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3 Iconic Dresses During the 20th Century in America

Dresses, whether they may be simple summer dresses or sophisticated designer dresses, are considered quintessential fashion pieces. Like all other types of clothing, the dress has been around for centuries and has gone through many changes while adapting to evolving fashion trends.

A few 20th-century dresses have left their respective marks on the history of fashion and culture, and they’re still around today. Read on to learn about the 3 dresses that represented 3 eras in the 20th century.

The Flapper Dress of the 1920s

The flapper dress gained popularity during the Roaring Twenties; the spirit of the time was all about jazz and the revolution for freedom in both morals and clothing. The dress was a complete representation of the decade’s milieu. It had an uneven hemline, which was also loose and short for more comfortable wear. This type of clothing was the complete opposite of the Victorian era, which was very prim and proper.

The dress also boasted outrageous colors and was completely embellished with fur, beads, and sequins; these were major trends at the time. Wearers complemented this outfit with a bob haircut and a cloche hat.

The Swing Dress of the 1950s

The swing dress became a common clothing item during the early ’50s. The dress was slim on the torso, its skirt ballooned out from the waist down, and its hemline reached the middle of the calves. Fashion during this decade was centered on everything glamorous and conservative at the same time.

Pastel-colored wool was the staple fabric used to make these dresses to give them a simple yet stylish look. They were usually complemented with a bunch of buttons and, sometimes, even a bow at the back.

The Shift Dress of the 1960s

’60s fashion was all about a youth-driven culture. After all, half of the American population was below 25 during this decade. Clothing styles during this era greatly emphasized sexual confidence and liberation.

It was the time when shift dresses became casual clothes to wear at home and the beach, and even when running errands. This wasn’t usually worn during office hours since it was too short; its hemline was often way above the knees. Unlike the swing dress, the shift style was not form-fitting. Most were made with bright colors like yellow and orange and completed with polka dots, stripes, and other patterns.

Vintage fashion has recently been making a comeback because everything from casual wear to designer dresses has taken inspiration from old styles. The evolution of the dress shows how history is embodied by culture and fashion throughout the decades.

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Written by Black Halo

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