Turn of the Century Fashions: 1899-1905 contains information on fashions from ladies’ magazines of the period such as Harper’s Bazar, and The Delineator. Compiled here are illustrations and descriptions of ladies’ gowns, for both evening and day wear, undergarments, and bathing costumes as well as hairstyles and costume accessories such as hats, fans and shoes to help complete your vintage outfit. There is also information included covering young ladies’ and gentlemen’s dress of the era. When available, the original descriptions which accompanied the illustrations have been included.

A ball gown is supposed to be, and really should be, the daintiest of all costumes. If intended for a young girl it need not of necessity be so elaborate in design as to look like a ceremonious state gown, nor should it be so elaborately made nor have so long a train as to interfere with dancing, but it is essentially full dress, and as such permits of a fanciful design to start with, rich trimming, and with much attention paid to what is becoming. Low neck and short sleeves are necessary for a ball gown, and even when a girl’s neck is thin she is not supposed to be correctly gowned if she has it and her shoulders covered. If she is very thin there can be folds of lace or soft illusion put around the top of the gown, that will veil the shoulders and hide their defects, and the sleeves may be nearly to the elbow; but the moment a guimpe is worn, that moment must be relegated to half-dress, or demi-toilette, as the French say.

Harper’s Bazar, January 26, 1901       

This is the period of the Gibson girl. The fashions are shaped by the introduction of a new corset which created an S bend to the figure. The silhouette is soft and feminine, usually created with soft flowing fabrics. The large puffed sleeves of the 1890’s have disappeared, replaced by fitted or drooping sleeves, often with fullness at the elbow. Evening necklines are open and bodices are lightly fitted or gathered in the front, creating a pigeon breast silhouette. Skirts are trumpet shaped and flow softly over the hips, flaring at the hem, often with short trains. Embellishments are usually soft and frilly, ruffles and lace are seen in abundance. Fabrics are usually soft silks such as chiffon, crepe, and satin, also lightweight cottons such as voile. Trimmings of both superfine and heavier antique style lace are seen in abundance as well as rich trims of taffeta and velvet. Ornaments of rhinestones and velvet ribbon, often in contrasting colors, are popular. Day dress of this period can be either tailored and severe or soft, flowing and feminine depending on the time of day and activity.

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