Fashioning Progressive Era Women
A changing society... A lesson from Thelma
My younger sisters love looking at the pretty dresses and the fabulous bows, but I see that the way the world is evolving is reflected in the clothes we are wearing now. The picture of myself is one that is about 15 years old. What I'm wearing now could have shocked many during my childhood. Women are speaking of this thing called 'feminism' and we are beginning the work to achieve equality with men. I'm going to tell you a bit about how dress is changing and how the world is changing.
Athletics
Many girls enjoyed athletic activities before, but the way clothing has evolved has allowed for more comfort! I've heard the argument that men restricted women's dress because they felt they had some sort of control over it. I have to say, even if that is the case, I know my dad enjoys his daughters' abilities to go out and enjoy activities with ease. One of the garments that makes athletics an easier task is the the divided skirt. It certainly resembles a skirt, but I can sure tell the difference. With the invention of this garment, women were still wearing skirts and dresses, but oftentimes bloomers or knickerbockers were worn undernieth for comfort. Many bikes were actually designed with women in mind for their restricting dress!
Women's Suffrage
Fashion is used as a strategy during women's suffrage rallies. Specifically, women are encouraged to wear white clothing to try to protest women's "pure" image. Women at these rallies are not dressed provocatively, but rather they do wear progressive clothing that is seen to many as scandelous. Some people have problems with sleeves coming up to the elbow or collarbone showing. Around 1910, there was even a "hobbie skirt" that was tight at the ankles. Over time though, through the help of the women's suffrage movement, this kind of dress is normalized. Dress is less restricting--just as our rights are moving towards being less restrictive.
Fashion Trends
I've noticed recently that people are really becoming jazzed about what movie stars are wearing. A sort of "uniform effect" has begun to take place, as mass-produced clothing is becoming more common. It's also fascinating to study fashions from other eras because we are snagging some trends from them. For example, a few years back, the delphos gown was fashionable and that was modeled after the Greek chiton. Military styles are a new trend, which many men find threatening. I think that is taking fashion too seriously! If that's an issue, then I suppose women wearing suits and having softer sillouhettes is an issue too? Either way, these trends are becoming more widespread with technological advancements.
These issues are important to me and to other women as well. Fashion is fascinating in that it becomes more or less restricting within different contexts. I want to live in a world wear my daughter can play tennis without tripping over a bothersome dress. It's exciting to think that that is becoming a reality. I've only touched a brief moment of my thoughts and if this discussion interests you, explore the era further through some other remarkable resources.