History of Fashion

Unit 2
The Noughties 1900-1910

The first years of the

twentieth century were a
time of optimism. The new
century promised many
interesting changes, but at
first, fashion stayed similar
as the previous decade.
Styles for men, women, and
children were extremely
restrictive.
1.- Hourglass Figures
For fashionable women of the noughties,
the ideal body had an ample bosom, tiny
waist, and large hips. This was the
hourglass or S-bend style (because it
followed the curves of a letter S). This
silhouette was achieved by wearing a rigid
corset. Women usually changed clothes
several times a day, wearing different
outfits for morning, afternoon, and
evening. Daytime clothes covered the
whole body. In dresses or separates,
women wore high collars, puffed bodices,
and full skirts with petticoats. Some
dresses were embroidered with tiny
flowers or draped with lace. Bodices or

Exercise: Find in the text N1 synonyms or

simmilars to:
a) Standard __________________________
b) Total __________________________
c) Considerably big (2)
_____________________________________
d) Many
e) Long
__________________________
__________________________ Evening
f) Very small __________________________ The only time of day when women
2.- From Teatime to
escaped their corsets was the afternoon.
The tea gown was a loose dress used
before dinner. Comfortable but elegant, it
was usually made of light fabrics such as
crepe, chiffon or tulle. The most
glamorous tea gowns were designed by
exclusive couturiers, such as Lucile,
Jacques Doucet, and Mariano Fortuny. In
the evening, wealthy womens dresses
were still long -some even had trains- but
necklines opened to reveal the bosom.
Sparkling beads and sequins decorated
dresses, purses, and shoes.
History of Fashion
Unit 2
The Noughties 1900-1910

The Passive voice

The passive voice is used when the focus is on the ACTION and NOT on the
PERSON

Observe the following sentence taken from the texts:

...dresses were embroidered with tiny flowers...

Who embroidered the dresses? ???????????

...it was usually made of light fabrics...

Who made it? ???????????

* Identify the Passive voice sentences in the texts

4.- Women at Work 3.- Hats and

The satins, silks, and tulles worn by
ladies of leisure were impractical for
the independent women who went
to work. The Tailormades (or Tailor
suits) were for governesses, typists,
and store assistants. They were
usually made of tweed. The tailor-
mades were also used by rich
women for traveling. They were
matched with a blouse.
Hairstyles
Long necks were considered very
beautiful, so women wore their long
hair up to emphasize the neck.
High dos were the top of the fashion
at this time, and ladies spent long
times elaborating their dos. Hats
were usually covered with
glamorous feathers from exotic
birds, or were even decorated with
real birds.

5.- Mens garments

Businessmen wore black morning coats with pinstriped trousers. Three-piece
suits and a matching jacket, vest, and trousers were also worn by men, because
they wanted to look elegant. All respectable men wore a hat outdoors, such as a
derby, trilby, or even a straw boater.
On formal occasions, men still dressed in a top hat and frock coat, as they had in
the 1800s. Originally based on a military coat, the frock coat was knee-length,
came in at the
waist, and was full at the back with pleats, buttons, and vents. It was worn with
a vest and checked or pinstriped trousers