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1900's-1910
"The Gibson Girl”
At this time, the ideal female was tall, slender with voluptuous hips and breasts. Women wanted to me more curvy at this time. They also were expected to be physically active and in in good health. -
1920's
"The Flapper"
This depiction of women was much more casual compared to the "Gibson Girls." These girls were pictured as immautre young women who had little regard for uptight behavioral "norms" and were a bit scandalous. Most women also cut their long hair to shoulder length or shorter. They also had bare arms, ankles, kneres and legs. Blush, dark eye makeup, dark or bright lipstick and tan skin weere dipicted as "healthy" as well. -
1930's - 1940's
Wartime Fashion
The Great Depression brought back more traditional style for women. They kept their short hair but they started wearing longer skirts and covering their arms and shoulders. However, wide shoulder width was coveted and emphasized. Their outfits were practical than flashy in this time period. It was common for women to use men's suits to make women's every day wear. -
1950's
In this time periof, women had role models such as Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. A busty, hourglass, full and voluptuous look was prized. Outfits were still scarce due to war, so women were expected to always have their makeup done and display perfect skin to "make up for their outfits." -
1960's
"Twiggy"
Twiggy was a major supermodel of the 1960's and embodied a thin and androgynous look. Women strived to look like that and really did a complete reversal of the 1950's looks. At this time, a more boyish look was in with shorter hair, a slight frame and small curves. In the later 1960's, a "hippie" look started to emerge with longer hair. The hourglass look started to make its comback and the end of the 60's -
1970's
Thin is In
With Twiggy still dominating the modeling scene, women wanted to be thinner than ever. Anorexia reared its ugly head in the 70's. In this era, there was also a ride in diet pills. At thi time, hair was worn longer and makeup was still expected to be worn but with a more natural look. -
1980's
Hardbodies
While being thin was still "in", ther was a huge emphasis on fitness as well. Women who were tone but not too muscular were ideal. Women who were tall were also ideal. Supermodels really started to be a big influence. Everyone wanted to look like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford. -
1990's
Baywatch and Heroin Chic
There were two looks that were prominent in the 90's. Women either wanted to be thin with large curves or thin with literally nothing but skin and bones. Baywatch and Pamela Anderson inspired the big breats, small waist look. Calvin Klein models such as Kate Moss inspired the skin and bones look. -
2000's
In the early 2000's, women's body image was in a worse place than ever. Women were expected to have huge curves, small waists and legs, perfect skin and hair, flawless makeup, straight and white teeth and to be fit. Then, people started to wise up and realise that that is totally unrealistic. Women today are finally learning that every body is beautiful. Everyone has a different set BMI and you are beautiful the way you are.
