I thought it would be fun to watch the amazing transformation women's gowns have taken from 1800 to 2013.
It was interesting for me to find that somewhere around 1930 designers started modifying designs from previous generations and "updating" them. The trend has continued to this day. Since 2000 it's hard to determine what the "style" has been. It's such a combination of many eras.
I was also surprised to find that some gowns were only slightly modified from one decade to another, but there are a few decades that changed drastically (such as the 1910s to 1920s).
Here are some of my favorite gowns from the past two hundred years.
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| c. 1800 |
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| c. 1810 |
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| c. 1820 |
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| c. 1830 |
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| c. 1840 |
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| c. 1850 |
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| c. 1860 |
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| c. 1870 |
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| c. 1880 |
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| c. 1890 |
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| c. 1900 |
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| c. 1910 |
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| c. 1920 |
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| c. 1930 |
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| c. 1940 |
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| c. 1950 |
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| c. 1960 |
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| c. 1970 |
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| c. 1980 |
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| c. 1990 |
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| c. 2000 |
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| c. 2010 |
I'll take 1880, 1910 and 1950. What a FUN overview of fashion through the ages. Wish we still wore some of this gorgeous stuff.
ReplyDeleteYou've chosen some of my favorites, Sarah! I especially love the 1910's gown. Sigh. I wish I could get away with wearing some of these on a regular basis. :)
DeleteOoh that 1950 one is beautiful. Have to say, though, I love the simplicity of the 1920s flapper gowns. While so many of these dresses are beautiful, I think I'd cry if I had to wear them every day. Haha! Oh, I love the 2010 one too...but that's no surprise as I'm a huge fan of simple black dresses.
ReplyDeleteThe more intricate, the more I love them! Although I'm sure if I had to wear some of those gowns before 1910 I'd die of a heat stroke! The 1920's was a fun era, but I'd still go with one of the extravagent gowns of the 19h century. I also like a simple black gown, too.
DeleteFun blog! I really like the 1800 gown...it's probably not the most beautiful (it kind of looks like a pajama nighty actually) but it's simple and looks comfortable! Lindsay
ReplyDeleteI like it, too, Lindsay. In those days (as in the 20's and 60's) a woman's waist didn't have to be so tiny to carry off the look! It looks a lot mor comfortable than say the 1870's & 1880's!!
DeleteI'm a big fan of the 1870s, but I can tell you from experience that wearing those dresses can be a rather warm experience. I have to admire the women of that era who suffered our hot California summers covered in so many layers of fabric. I melt when I'm in my replica of a Victorian gown without air conditioning anytime between April and October. Of course, all those layers feel mighty nice in the chilly months.
ReplyDeleteI've thought the same thing, Keli! On hot Minnesota days I often think of my ancestors braving the heat in those proper Victorian gowns. Although, I'm sure they appreciated them in the winter. Your gown is beautiful! I've always loved dressing up in historical attire. My favorite has always been the hoop skirt. :)
DeleteFun fun fun! So most of those dresses look too stifling and big for my tastes...I'm with Melissa in that I like the early 1900s (both the 1910 and the 1920 dresses). And of course, I love the modern one. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm the opposite! The bigger the better! I love the 1860's hoop skirts. :) I love all the ruffles and layers. Although I appreciate the other eras, as well. The 1920's definitely has its own appeal.
DeleteThere are so many beautiful ones I can't even pick! I love that red one from the 1800s and the one from the 30s
ReplyDeleteThe 1860's?!?! I love it, too. Hoop skirts, petticoats and yards of fabric. :) I love the 1930's style. It makes me think of the lovely movie acctresses of that era. Thanks for stopping by to say hi!
DeleteWhat a fun post, Gabrielle! Hard for me to choose a favorite as I love historical styles...but I'll try. I especially like the ones from 1800, 1840, 1860, 1890, and 1910 (the last I'm partial to as it's the period of my first manuscript--and it's just lovely!). I'm so impressed at how well you've collected and captured each period--so fun to see the changes from decade to decade! Thanks for sharing with us. :)
ReplyDeleteYou've chosen all of my favorites, too, Kiersti! My next novel will be set in 1917 and I'm excited to bring the beautiful gowns of that era to life. Thank you for stopping in to say hello!!
DeleteI'm a day late, but I'm so glad I stopped in. I loved all these gowns. My favorites are the 1840, 1910 and 2000. The fabric and lines of the 1840 one are beautiful. But, I confess, I wouldn't want to have to wear a corset to be able to wear it. :) The 1910's draping fabric and feminine look appeal to me. And for the 2000, I like the waist line, and the simple cut of the dress. The fabric looks like it would hang just right. And the almost off the shoulder. Pretty! I loved seeing the "fashion through the decades," Gabrielle. What a great post!
ReplyDeleteI've worn a corset and it would definitely take some getting used to! Although I love how corseted waists look, I'm so thankful we don't have to wear them anymore to be considered fashionable! The 2000 gown is lovely! I can see you in it. :)
DeleteI'd say 1900 - 1920. The one from 1980 looks like something Princess Diana wore. I don't care for the one from 1970 at all. I'm with Jeanne in that I wouldn't want to wear a corset. Great post, Gabrielle.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Lisa! The 1980's dress is a dress similar to one Princesa Diana wore. And yes, a corset would be a pain, in more ways than one. ;) The 1970's gown is probably my least favorite.
DeleteThese are gorgeous dresses, Gabrielle! I just love history and all of the trappings that go with it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Michelle! There are so many fun ways to look at (and appreciate) history. I love bringing it to life for others. Women's clothing is one of my favorite aspects of history. I'm fascinated by some of the clothing worn over the years.
Delete2000 and 1910. I want that 2000 dress for the ACFW banquet!
ReplyDeleteYou could probably find it, Sally! It is a lovely gown. I want the 1910's for genre night!!! :)
DeleteI love the Edwardian era now! I used to think Civil War dresses were the best, but I'm so done with them now. Isn't it weird how our tastes can change that way too? :)
DeleteI am so pleased with the dress and buying it online. It makes me wonder how much profit those brick and mortar stores must be making.
ReplyDelete