Edwardian Era Womens Clothing

In the 1910s, trousers became acceptable in some circles, as sportswear for games such as tennis demanded freedom of movement. Still, the fashion trends were of two worlds, at once looking back to Edwardian excesses and forward to the Flapper era to come.

Once again, Poiret seemed to encompass both impulses, this time in his Minaret tunics, which combined hobble skirts with crinoline-reinforced lampshade-like dresses on top. Some women coordinated the color of their hair with the hues of these so-called tango frocks, be it green, red, or even blue.

The second decade of the 20th century is, of course, also remembered for World War I, as well as the flu epidemic of 1918, which took even more lives than the dreadful conflict. But women of means still wore coats trimmed at the collar, cuffs, and hem in fur, or waistless dresses with kimono-like sleeves. Tulle veils were favored beneath feathered felt hats, while tiered pinafore dresses revealed two-tone button-up boots.

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