1900

 FASHION DURING THE 1900s

Women's fashion in the first decade of the 20th century largely followed the fashions of the previous century. The highly structured silhouette of the Gibson Girl was still popular at the turn of the decade. The simplification and comfort in dress that defined the century only began to emerge at the end of this decade and the beginning of the next. Instead, modest dresses, corsets, and ostentatious jewelry dominated women's fashion throughout the first decade of the century.

1900s Evening gown

For most of the decade, the fashion silhouette continued to be dominated by the S-shape created by a "healthy" new corset. These bras push the chest forward and the hips back to prevent pressure on the abdomen. The shape emphasizes the narrow waist and large "single bust". The top is loose and baggy with excess fabric helping to emphasize this very heavy shape. The sleeves are equally impressive. The effect is enhanced with a petticoat with a full back and a smooth front.

As for the hairstyles that were in fashion at the time, women created a wide "brim" of hair around the hairline, where hair was frequently looped over pads and artificial hair while being worn in a center parting. They were usually under huge broad-brimmed hats with low crowns and embellished all over with flowers, lace, ribbons, and feathers.

1900s Travelling gown

1900s Mourning dress