Evolution of period dresses

In the world where everything keeps on changing, fashion is no exception. Since the early times, fashion has changed a lot and it still keeps on changing every other day. Needless to say, the dresses for women and men has evolved quite dramatically. So, let us travel back in time and see what the early eras have in closet for us. You might get to know more about your favourite ‘Bridgerton’ or ‘Pride and Prejudice’ era or whichever period drama you like, in this piece, so stay tuned for more ahead.

1. The Roman Era (500 BC – 323 AD) In earlier times people used to dress according to their social status, wealth, etc. In this era, women used to wear palla over her stolla (just like how Indians wear it). The men used to wear toga over a tunic. Draping was a trend in this era.
   

2. The Middle Era (400 AD – 1200 AD) In this era, both genders (men and women) wore same clothing with ofcourse some changes in pattern and style. This era was all about the tunics. Men wore belted tunics whereas women wore tunic which was ankle length and a shawl covered their heads. The colour of the clothes denoted the financial status of people.

3. The Renaissance Era (1350- 1520) The nobleman or the aristocrats had more interest in fashion during this period. Therefore, this period is also one of the most important era for fashion. The monarchs used to spend lavishly on their clothes and nobleman followed everything they did. The gowns that were worn by women had a tight fitting bodice and a full skirt that gave a look of an hourglass. The fashion of men was much similar to what they wear now, such as shirt but the collar and cuffs were made of lace. Over that they wore doublet and would add a layer of jerkin on top.

4. 18th Century (1701 – 1800) This era was all about extravagance and white wigs. The fashion in this era was called Rococo. Women’s fashion included tight corsets, plunging neckline and wide hoops worn under skirts that extended sideways (I am already sweating by just thinking about it). Men’s clothing included coat with large cuffs and deep pleats with long waistcoat and breeches. This was a Marie Antoinette era and they were just living in it!

5. The Georgian Era (1800 – 1837) This era is also known as Regency era (yes, it’s the Bridgerton era). The fashion in this era became more simpler than before. Women wore high waisted ankle length gown. The fabric and dresses became more breathable (phew). The bosom was made fuller by the use of corset. The men’s fashion included linen shirt with the layer of cravat. The ruffled collars were added and the breeches became more long.

6. The Victorian Era (1837 – 1901) The name itself suggests that this era was all about the reign of Queen Victoria. In this era the fashion kept on changing immensely. During the early days of this era, women used to wear large dresses but by the time they came to mid of this era, women’s fashion changed into bustle gowns which was lifted from behind. By the end of this era, women’s fashion changed into more simpler outfit and the corset was out of the picture. On the other hand, men’s fashion has always been simpler. In this era, men wore trousers, long coat and a waistcoat with a high collared shirt.

7. The Edwardian Era (1901 – 1914) The fashion in this era became more relaxed and comfortable than the Victorian Era. Two-piece dress came into fashion. The dress was made in such a way that it gave an S shape to women. These gowns were also known as ‘tea gowns’, which were made from soft fabrics. Men wore three piece suit with high round-collared white shirt, neckties and bowler hats.

8. The 20th Century (1915 - 2000s) This era is probably the modern era where fashion was characterised by wide range of trends and styles. Women’s day to day outfits included casual clothing such as mini-skirts, bell-bottoms, casual tops, etc. Even men’s dressing became casual (although they had breathable fashion in all the eras). Men started wearing suspenders and more graphic patterns in shirts and tshirts. Androgynous Fashion also came into existence in this era. Princess Diana is the perfect example of fashion icon in this period.

So, here we come to an end of our blog. You obviously know what comes after 20th century because you are already living in it! Hope you enjoyed reading and learning about period fashion. If you want to know what happens in 21st century fashion, you can read our other blogs. Do like, share and comment!