From Ankle Top to Tree Top: A Brief History of Dresses and Skirts

Dresses and Skirts and Fashion and Stuff!!

This interesting article is a little different in that it gives some historical data regarding skirts and dresses. A careful reading of this material could change the way you look at your skirts, dresses and other wardrobe items. Next time you get dressed, think about this report..

Dresses and skirts are commonly associated with women’s clothing. Aside from the Scottish kilt (that doesn’t seem to get a lot of wear in the West) these garments are predominately worn by women. The evolution of dresses and skirts has been one of daring changes considering the trends from a100 years ago.

Shocking Short Skirts and Dresses

During the turn of the century dresses and skirts were long and modest. However, the Roaring Twenties offered a shocking new look that was really ahead of its time.

If you consider that most dresses and skirts were typically worn down to the ankle up until the beginning of the 1920’s.

The hemlines of these garments rose to knee length in a matter of a handful of years. It seemed as if ladies suddenly woke up one morning and decided that dresses and skirts should be lifted to new heights. This new approach to dress design turned fashion on its ear and it started a whole new era for women. Not only were women entering the voting booths, they were freeing their legs of cumbersome dresses and skirts as well.

The knee-length hemline from the 1920’s stayed in place for about 30 years or so. The conservative 1950’s were followed by a great decade of revolution. This decade brought the miniskirt into the limelight and this new hemline caused quite a fashion stir during its time. Hemlines rose to unheard of heights during this decade and many of us typically think of the sixties when we think of the mini.

You can see that there is practical value in learning more about the history of women's skirts and dresses. Can you think of ways to apply what you have covered so far?

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