Fashion Trends Louisa Says We Should Bring Back

By Louisa Richardson, Freshman

I have always loved fashion. It might not show in the way that I dress, but I have always been fascinated by the clothing of others–especially women’s clothing of nearly a century ago. 

These are some fashion trends that I think we need to bring back. 

Bias-Cut Gowns 

The bias-cut gowns were sort of an old Hollywood trend throughout the 1900s. A bias cut often drapes in the front and sometimes in the back. These gowns must include a neckline cut at a 45-degree angle. These have always been the most beautiful gowns–effortless, timeless, possibly formal, possibly not. Bias-cut gowns give that old Hollywood look that I love so much. They seem to be the one thing I simply need in life–other than corsets that is. Everytime I see these dresses, I always think about how good a wedding dress they would make. 

1940s Swimwear 

Swimwear pre-WWII was cute, colorful, and modest (for those of you who like that). It also wasn’t too restricting, but rather comfortable. I personally prefer those little swim shorts to our current stringy bottoms that we have in 2024. Not only that, but the ruffles, polkadots, and buttons are so much cuter than the all-exciting color BEIGE that everything seems to be right now. Though beige may be timeless, it is also colorless and boring. I would rather have some incredibly gaudy fashion trend be in style than have this gross beige color. 

Long Dresses from the 70s 

I love specifically the single-colored ball gowns. This bit is more of a rant, but I have literally searched the entire internet for a single-colored long dress, and it is IMPOSSIBLE to find any that are flowy, long, and somewhat cheap (by that I mean less than a typical prom dress). 

We should also bring back disco dancing dresses. 

Corsets

One of the many reasons why I hate Bridgerton is that it is the furthest thing from historically accurate. When watching the opening scene alone, there is already a huge misconception of a popular item from the turn of the century (and centuries before): corsets. We see a young woman being squeezed into a corset with a matron saying, “We need to get you down to the width of an orange and a half.” Corsets are often thought of as being restricting, unbreathable, and organ crushing. Back then, the hourglass figure may have been in, but you can CHOOSE how tight your corset goes. If it is really that tight and unbreathable you can JUST LOOSEN IT! Second, the corsets you see in movies and TV shows are on very rich, wealthy people who wore those whalebone corsets. They were pretty expensive, and, because of that, the more middle class or working-class people wore quilted corsets. Essentially, it was just a stiff undergarment, which (although sewn to be tight) was breathable and stretchy (according to The history of corsets). If you ask anyone in the theater or drag biz, they will tell you that wearing a corset is only as miserable as you make it. So, I really think that we should bring corsets back, as they are merely wired bras that enhance that hourglass figure that most people get plastic surgery to achieve. Even our own local actor Jackie Padgett states, “They are pretty comfortable, but I don’t tie it to the tightest capacity. . . . I always look forward to doing old plays because I get to wear a corset for free!”

Braided Hairstyles & Hats

Another thing we should bring back are braided hairstyles paired with floral, colorful, comically large hats. These hairstyles were worn throughout history (and even now) though I am specifically talking about the Gilded Age hairstyles (late 1800s). The way that people braided hair back then was very elaborate but also didn’t take up all of the head. Usually, it was worn up in a braided high bun (100 years of women’s hairstyles). This was often accompanied by a very colorful hat, predominantly a pastel color with a big flower (or assortment of flowers) (Hat exhibit). Color has faded quite a bit in both fashion, cars, and hats (according to trailblazer); it is just a trend of course, but with all this beige madness and brown color craziness, the world is far more bland. Hats will make the world a more colorful place! For men, we should bring back tall Frosty-the-Snowman hats! 

1930s Nightgowns

We should also bring back nightgowns–I mean those gorgeous silky nightgowns for ladies that are sort of bowed and long. According to 100 years of nightgowns, nightgowns were originally considered useless and not necessary; then they became a sense of social class (only being for the rich). The nightgowns in the 30s abandoned the hideous style of no figure and boxiness and went for a little bit of a prettier option with some ruffles and decor. From the 30s to the 60s, the nightgowns always opted for the more elegant option but were still silky, soft, and comfortable. This is a trend I can get with.

Gadgets and Gizmos Aplenty

The final fashion trend I think we should bring back are those nice little decorations all over a dress. Whether it’s buttons, the big bows on the back, or random bits of tulle, these small knick knacks made those dresses; they brought the multiple layers together, and they added color and pizzazz (two things we are seriously lacking). Though these gizmos may seem simple, they can put your outfit over the top in a classy-chic way.

I highly recommend anyone with a lot of guts (and some extra cash) try and make these fashion moves come back–not just come back, but historically accurately come back. This is one of the best ways of honoring our ancestors.