The first thing people think about when hearing fashion in the gilded age is long dresses, puffy skirts, and high collars. However, it’s important to note Charles Frederick Worth. Charles is knows as “The Father of Haute Couture”. His innovative business and fashion ideas paved the way for modern fashion. Looking at fashion now and fashion during this period, they visually could not be more different. But fashion in the late 1800s paved the way for fashion trends more than most people realize.
The time between 1877 and 1900, also known as The Gilded Age, held major economic growth and the rise of industrialization. Fashion often reflects the economy, economist George Taylor being the first to notice the correlation between fashion and the economy. He developed the “Hemline Theory” to describe his findings. For example, in the 1920s, hemlines became shorter as a way for women to show off their silk stockings but once the market crashed, longer skirts became de rigueur.
In the beginning of the age, the 1870s we see the Victorian Bustle Era. Exaggerated silhouettes were the main trend. Women were able to achieve this look was by wearing bell-shaped skirts, bustles, and corsets. Petticoats, jewelry, and gloves were also worn. Men would commonly wear top hats, high collars, and tailored suits. You would often see men walking around with walking sticks and gloves.
In the 1880s, full skirts and dresses were most popular, however, they became slightly smaller and less prominent. Bustles were still very popular, as well as the ideal body shape, which was the hourglass figure. Women wore tall, narrow hats, trimmed with bows, flowers, feathers, and often stuffed bird specimens, perched precariously on heads. When not wearing hats, w omen wore their hair in chic updos and tidy chignons. Men’s fashion started to become more relaxed. Loose-fitting clothing started to be worn more frequently. Jackets and trousers were not as tight and fitted.
The 1890s marked the beginning of the end for big skirts and strong corsets. A much bigger shift in fashion trends occurred especially for women. Hourglass silhouettes weren’t as popular and straight, flowy dresses were in. Corsets were still worn, however, S-corsets became all the rage. They were designed to push the hips back and the chest up and forward. Tailored suits for men were out and more casual, comfortable suits became more common.
The Gilded Age has always been one of the most popular eras for fashion. The gilded age was a time of prosperity and great wealth in the United States. This factor makes fashion in this era more popular as people are fascinated by glamor and elegance. This time in history was one of the last times when fashion was truly elegant. Men and women alike were expected to be at their best at all times. Day by dressed in formal attire with fine accessories to match. To this day, many designers draw inspiration from this era, the details and color never failing to catch the eye of an audience.
