Fashions have changed considerably over time, so I've decided to make sort of a timeline of some popular fashions ranging from the 20's through the early 60's.
Here's a picture taken in the 20's. Notice the drop waist and the over-the-top makeup. The makeup style was the result of the way that motion pictures were taken; in order not to have their faces washed out during filming movies, both men and women would wear their makeup with dark lipstick and eye makeup and extremely pale face powder.
By the time the 30's came along, skirts dropped back down in length. Although much of the nation was in poverty, the wealthy were able to dress with beautiful fashions. Coco Chanelle revolutionized the way women dressed, introducing the tweed suit and pearls. Unlike fashions in the 20's, instead of turning toward more masculine styles, the 30's held more feminine ideals.
The 40's were a time when it was a necessity for women to return to work. With most husbands and older sons fighting in WWII, women found it necessary to support their familiies. In result, women started to wear streamlined skirts and blazers, along with hats and gloves. The 40's were a time of practicallity and women chose function over fashion.
The fifties will always be known as the time of full skirts and adorable hats. In the early 50's, styles were still analagous to the 40's. But, by the mid to late part of the decade fashion had changed to what the 50's are recognized for: poodle skirts, heels, and hats. This decade was the first to coin the phrase "teenager," and that makes sense because it was a time when teenagers started to have their own styles and lingo. Girls wore Peter Pan collars and full skirts with saddle shoes. Small scarves tied around their necks added a little flair. Guys were either the James Dean "tough" types, with leather jackets and jeans, while others were "preppy," meaning they wore sweaters and even suits.
