By Patrycja-Monika Michalewska
Fashion has always reflected our personality, influenced by society and technology. As women, fashion is not just about clothing; it is a way to express beauty and identity, shaped by cultural traditions passed down through generations. Each culture has its own intriguing way of dressing, with fashion choices often holding deeper meanings. Over time, beauty standards were a significant role in shaping women’s fashion, new trends and showing how we want to be seen. From ancient and medieval times to the Renaissance and Victorian eras, and through to the fast-paced fashion world of the 20th and 21st centuries, each era has brought changes, in each decade. Fashion and beauty standards have continuously evolved, shifting society values and technological advancements on a global scale.
In the early 15th century, women’s fashion in Europe presented long, elegant gowns and flowing skirts, designed to show wealth and status. These gowns were often made in rich colours like red, blue, and green, tight sleeves in contrasting colours and rounded or square necklines. For hair: crowns, veils, and padded hats, popular among noblewomen, completed their noble appearance.
By the 17th century, fashion evolved and popularised wide skirts, fitted bodices, and luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet. Dresses showcased low necklines decorated with lace, and women’s hairstyles often were curls, feathers, or jewels, reflecting the Baroque era’s importance on luxury, status, and dramatic silhouettes.
The early 20th century brought significant shifts in women’s clothing, influenced by social and historical changes. During the 1910s, World War I led to a change from restricted Edwardian corsets, favouring more practical, higher-waisted styles. The 1920s embraced simpler, economical fabrics and looser dresses that symbolised newfound freedom. The 1930s introduced bias-cut silk gowns, focusing on elegance and fluidity, while the 1940s saw structured suits and functional clothing due to wartime restrictions. The 1950s marked a return to glamour, with Christian Dior’s “New Look” featuring fitted jackets and full calf-length skirts, symbolizing femininity after wartime economy. Dior’s lavish use of fabric in this style was a contrast to the fabric limiting during the war.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, women’s fashion transitioned from feminine and casual to brave and powerful. The 1960s introduced relaxed, youthful styles, while the 1970s embraced hippie-inspired fashion with flowing fabrics and natural tones. The 1980s impacted on the rise of power in dressing, with bold colours and oversized silhouettes reflecting women’s growing presence in the workforce. By the 1990s, fashion became more minimalistic and casual, departing from the extravagance of the previous decade.
In the 21st century, women’s clothing offers a range of styles that prioritize comfort, practicality, and personal expression. Modern fashion includes casual options like jeans and leggings, as well as formal wear like dresses and suits made from advanced materials. The rise of technology and globalization has made diverse styles more accessible, and there is a growing acceptance of gender-neutral fashion. In contrast, pre-1400s clothing was stricter, with women typically wearing long gowns or tunics made of wool and linen, and fashion was strict to social class and religious modesty. Even though women’s fashion has changed over time, religious modesty is still important for some. Certain changes have been made, but the idea of dressing modestly remains. Clothing production was labour-intensive, with fashion trends spreading slowly, limiting women’s freedom in clothing choices compared to today’s limitless, diverse options.
Photo by Alyssa Strohmann on Unsplash
