The late 1800s were marked by Queen Victoria’s reign in England, a time in which morality was greatly stressed. In America, this era was marked by political and social reform where many changes took place while citizens still held to the traditional, moral values carrying over from England. Women’s clothing styles at this time reveal the belief in morality and upper-class traditional values through their lavish gowns and bonnets that covered women’s bodies from neck to toe. 
The decade of 1900 marked a time of technological advancements such as the distribution of automobiles, Kodak cameras, pianos and other new technologies. The many advances in technology allowed people more leisure time to enjoy new innovations. Fashion changed so that women’s dresses were more conducive to utilizing new luxuries such as sitting in an automobile or at the piano bench.
The 1920s was marked by industrial growth leading to lifestyles changes which resulted in a society with a more dynamic culture. The era has been said to be exemplified by a feeling of breaking tradition because new things were now possible with changes in modern technology. Again, women’s clothing styles reflected these changes. Dresses were made more functional as hemlines were brought up closer to the knee and corsets were done away with. 
In the 1960s a counter-culture erupted among the youth that was marked by more scandalous clothing styles. The period was given its name because it referred to the behaviors of young people at this time which ran “counter” to those of the social mainstream. It was a type of social revolution which was displayed through the funky clothing that did away with simple pattern and functionality and turned to shorter hemlines, go-go-boots and large flower patterns representing youth’s desire to make a statement.
Beginning in the 1990s and continuing into the 2000s, was the “Third-wave feminism” which resulted in women having still more power and influence on society at large. Fashion at this time, though still flaunting a feminine body, reflected more boldness and power by showing that women can look sexy while still being powerful forces for societal influence.
Can you think of other fashion trends throughout history that have paralleled society’s ideals at the time? Or do you think that fashion trends have little or nothing to do with culture beyond style?
19 comments:
I think that fashion definitely reflects the values of the times. Our society right now values the physical appearance of women, even in the workplace, so it is important that she can look professional, while remaining distinctly feminine.
Jeans.
I think that if you just look at the last 50 years you will notice a lot of social trends that sort of mimic changes in style of jeans that women wear. From the bell bottomed hip huggers of the 60s, to straight leg, to boot cut, to flair, and ending in the low rise skinny jeans of our generation, you can really see a lot of social change.
I think that fashion is a great indicator of social change.
I also believe that fashion mirrors society and that as the society in which we lives continues to decay so will the few morals that currently exists in fashion. Soon boys clothing will be tighter and tighter and less and less.
Ray Bans have totally made a comback as well as skinny jeans. Society is constantly recylcing old trends, with slightly new tweaks each time. Fashion definitely reflects people's values and is a good indicator of their attitude about life.
Suit pants have created a definite trend among working women in today's society. Different trends doesn't just reflect individuals, but it gives society more definition - it shows the world who they want to be/who they are.
Unfortunatelty, I am by no means capable of answering anything about fashion trends. I do think that fashion does have alot to do with the culture of a society. I agree that the current trends do show how women are empowering themselves.
Like some of the other commentators, I don't believe I can really offer any legitimate commentary on fashion, as I'm out of my depth discussing it; however, if forced to offer an opinion, I'd have to say sometimes there is no explaining culture and what is considered "chic". What is unfathomable to me is how powdered wigs ever were seen as cool, as they were all the rage during the founding of the US, or even the beaver hat craze that led to trappers scouring the west for pelts in the 1800s. As far as women's fashions go, I think we run into a lot of the same arguments we discussed in class about "No Unmarked Woman". Is it men that provide these changes or is it women and the pressures they fill both from men and as competition with their peers? However you cut it, women probably appreciate being freed from some of the more outrageous fashion accessories, like the corset.
I can't think of any other fasion trends that reflect the constant changing of society, but I think you're completely right in saying that certain trends reflect the times. I had never thought about it before, but it certainly seems to be true.
Fashion trends definitely do reflect changes in culture but I think sometimes they also play a roles in creating change. I really do enjoy the progression of fashion throughout history and it is interesting to see how different historical moments have influenced the way we dress.
If you look at the cultural "ideal" of the 1950s, it marked a conservative, modest, fashion trend. The "house wife" look was huge. Women, even though they were doing chores such as cleaning the house, laundry, etc, they were expected to look their best on a consistent basis. Fast forward 10 years to the 60s, as was mentioned in the blog post, and you see a different ideal of fashion and trendiness. I think it really does have to do with social expectations and ideas. Just as social norms change through time, so does fashion, and I think they are closely correlated.
i think fashion is a big reflection of societal trends. Each decade in the past has a very unique and distinctive style and each one reflects the societal values and trends going on at the time. It almost defines the decade in a way.
I definitely think fashion reflects the values of the times. Just a simple example is what men wear to work. It has gone from almost a full tuxedo to colored shirts with pinstripe suits and big ties, to white shirts, conservative suits and silk ties. This comes with the feeling and values of professionalism.
I think that it can reflect culture, as well as just being a part of changing fashions. I cannot think of any in particular moment other than those already mentioned in which the fashion specifically reflected the culture's views.
I think it's interesting that styles rotate. For example ray ban sunglasses that were popular in the 80's suddenly became hideous to wear in the 90's and 2000's. However, they are now making a comeback. I think it's because people like to go back to what they know, what they are familiar with. Obviously fashion trends have something to do with culture. The trends aren't universal across the world.
Fashion is definitely a reflector of societal beliefs or events. I think that a huge example of that is during WWII women had to skimp everywhere. Everything was used for the war effort. Women used considerably less fabric than before and even had to result to "drawing on" nylons. Contrast that with the '50s when women were glad to be rid of the wartime rations, so they used yards and yards of fabrics. That was the whole basis behind Dior's 1947 "New Look".
I think someone already mentioned jeans, but I definitely think that the denim jean over time has paralleled our societys ideals. You look at the 80s bell bottom reflective of the hippie movement, then today when we are into the tight fitting, low waisted skinny jean which parallels our fascination with the hip, pop, sexual, fast pace culture. This is just one example, but I definitely feel that womens fashion, or fashion on general reflects our culture.
Fashion most certainly reflects the ideals in society at the time. The way we choose to express ourselves speaks volumes about how we wish to be seen in the outside world. Dressing certain ways evokes confidence, power, subservance, etc. We dress the way we feel we should and that is directly influenced by our current society and culture.
You can pretty much track women's rights with how accepted a woman wearing pants is. At first, she couldn't vote. Then she put on pants, and the man got mad, but then was ok with it, and now she's roaring through industries in a short skirt and a looooooooong jacket. And wearing pants when she feels like it.
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