American Women's Fashion

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that dress was an outward indication of ones wealth and social standing; however, changes within society were often directly reflected in attire. The author points out that the layers of uncomfortable and restrictive clothing were both a symbolic and a physical tool which kept women from being active participants in man's world. The paper relates that the invention of the sewing machine allowed the general public access to fashion as they could make their own clothing and contributed to the "Ready to Wear" industry, which forever changed the face of clothing in America and established New York City as the country's fashion capitol. 2 Illustrations.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Women's Lives
Reform
The Victorian Era
After the Civil War and the Corset
Magazines and Fashion
Women's New Roles
The Work Force and Fashion
Sewing Machine
Immigrants
Textile Mills
New Thinking
Consumer Influence of Cosmetics as Fashion
After the War
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The Victorian Era was a period in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that was largely recognized as a period of rigid and unyielding conservatism. Even though it was celebrated as a time that maintained a high standard of morality, beauty, and social grace, the overall Victorian society actually tended to be rather oppressive -- especially regarding women and their position within the society. This was a time when people owned few clothes. A typical country woman might own only three or four dresses with one being dedicated to church and social events. Men also were conservative during this period. A husband would usually only own two or three shirts with one or two of summer and winter trousers. Shoes were even very scarce compared with items of clothing and were only common for men that worked outdoors. Women and children would definitely be the last to receive shoes. Thus fashion can be thought of as very limited at this juncture."

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