The Early 1900's
At the turn of the century, America was slowly shifting into a new era. The "New Woman" was the title given for women stepping out of their homes to start riling up society with play, politics, and fashion.
Woman Cycling in Brisbane from State Library of Queensland. ca. 1900. Public Domain.
Alice Paul raises glass in front of the ratification banner, August 26, 1920 by National Women’s Party Collection, from National Park Service. Public Domain.
Alice Paul raises glass in front of the ratification banner, August 26, 1920 by National Women’s Party Collection, from National Park Service. Public Domain.
The New Woman (1900-1920): Education, Bicycling, and Movement Towards Rights
The beginning of this period saw more college-educated women understanding the necessity of exercise; a favorite pastime took the form of bicycling. Women began wearing specialized bicycling-dresses: a loose-fitting coat, bodice, leggings, and an ankle-length, full skirt, which was actually a skirt split into two wide legs with a panel in front for modesty.
This popularizing of bicycling allowed for new freedom of movement, which was not given to women in the past. There was also an emphasis on education as women received college degrees, which was a newfound freedom.
This popularizing of bicycling allowed for new freedom of movement, which was not given to women in the past. There was also an emphasis on education as women received college degrees, which was a newfound freedom.
Women's interest in politics increased, which took form as the Temperance Movement and Women's Suffragist Movement. Suffragists started wearing the color white to present themselves as accomplished women who were bringing an end to political corruption.
The Flapper Girl (1920-1929): Employment and the Right to Vote
On August 18, 1920 women's right to vote was ratified. This meant women's voices in politics could finally start to be heard, which meant more freedom for women.
Alice Joyce by Bain News Service, from United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photograph's Division. 1926. Public Domain.
|
During the later years, more women began seeking employment outside of the home. The rise of the flapper girl was a result of this new aspiration, as many fashionable young women wanted to be progressive and step outside the family home for employment and freedom. The "flapper look" usually consisted of a short skirt and short hair.
Many of the dresses were highly ornamented and complicated. The dresses also became looser and were made to enhance the "boyish" body type, which was idealized during this period. This is an interesting concept as it suggested women were mirroring men stylistically. Women seemed to be silently protesting that they would not be excluded due to gender. |