Dressing up in retro fashion is like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to a world of elegance and charm.
The early 20th century, particularly the 1900s and 1910s, was a time of significant transition in women’s fashion.
Let’s take a casual stroll through the trends and styles that defined these fascinating decades.
The 1900s: Elegance and Sophistication
The 1900s, also known as the Edwardian era, was all about opulence and grace. Women’s fashion was heavily influenced by King Edward VII’s love for all things luxurious. This period is often characterized by the “Gibson Girl” look, named after Charles Dana Gibson’s illustrations of the ideal woman of the time.
Dresses: The typical dress of the 1900s was a high-neck, floor-length gown with a fitted bodice and a full, flowing skirt. These dresses often featured intricate lace details, embroidery, and embellishments that added a touch of sophistication. Soft pastel colors like white, ivory, and light blue were popular, reflecting the era’s delicate aesthetic.
Outerwear: Women in the 1900s loved their tailored coats and capes. These outer garments were often adorned with fur trims, wide lapels, and decorative buttons. Capes were particularly popular, draping elegantly over the shoulders and adding an extra layer of refinement.
Hats: The era’s signature accessory was the wide-brimmed “picture hat.” These hats were extravagantly decorated with feathers, flowers, ribbons, and even entire bird wings. The larger and more adorned, the better!
Accessories: Gloves were an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe, often reaching up to the elbows. Silk or fine cotton gloves in white or matching colors were preferred. Women also carried small, ornate handbags and parasols, which were both practical and stylish.
Shoes: Button boots were all the rage. These ankle-high boots, often made of leather or fabric, featured a row of buttons up the side and added a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Jewelry: Simple yet elegant, pearl necklaces and earrings were a staple. Brooches were also popular, often pinned to the bodice or jacket for a bit of sparkle.
Hair and Makeup: Hairstyles in the 1900s were all about volume. Women styled their hair in elaborate updos with a pompadour front, creating a voluminous look. Makeup was subtle, focusing on a natural appearance with just a hint of rouge on the cheeks and a touch of color on the lips.
Outfit Examples
1.
Dress
- Tea Gown or Afternoon Dress: A high-waisted, ankle-length dress with a flowing skirt. The dress would typically feature lace or embroidery, often with a V-neckline or a high collar. Soft, pastel colors like white, ivory, light blue, or pale pink were popular.
Outerwear
- Tailored Coat or Jacket: A fitted, waist-length jacket or a longer coat with a defined waistline, often with large buttons and decorative details like embroidery or lace.
Hat
- Wide-Brimmed Hat: A large, elaborate hat decorated with ribbons, flowers, or feathers. The hat should complement the color and style of the dress.
Accessories
- Gloves: Elbow-length gloves made of silk or fine cotton, typically in white or a color that matches the dress.
- Parasol: A decorative parasol, often matching the dress, used both for fashion and to protect from the sun.
- Handbag: A small, dainty handbag or reticule, often made of silk or lace.
Shoes
- Button Boots: Ankle-high boots with a small heel, typically buttoned up the side. They can be made of leather or fabric and should match the outfit’s color scheme.
Jewelry
- Pearl Necklace and Earrings: Simple and elegant pearl jewelry was a staple of the era.
- Brooch: A decorative brooch pinned to the dress or jacket, often featuring floral designs or gemstones.
Hair and Makeup
- Hairstyle: Hair would typically be styled in a loose updo or waves, with a few curls framing the face. Hairpieces or extensions were sometimes used to add volume.
- Makeup: Makeup was subtle, focusing on a natural look with a touch of rouge on the cheeks and a hint of color on the lips.
2.
Dress
- Edwardian Walking Suit: A matching skirt and jacket ensemble. The skirt is ankle-length, slightly flared, and made from a structured fabric like wool or tweed. The jacket is fitted with a peplum waist and features decorative buttons and possibly lace or embroidery details. Popular colors include navy, burgundy, and olive green.
Blouse
- High-Neck Blouse: A high-neck, long-sleeved blouse with lace or ruffle details. It can be made from silk or cotton, in a neutral color like white or cream.
Hat
- Cloche Hat: A close-fitting hat with a small brim, often adorned with ribbons, feathers, or flowers. It should match or complement the color of the suit.
Accessories
- Gloves: Short, wrist-length gloves made of leather or cotton, typically in a matching or neutral color.
- Handbag: A small, structured handbag with a metal frame and clasp, possibly adorned with embroidery or beadwork.
Shoes
- T-Strap Shoes: Stylish T-strap shoes with a low heel, often made of leather, in a color that matches the outfit.
Jewelry
- Brooch: A decorative brooch pinned to the jacket, featuring floral or geometric designs.
- Bracelet: A delicate bracelet, possibly with a charm or gemstone.
Outerwear
- Long Coat: A long, tailored coat with a belt at the waist, made of wool or a similar fabric. It can have fur trim on the collar and cuffs for added elegance.
Hair and Makeup
- Hairstyle: Hair styled in a neat chignon or bun at the nape of the neck, with soft waves or curls framing the face.
- Makeup: Makeup remains subtle, focusing on a natural look with a touch of rouge on the cheeks and light color on the lips.
Umbrella
- Umbrella: A small, elegant umbrella with a wooden handle, matching the overall color scheme of the outfit.
The 1910s: Transition and Practicality
As the world moved into the 1910s, women’s fashion began to shift towards more practical and relaxed styles, influenced by the social changes of the time. The decade saw the rise of the suffragette movement and World War I, both of which had a significant impact on fashion.
