woman fashion

(Credit)

We’ve recently dug up an old article from the New York Times (note: PDF), published June 17, 1917, in which the author discusses some of his observations regarding the significance of woman’s clothing throughout history, and the changes that occurred after 1914.

Article from the New York Times on Women's Modest Clothing, 1917

Feminine apparel marked momentous occasions in history, as pointed out in many historical records and books; The French revolution is visualized through the liberty cap, the bodice, and the full skirt. The author of the article says: no one brought back the picture of the day so vividly, as he who writes of the clothes worn by the people who took part in overturning or establishing governments. Feminine trends literally color our history books.

However, the most significant change occurred after World War One, when the fashion world no longer conformed to one trend at a time. There was a sudden explosion of style and color, incorporating costumes of various ethnic groups. The skirt continued to shrink, which some linked to economic hardship. And then, this overexposure of skin began to tug at many women’s intrinsic ethical standards. The call for modest attire became the norm. Now we observe an amalgamation of the past, the present, and the future.

As the writer most sensibly concludes, dignity is the word. We live in a society that is completely divided on the subject of female modesty. It is the job of individuals to maintain the image they wish to create, and most importantly, preserve their self respect. One way is to not fall prey to overexposure.