Edwardian Fashion: Explore the transitional style between the Victorian and Roaring Twenties eras, known for its high collars and lace details
Edwardian fashion, which encompasses the early 20th century
during the reign of King Edward VII of England (1901-1910), represented a
transitional period between the elaborate Victorian era and the more liberated
Roaring Twenties. This era brought about significant changes in fashion,
characterized by high collars, lace details, and a departure from the heavy
corsetry of the Victorian era. Let's explore the world of Edwardian fashion and
its distinctive features.
The Edwardian Silhouette
Edwardian fashion departed from the tightly corseted,
hourglass figures of the late Victorian era. The key elements of the Edwardian
silhouette included:
1. S-Bend Corsets: Edwardian corsets were designed to
create an S-shaped silhouette, with a straight front and a protruding bosom.
This corsetry was less restrictive and more comfortable compared to the corsets
of the previous era.
2. High Necklines: High, often ruffled, necklines
were a prominent feature of Edwardian fashion. Blouses and dresses frequently
featured lace collars and high necks, emphasizing modesty and femininity.
3. Pigeon-Breast Bodices: The bodices of dresses and
blouses had a distinctive "pigeon-breast" shape, with an emphasis on
the upper chest and bosom. This design created a graceful and romantic look.
4. Wide and Full Skirts: Skirts during the Edwardian
era were wide and flowing, with a focus on a natural waistline. They were often
layered with petticoats and decorated with lace or embroidered details.
5. Princess Lines: Dresses were often constructed
with "princess lines," which involved panels of fabric that followed
the natural contours of the body, providing a sleek and elongated appearance.
6. Empire Waist Dresses: Empire waistlines, which
rested just below the bust, were also popular during the Edwardian era. These
dresses were particularly flattering and comfortable, as they allowed for
freedom of movement.
7. Daywear and Eveningwear: Edwardian fashion
distinguished between daywear and eveningwear. Day dresses were typically made
from lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk, while evening gowns
featured more luxurious materials such as satin, velvet, and lace.
Accessories and Outerwear
Accessories and outerwear played a significant role in
completing the Edwardian look:
1. Wide-Brimmed Hats: Large, picture hats with wide
brims were a popular accessory. These hats were adorned with ribbons, feathers,
and flowers, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble.
2. Gloves: Long gloves made of silk or lace were
often worn, reaching above the elbow for formal occasions.
3. Parasols: Decorative parasols were carried by
women to shield themselves from the sun, adding a fashionable accessory to
their outfits.
4. Outerwear: Coats and jackets were tailored with
narrow shoulders and flared skirts. The "tailor-made" style,
featuring matching jacket and skirt sets, was fashionable for women.
5. Fur Stoles: For added warmth and luxury, fur
stoles or collars were worn over evening gowns.
6. Handbags: Handbags, often made of leather or
fabric, became a practical accessory for carrying personal items.
Influence of Art Nouveau and Belle Époque
Edwardian fashion was influenced by the Art Nouveau
movement, characterized by its flowing lines and nature-inspired motifs.
Dresses and accessories often featured delicate floral embroidery and lacework.
The elegance and opulence of the Belle Époque period, which extended from the
late 19th century to the early 20th century, also left a mark on Edwardian
fashion.
Edwardian Men's Fashion
Men's fashion during the Edwardian era saw a shift towards a
more tailored and refined appearance. Key elements of Edwardian men's fashion
included:
1. Three-Piece Suits: Men typically wore three-piece
suits consisting of a jacket, vest, and trousers. Suits were well-tailored with
narrow lapels and high collars.
2. High Collars and Ascots: High-collared shirts were
paired with cravats or ascots, adding a touch of formality. Bow ties were also
popular.
3. Top Hats: Top hats were commonly worn by men,
especially for formal occasions. They added an air of sophistication to the
ensemble.
4. Sack Coats: For more casual settings, sack coats,
which were less structured than suits, were worn.
5. Shoes: Men's shoes had rounded toes and were
typically made of leather. Lace-up and button-up boots were common choices.
The Legacy of Edwardian Fashion
The influence of Edwardian fashion is still visible in
contemporary design. Elements such as high necklines, lace details, and the use
of natural waistlines have made their way into modern fashion. The Edwardian
era marked a transition towards more comfortable and practical clothing, laying
the groundwork for the fashion evolution that would continue into the Roaring
Twenties.
In conclusion, Edwardian fashion was characterized by its refined and elegant style, marked by high collars, lace accents, and a departure from the restrictive corsetry of the Victorian era. The fashion of this period reflected the changing attitudes and social dynamics of the early 20th century, leaving a lasting impact on the world of style and design.
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