Illustrated Timeline Presents Women’s Fashion Every Year from 1784-1970

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

As a versatile art form, fashion illustration is intended to showcase the material, colors, and design of clothing. In addition to acting as a study of style, these drawings also inadvertently offer a glimpse into the history of fashion design and social pop culture of the time, as evident in this collection of delicate and detailed illustrations.

Meticulously compiled using a number of historic fashion plates, this timeline showcases the many shifts in styles that occurred in women's fashion over the course of nearly 200 years. The chronological presentation begins in the year 1784, when frilly, floor-length hoop skirts were all the rage. It then meanders through the next several decades, depicting a gradual tendency toward slimmer silhouettes in the early 1800s, a preference for over-the-top headdresses in the 1830s, and the re-emergence of the fuller ballgown in the 1860s.

By the 20th century, however, a-lines were in again, until loose-fitting, knee-length frocks stole the show in the 1920s. For the next 50 years, styles remained relatively short and slim—until 1970, when pants finally make their much-anticipated, grand debut.

The timeline ends here, perhaps because high-fashion photography proved such sketches to be obsolete. While fashion illustrations may not be as widely created or used today, some contemporary artists continue to keep the craft alive with their dazzling designs and dedication to documenting today's styles.

Compiled using fashion plates, this timeline traces women's fashion history from 1784-1970.

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

Women's Fashion History Illustrated Timeline

h/t: [Neatorama, Imgur]

Related Articles:

Standout “100 Years of Beauty” Video Celebrates Real Women

Over 83,500 Vintage Sewing Patterns Are Now Available Online

Fashion Designer Illustrates Gorgeous Gowns in Enchanting Detail

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content