American Women´s Fashion 1800-2000

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    Early 1800´s

    Neoclassicism now defined fashion as women took inspiration from classical antiquity. The high-waisted silhouette in lightweight muslin was the style for women. In the 1810´s, it was broken by trim, colors, and angularity as tubular skirts were replaced by triangular ones. Gothic decoration lavished dresses and historicism inspired styles from past centuries. Layers of color and an exaggerated silhouette, created a style of dramatic display.
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    Mid 1800´s

    1830s fashion was marked by sleeves and hats, reflecting the Romantic movement. Influenced by the Gothic Revival and Romanticism, the fashionable 1840s woman was constrained by an unforgiving silhouette. Fashion of the 1850´s was in an exuberant style with relaxed cuts. Technological innovation had an impact on clothing. During the 1860´s, the cage crinoline allowed women’s skirts to become larger. Advances in technology, like the sewing machine and aniline dyes changed the fashion landscape.
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    Late 1800's

    During the 1870's, women’s clothing became increasingly complex, colorful, and restrictive.In the 1880's, women’s fashion was defined by the rigidly structured bustle and an abundance of decoration. Dress reformers, influenced by artistic movements, protested these heavy, ultra restrictive trends.The 1890's were a transitional decade from the stiff Victorian Era to a new century. New freedoms and technologies drove an era that became known as the “Gay Nineties.”
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    Early 1900's

    In the first decade of the twentieth century, fashion largely remained the same. Subtle changes in silhouette occurred until the tubular shape of the 1910's began to emerge. Lace and embellishments were key. Fashion during the 1910's began to move towards a simpler style. But mid-decade,World War I hit, causing fashion change to slow. Twenties fashion is often remembered for its glamour, though underlying this was a move toward simplicity. For women, this meant shorter skirts and simple shapes.
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    Mid 1900's

    In the 1930s, fashion saw a large influence from Hollywood and a return to conservatism occurred. In the 1940s, women were often seen in their uniforms or clothing styles dictated by rationing. After the war, Christian Dior brought back the feminine silhouette, while women's clothes leaned towards a casual look. In the 1950s, women prioritized elegance. Couture fashion saw change with new designers and prints marked playfulness. The 1960s became more casual with fashion following three trends.
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    Late 1900´s

    Seventies fashion saw bold colors take center stage. Women’s fashion also pumped up the glamour at night. In the 1980s, bigger meant better in fashion. With women’s shoulder pads, there was nothing understated about fashion in the eighties. As the 20th century came to a close, fashion reached its most casual. Women adopted grunge fashion and loose, oversized clothing and jeans became staples. As the decade progressed, women’s fashion became more streamlined as minimalism became the norm.
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    Present

    As the new millennium dawned, fashion largely followed the late 1990s. After the 9/11 attacks, fashion returned to conservatism. With the rise of new technology, fashion spread quickly and celebrities played a key role in consumer choices. While popular styles changed over the years, one item remained popular; denim jeans. In the 2010s fashion became more casual. In the last decade, athletic wear and oversized clothing has become a staple. Social media has also become a big influence on fashion.