20th Century: 1900-1909

Let me take you back in time, to a different way of life. We may not really think about it in our everyday, but fashion has changed a lot since 1900.

I will take you back to a time where women wore corsets, long skirts, and extraordinary hats. Back to a time where women dressed to impress on a covered up level.

1900-1909 it a period where fashion didn’t change too much. The style was simple and sophisticated with a touch of society placement.

This is part of the Edwardian era and which was very much described as a social rank age.

It was obvious to see who was of a higher rank based on the colors, the fabric, and the cut of the dress. Not to mention the details, such as the size and style of the hat and if it was designed to match the outfit. The quality of her gloves and shoes. And the most obvious part, the color tan of her skin.

The higher ranked you were, the white your skin, since you wouldn’t be forced to work everyday. A working woman would most likely have a slightly tanned skin, since she would be more exposed to direct sun during the days of work.

So to give the perfect description of a high ranked woman’s look:

A high necked shirt, a long high waisted skirt with matching jacket, which would be form fitted.

Laced up boots, covered by spatterdashes (a boot cover with bottoms up the side), her hair (most commonly) in a updo for elegance and to keep the hat in place, and then, of course, the last details.

Gloves fitting the season and occasion, a hat of same purpose, and the all known umbrella.

The umbrella was like an extra protection method, to keep out of the direct sunlight. A thing that have to be remembered is that sunscreen wasn’t invented at this point, so the only way to be sure of not tanning, would be covered up and keeping in shade.

So now that we have looked a bit into the look of the first decade, how do we take a part of this and make it an acceptable part of the modern look.

One thing could be the boots, but mostly for the colder seasons. The updo could easily be described by a well styled messy bun. The best choice I can come with as for the clothes would be a turtle neck shirt and a high waisted pencil skirt.

I hope you have enjoyed going back in time with me and will join me again next week. And remember to stay safe.

Kisses.