fashion in the early 20th century
F ashion of the period 1900-1909 The fashion of the period 1900-1909 in the Western world continued the strict, long and elegant lines of the late 1890s. High stiff collars characterize this period, as do women's wide hats and bouffant Gibson Girl hairstyles. The new columnar silhouette, introduced by Parisian couturiers at the end of the decade, signaled the approaching abandonment of the corset as an indispensable garment. women's fashion With the decline of fuss, sleeves began to increase in size, and the 1830s hourglass silhouette became popular again. The fashionable silhouette of the early 20th century was that of a self-confident woman with full, low breasts and curvaceous hips. The "health corset" of this period took pressure off the abdomen and created an S-shaped silhouette. In 1897, the silhouette was significantly reduced and lengthened. Blouses and dresses were puffy in front and puffed up into an early 20th century "pigeon chest" shape that e...