-
Victorian Dress
This dress is characteristic of fashionable styles from the early 1840s. This dress is from Britain. The neckline is wide, and overall the dress is plain. The lack of design is intentional to show purity and to not flaunt too much. The simplicity is in line with Queen Victoria's high morality. The large skirt made it difficult to move around in, especially outside. Even walking up stairs was difficult in these dresses. The lack of mobility made most women stay inside. -
Bloomers
Portrait of Miss Woolgar as Mrs Portia Lucretia Green in Bloomerism. Bloomers were very popular in Germany and Britain. It was a symbol co opted by the feminist movement. Bloomers were popular to wear for sports as women did not have to carry around heavy skirts while cycling or swimming. The freedom of movement given by bloomers allowed women to be more healthy and active. -
Pret-a-Porter
Ready to wear swimsuit designs by Russian designer Sonia Delaunay. Ready to wear allowed women to buy their clothes premade instead of custom by a tailor or made by the women themselves. Tailors were expensive and making clothing themselves was time consuming. Pret a porter allowed women to have more time for themselves -
Siren Suits
These utility suits were first invented by winston churchill. They were later adapted by women as they were easy to put on during bombings in the middle of the night. Other utilitarian fashion like this allowed women to work "men's jobs" when required by the government.