NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
... imitating others. It is a form of non-verbal communication that provides a way for people to express their identities and values. In the 1820 s fashion was just being discovered and it maintained a strong hold on how society viewed people as well as how social classes were determined. This was the start of people taking risks, trying new things and testing the boundaries of society. From petticoats in the 1820 s to blue jeans in the 1960 s the element of fashion has only risen in the element of the public and how ideas are incorporated.
Fashion provides a window for the inner thoughts, dreams and wishes of the ideal civilization that so many people wish for but not enough have the courage to stand up for. In this report I will be writing about three different time periods which experienced three different types of fashion. I will first explain the fashion of the 1820 s using an indepth description of the type of fashion designs that were popular in this time period. I will then explain its significance and how it effected the decade. Next, I will provide examples of the fashion in the 1940 s and then continue to discuss how it has effected society and how it compares to the effects fashion has had on the 1820 s.
I will then explain the fashion in the 1960 s describing the types of clothes worn and for what purposes, as well as the effect it has on the culture and how that compares to the 1940 s. Lastly I will overview all three time periods and compare how they have changed. So, overall I will be discussing the general similarities and differences between the three periods I have mentioned. Fashion was a fairly new thing in the 1820 s; so many times it became very out of hand. Fashion became a past time for women as they continually competed with other women for social status. People continuously changed with the fashions to be looked at as more attractive.
The look at this time was shortened skirts, which became wider. Petticoats were worn under them as the shoulder line dropped to accommodate this new style. Throughout this decade skirts grew wider as waists became smaller and sleeves more elaborate. Shoulders were also broadened by bertha's, which were wide deep collars to show of a woman's neckline. The start of the Industrial Revolution in the 1800 s continued to effect the fashion industry with the invention of mechanical looms, chemical dyes, artificial fabrics and methods of mass production which made fashions more affordable to many more people. This then caused more and more people to dress alike and the barrier between social classes were slightly ignored.
But still the competition was still there. Woman spent tremendous amounts of money on fashion and other private luxuries. As a result sumptuary laws were designed to preserve the division between classes as well as regulating fashion according to a persons rank in society. Other sumptuary laws forced people to buy products manufactured in their own country to help their country's economy.
Due to the Industrial Revolution, competition between countries was also greater than ever. Fashion definitely had significance in this decade. I believe that at around this time the fashion feud was introduced. The 1940 s had some what of a different style then the 1820 s due to the constant change to out due other fashion companies. The fashion was still focused on the shoulders; they wanted to draw attention to their faces by using shoulder pads. Also the new wasp waist was introduced, this was a small waistline with a bigger, fuller bottom.
Unlike the 1820 s who followed fashion to express their beliefs, the 1940 s style seldom caused popular belief and political events to change. At one time jeans functioned as ordinary work clothes but during this decade teenagers adopted blue jeans as a comfortable, casual youth fashion. This was the time when teens really looked up to fashion. They thought that with the latest fashions would come the latest popularity. The United States promoted the sale the teen clothes and was constantly coming up with new designs to beat out Paris, because the United States started to suffer due to the overseas sales. This decade was a lucky one for the famous designers Norell and McCardel; they stole the show at a fashion show, in New York City.
Fashion then became out of hand as the government would say, it was disturbing the citizens. (Herald) The government then brings clothing restrictions to the United States to solve this problem. In the late 1940 s the highpoint of the hippie movement began which brought out flower children and a whole different style. From the 1820 s to the 1940 s a lot has happened in fashion it only continuously progresses. Fashion has had a positive impact on the people of the United States because they have become more daring and adventurous. Fashion seems to have advanced and will change with the attitude and economy of society. The 1960 s were what you could call the turning point of fashion. (Connikie) How people dressed was starting to be influenced by heroes and the greats of this decade.
Fashions were drastically different from the 1940 s they consisted of Afro hairstyles in whites as well and African Americans. The Maxi and Midi lengths began to become more popular as the pantsuit was introduced. Mini-skirts climbed way above the knee and the wild side began with plastic dresses, see-through blouses, safari jackets and mod jackets as well. These wild styles appealed to many of the United States youth because adults began to disapprove of what they called the inappropriate styles. (Earle) They also wore blue jeans as a symbol of their political stance and social beliefs. They thought that by rejecting a mature style of clothing it would show how they rejected adult values. But as teens started to rebel against their parents, they just eventually adopted the hip new styles as well.
Also fashion magazines were a result of the constant uproar in fashion. So as you can see from the 1820 s to the 1960 s the fashion industry has changed and become more competitive and has been used to reach out, and express feelings. In conclusion, I believe fashion, has had a significant effect on the culture in the United States. Fashion causes styles to change rapidly for a variety of historical, psychological and sociological reasons. (World Book) Fashion has become a newfound form of expression that was discovered through out the years. I think it gave women a chance to show off their beauty in different ways as they expressed themselves even though they sometimes did not always have a voice. It totally changes the connection between adolescents and adults.
The gap definitely grew a lot larger after their fashion feuds. Fashion is referred to as a style of clothing that is worn at a given time, but is expected to change. This is the perfect definition for the ever changing fashion industry. The general similarities and differences were apparent in my paper and there continues to be a constant change of fashion as well as the change in society that follows.
Bibliography: Bibliography Bahr, Lauren S... Fashion. Colliers Encyclopedia. New York, New York: P. F. Collier, L.
P. , 1995. Connikie, Yvonne. Fashions of the Decade: the 1940 s. New York, New York: Bookbuilders Ltd. , 1991. Earle, Alice Morse.
Two Centuries of Costume in America. United States: Corner House Publisher, 1974. Fashion Design. Academic American Encyclopedia. 1996 ed. Herald, Jacqueline.
Fashions of the Decade: the 1920 s. New York, New York: Bookbuilders Ltd. , 1991. The World Book Encyclopedia. Vol. 7. Chicago, 1999
Free research essays on topics related to: industrial revolution, york new york, fashion industry, similarities and differences, blue jeans
Research essay sample on York New York Similarities And Differences
