20th century

Belle Époque (1890–1914)

A period of peace in Europe when culture, art, fashion, and music flourished, centered in Paris

Paris Fashion Leadership (1900s)

Paris designers led global fashion, including Paul Poiret, Jeanne Paquin, Callot Soeurs, and Maison Worth/Lacroix

Edwardian Era

Early 20th-century period following the death of Queen Victoria

Technological Advancements (Early 1900s)

Telephones, cable cars, and trolleys increased communication and travel

Economic Shift (Early 1900s)

Transition from agrarian society to manufacturing, retailing, and commerce

American Consumerism

Rise of a consumer-driven economy in the United States

Changing Roles of Women (Early 1900s)

Increased workforce participation and access to higher education

Ready-to-Wear (RTW) Industry

Mass production of clothing making fashion more accessible

Department Stores

Influential retail spaces that transformed shopping experiences

Shirtwaist

A popular women’s blouse symbolizing working women and early reform

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire (1911)

Factory fire that led to major labor and safety reforms

Titanic Era (1910–1912)

Soft, feminine fashion with ruffles and S-shaped silhouette

Paul Poiret (1879–1944)

Parisian designer who revolutionized women’s fashion

Paul Poiret Early Career

Worked for Jacques Doucet and sold 400 copies of a red cap design

Poiret Fashion House (1903)

Opened his own house after being considered too modern

Poiret’s Key Innovation

Eliminated the corset from women’s fashion

Dropped Waistline

Lowered the waist to the hips

Natural Bustline

Restored the bust to its natural position

Tunic Popularization

Introduced tunics into mainstream fashion

Turbans Trend

Popularized headwraps as a defining accessory

Harem Pants

Modified skirts narrowed at the ankle

Poiret Fabrics & Colors

Used chiffon, velvet, gauze, crepe, and bold colors

Kimono-Inspired Coats

Designs influenced by Asian garments

“1002 Arabian Nights” Party

Lavish themed event influencing fashion and culture

Les Parfums de Rosine

First couturier perfume line named after his daughter

École Martine

Poiret’s interior design school

1920s Post-WWI Era

Period of prosperity and major social change

Fashion Trends (1920s)

Rapid changes for women; stability for men

Technology (1920s)

Rise of automobiles and motion pictures

Textile Production Evolution

Shift to ready-to-wear and mail-order systems

Cross-Cultural Influences

Increased global inspiration in fashion

Freud’s Influence

Greater openness about sexuality and psychology

Women’s Social Changes (1920s)

Women smoked, drank, and socialized freely

F. Scott Fitzgerald Era

Represented romanticism and cynicism of the 1920s

Hemline Changes (1920s)

Postwar ankle length to mid-calf by late 1920s

Flappers

Young women embracing rebellious behavior and modern fashion

Flapper Style

Knee-length skirts, bobbed hair, heavy makeup

Flapper Behavior

Drinking, smoking, driving, and casual attitudes toward sex

Flappers’ Cultural Role

Icons of modern femininity and social change

Men’s Fashion (1900–1919)

Shift from frock coats to modern suits

Ditto Suit

Three-piece suit symbolizing business professionalism

Detachable Collars

Starched white collars worn separately from shirts

Simplification of Men’s Style

Lighter fabrics and simpler suit separates

Single-Breasted Jacket

Narrow lapels, high buttons, paired with straight trousers

Men’s Shirts (Early 1900s)

Pastel or striped shirts with club collars and ties

1920s Men’s Fashion Shift

Jazz Age introduced bolder styles and patterns

Jazz Age Influence

Postwar optimism reflected in fashion and lifestyle

Knits (1920s)

Colorful sweaters, vests, and socks

Bow Ties (1920s)

Popular men’s accessory

Attached Collars (Mid-1920s)

Softer shirts replaced detachable collars

Color Expansion (1920s)

Brighter colors replaced traditional white shirts

Men’s Hats (1920s)

Panama, boater hats, and felt fedoras

Automobile Influence (1920s)

Cars increased popularity of driving caps

Knickerbockers

Knee-length casual trousers

1950s Postwar Conformity

Conservative dress reflecting corporate culture

Man in the Gray Flannel Suit

Symbol of 1950s business conformity

1950s Business Style

Slimmer ties, smaller collars, fewer double-breasted suits

Head of Household Ideology

Men as primary breadwinners and authority figures

Greasers

Working-class rebellious youth subculture

Greaser Style

Greased-back hair and tough appearance

Greaser Influences

Popularized by Elvis Presley, Marlon Brando, James Dean

1960s Men’s Fashion

More expressive and androgynous styles

1960s Style Elements

Longer hair, bright colors, paisley, velvet, puffy sleeves

Men’s Accessories (1960s)

Silk scarves and jewelry became fashionable