Throughout the twentieth century, the world has seen many different
styles introduced into the fashion industry. Fashion's are affected by
the society. If the economy is doing well, styles can get very
elaborate and expensive. If the economy is in a rut, the trends get
very plain and inexpensive. Inventions also have an affect on fashions.
With new ways to make The last major thing that affects styles, is the
state of the country. Wars and conflicts etc. greatly contribute to the
ways we dress. This section of the magazine will highlight the various
fashions seen in Russia, Malaysia and Canada in this century. Canada,
and the majority of the western cultures around it, have all seen
similar fashion trends. We will start at the beginning of this century,
in the 1900's. During the time that Queen Victoria ruled, the fusions
were very prudish. Women's dresses were made of very heavy fabric that
was hard to clean. The look was cluttered and covered, with poofy
sleeves, gloves and boots. Small waists were "in", so many women wore
corsets to make them look skinnier. Just one example of how girls
distort their figures in the name of fashion. A decade later, the style
changed from prudish, to elegant. The women's dresses were much lighter
and more feminine than they had been during the turn of the century.
Women wore huge hats, and slippers or flats when inside. When going
outside, boots, or walking shoes were worn, along with a flared skirt
and riding jacket. During World War One, women's fashion's changed
drastically. Clothing went from elegant to easy and plain. While the
men were away at war, the women were less concerned about their looks.
They worked in the factories, so work clothes were worn. White starched
shirts accompanied by a dark skirt and occasionally a tie was what was
commonly seen. After the war, the western economy boomed. Flapper
dresses with lots of fringe came in, along with long beads and flat
shoes. Flapper dresses were the first dresses to bare women's arms, and
expose their legs and neck. During this period, women wore their hair
in kiss curls, with a small hat fitted to their head. In 1929, Canada
repeated the styles that were popular in 1920's, except everything was
made in brown and beige shades. In the 1930's, because it was a very
poor period in Canadian history, people basically added to their old
flapper dresses. The overall style during this period was tacky and
bright. In the 1940's, there was a large economic drop because the
majority of the people's money was going towards World War Two. because
most of the men were over seas, the women had to take on the male roles
in society. The style of the dresses worn was very practical and
unfeminine. They wore lots of zippers, and working clothes were simple
and fit. Mini-hats and white wedding dresses were also introduced
during this time. During the 1950's rock and roll came in, and the
styles worn depended on your age. Older women began to dress very
matronly, where as young girls wore bright poodle dirndl skirts. Men
wore baggy silk shirts and pleated pants with small waists, and wedge
shoes were worn by both sexes. The guys liked to wear chained trucker's
wallets and pink and charcoal colors. Popular colors for women were
turquoise and flamingo pink. During the 1960's, the style was fortrell.
Women wore dresses with "A line" sleeves. Broomstick skirts were
introduced and women wore beehive hairstyles, and no hats. During the
1970's, people valued individuality in their fashions. Most people did
whatever they wanted with fashion, and it usually depends on age. In
the time from the 1980's to the present, fashion revolved and still
does, around brand name clothes and designer fashions. Fashion in this
day and age depend on one's personality and personal preference.
Through the ages, fashion has changed dramatically, and will continue
to change in the future years.