was when women started working so suits became increasingly more popular.
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1960s Fashion
Along with the Chanel suit, shift dresses became a popular choice for women's wear in the 1960s. Shifts were shapeless, geometric dresses that sometimes had a bit of a billow to them. The A-line style came in style in full effect during this time as well. This was carried over by the late '40s and the '50s. This style would have a full skirt with a tightly fitted waist. Another new style was the cropped pants for women.
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This spring/summer designers have chosen a color palette to wear rather than specific designs. The colors chosen are the timeless black and white paired with bold and bright colors. Three expected trends are stripes, short suits, and as previously mentioned, black and white.
Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you've enjoyed it and come back in the fall for more posts!
Have a fabulous summer!