Dresses: The high-waisted, ankle-length dresses of the 1910s were more functional compared to the elaborate gowns of the previous decade. The “tea gown” or “afternoon dress” was popular, featuring a flowing skirt and delicate lace or embroidery details. Soft, pastel colors continued to be in vogue, but darker shades like navy and burgundy also became fashionable.
Outerwear: Tailored coats and jackets remained popular, but they became more practical and less ornate. Women began wearing shorter, waist-length jackets with large buttons and simpler designs, reflecting the need for functionality during wartime.
Hats: The wide-brimmed hats of the 1900s gave way to slightly smaller, more practical hats. The cloche hat, a close-fitting hat with a small brim, became fashionable towards the end of the decade. These hats were often adorned with ribbons, feathers, or flowers, but in a more understated manner than before.
Accessories: Gloves were still essential, but shorter wrist-length gloves became more common. Handbags remained small and ornate, often featuring intricate beading or embroidery. Parasols continued to be a popular accessory, though their designs became simpler.
Shoes: Button boots were still worn, but lace-up boots also gained popularity. These shoes were often made of leather and featured a low heel, making them more practical for everyday wear.
Jewelry: Pearl jewelry remained in vogue, with simple pearl necklaces and earrings being a staple. Brooches continued to be popular, but their designs became more geometric and less ornate.
Hair and Makeup: Hairstyles in the 1910s were less voluminous than in the previous decade. Women began to wear their hair in simpler updos or loose waves, often with a few curls framing the face. Makeup remained subtle, focusing on a natural look with a touch of rouge and lip color.
Outfit Examples
1.
Dress
- Gibson Girl Dress: A high-neck, floor-length dress with a fitted bodice and a full, A-line skirt. The dress features puffed sleeves and intricate lace or embroidery details. Popular colors include white, ivory, and pastel shades.
Outerwear
- Long Coat: A long, tailored coat with a cinched waist and wide lapels, often adorned with decorative buttons and trim. It can be made from wool or velvet and may have fur trim on the collar and cuffs.
Hat
- Gibson Girl Hat: A large, wide-brimmed hat decorated with flowers, ribbons, and feathers. It complements the dress and adds to the overall elegance of the outfit.
Accessories
- Gloves: Elbow-length gloves made of silk or fine cotton, typically in white or a matching color.
- Parasol: A decorative parasol, often matching the dress, used both for fashion and to protect from the sun.
- Handbag: A small, dainty handbag or reticule, often made of silk or lace, with intricate beading or embroidery.
Shoes
- Button Boots: Ankle-high boots with a small heel, typically buttoned up the side. They can be made of leather or fabric and should match the outfit’s color scheme.
Jewelry
- Pearl Necklace and Earrings: Simple and elegant pearl jewelry was a staple of the era.
- Brooch: A decorative brooch pinned to the dress or jacket, often featuring floral designs or gemstones.
Hair and Makeup
- Hairstyle: Hair styled in an updo with a pompadour front, where the hair is swept up and back, creating volume. A few soft curls may frame the face.
- Makeup: Makeup is subtle, focusing on a natural look with a touch of rouge on the cheeks and a hint of color on the lips.
2.
Dress
- Edwardian Afternoon Dress: A high-neck, floor-length dress with a fitted, S-bend corset bodice and a flowing, trumpet-shaped skirt. The dress features lace inserts, ribbon details, and delicate embroidery. Popular colors include soft pastels like lavender, light blue, or peach.
Outerwear
- Edwardian Cape: A short, elegant cape that drapes over the shoulders, often made of velvet or wool, and trimmed with lace or fur. It can have decorative fastenings like ornate buttons or clasps.
Hat
- Picture Hat: A large, ornate hat with a wide brim, often adorned with feathers, flowers, ribbons, and tulle. It should match or complement the color of the dress.
Accessories
- Gloves: Opera-length gloves made of silk or fine cotton, typically in a coordinating color.
- Parasol: A decorative parasol with lace or embroidery, matching the dress, used for fashion and sun protection.
- Handbag: A small, elegant handbag or reticule, often made of silk, with beading or embroidery.
Shoes
- Edwardian Shoes: High-button or lace-up shoes with a small heel, often made of leather or satin, matching the outfit’s color scheme.
Jewelry
- Choker Necklace: A delicate choker made of lace or ribbon, sometimes adorned with a small pendant or cameo.
- Earrings: Simple drop earrings with pearls or gemstones.
Hair and Makeup
- Hairstyle: Hair styled in an elegant updo with a pompadour front, featuring soft waves and curls pinned up at the back. Decorative hairpins or combs can be used.
- Makeup: Subtle and natural, with a hint of blush on the cheeks and a soft, rosy tint on the lips.
Fan
- Hand Fan: A decorative hand fan made of lace, silk, or feathers, matching the dress and adding a touch of sophistication.
Embracing Retro Style Today
Reviving the fashion of the 1900s and 1910s is a delightful way to bring a touch of history into your wardrobe. Whether it’s the elegance of a Gibson Girl dress or the practicality of a 1910s tea gown, these styles offer a unique blend of grace and functionality. Accessorize with vintage hats, gloves, and jewelry to complete the look, and don’t forget to style your hair in an elegant updo or loose waves for that authentic retro charm.
So, next time you’re looking for a fashion statement that exudes elegance and history, consider stepping back into the early 20th century. The timeless appeal of 1900s and 1910s fashion is sure to turn heads and make you feel like you’ve just stepped out of a classic novel.