The Shift of Women’s Fashion in the 1910s by Ava DeLaOssa

The fashion of the 1910s began softening the silhouettes that had begun around 1908. The French couturier Paul Poiret dominated the fashion industry in the early 1910s. He drew inspiration from East Asian textiles and theatrical costume design. There was a large change in color and fabric in this new decade. Rich jewel tones, tunics, and vibrant turbans replaced the soft and muted colors of the Edwardian era.

This era also introduced one of the most contradictory garments: the hobble skirt. The skirt was tapered so sharply at the ankle that women could only take very small and “hobbled” steps. It was a brief but major trend for women’s fashion. At the same time, corsets became longer and straighter, prioritizing a slim, column silhouette.

Fashion in the 1910s underwent a very drastic change. The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 brought a sudden halt to lavish couture. As millions of men were deployed to the front lines, women entered the workforce. They were operating machinery, driving ambulances, and running farms. Fashion began to adapt out of necessity. 

For the first time in centuries, women’s hemlines rose above the ankle to the mid-calf in order to prevent dresses from dragging in the mud or getting caught in heavy machinery. Between 1915 and 1917, fashion began to favor wide, flared skirts paired with a natural waistline, allowing for greater freedom and movement.

The tailored suit also began to become a staple for many women’s wardrobes. The suits were made of sturdy wool and cotton, with deep pockets, becoming the uniform for the modern, active woman. Luxurious dyes and fabrics like silk 

were heavily rationed, forcing a darker palette of navy, black, grey, and khaki to become more popular. 

By 1919, women’s fashion looked entirely different from the beginning of the 20th century. The decade of the 1910s broke apart the centuries of restrictive dress codes, leaving behind a legacy of functionality and comfort.