In 1953, Marilyn Monroe stunned audiences of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in a spectacular, hand-pleated gold evening gown designed by William Travilla. As one of history's most iconic evening gowns, it set the stage for the post-war era and beyond.
Evening gowns have long been symbols of elegance and glamour. Since the Victorian era, they have undergone tremendous transformation. With every passing era, the style and design of these famous garments have morphed based on the time’s popular fashion trends.
This article will explore the fascinating evolution of elegant evening dresses throughout history, showcasing how societal changes and cultural influences have shaped these classic garments.
The Enduring Allure of Evening Dresses
The charm of evening dresses has endured for generations and continues to stand as a symbol of feminine style. Over time, evening dresses have evolved to align with society’s preferences and changing cultures. Women's fashion designers have shared their take on formal dresses, crafting many evening gowns.
Victorian Era (1837-1901): Romance and Restraint
Dresses from the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries of the Victorian era are considered romantic and modest. Victorian women often wore evening gowns to various social events, showcasing their social status.
Silhouettes and Styles
In the Victorian era, women were not allowed to show much skin. However, the hourglass silhouette, achieved with tight corsets and bustles, displayed femininity while maintaining modesty.
The most popular styles of the Victorian era were the ball gown, evening bodice, and tea gown. Many gowns featured exposed shoulders with trim or ruffles, a neckline as low as allowed, and a fitted bodice. Lavish fabrics like velvet, silk, and lace were also used in fashion and for formal occasions.
Details and Embellishments
Another standard style practice was elevating the evening dress with intricate details. This era's fashion widely used details like embroidery, beading, and lace appliques. Accessories, including gloves, fans, and shawls for modesty, were popularized in the Victorian era.
Social Context
Evening wear reflected the social norms and etiquette of the Victorian era. Modesty and refinement were extremely important in women’s fashion at this time. Victorian-era women dressed in lavish ball gowns, displaying their social status at balls or galas.
The Roaring Twenties (1920s): Flapper Fashion and Liberation
Turn on The Great Gatsby (2013) for a slightly more modern take on the flapper fashion of the Roaring Twenties. The evening wear trends in the 1920s differed widely from the Victorian era.
Silhouettes and Styles
The early 1920s dramatically shifted toward a more carefree evening wear style. Women began to wear more relaxed silhouettes with dropped waists and shorter hemlines. This shift in fashion, especially the iconic flapper dress style, is associated with freedom and rebellion. Evening dresses in the 1920s featured much slimmer and slinkier silhouettes. Fabrics like crepe, chiffon, and rayon were commonly used for women’s evening wear.
Details and Embellishments
Art Deco’s geometric shapes, vertical lines, and reflective surfaces highly influenced women’s evening dresses. You can see Art Deco’s influence in the intricate beading, geometric patterns, and sequins used in evening dresses. Women in the Roaring Twenties loved to accessorize with headbands, long necklaces, and sassy feather boas.
Social Context
In the age of Prohibition, a group of women nicknamed “flappers” danced and lived in ways that defied social norms. Short bobs, sheer stockings, and bold makeup are just a few ways women confronted their unfavorable standards.
Evening wear reflected the changing role of women in society and the rise of jazz culture. Additionally, the emergence of fashion icons like Coco Chanel and the influence of Hollywood impacted fashion during this time period.
Hollywood's Golden Age (1930s-1950s): Glamour and Sophistication
The 1930s through the 1950s are known as the Golden Age of Hollywood, filled with glam, sex appeal, and elegance.
Silhouettes and Styles
The Golden Age of Hollywood brought a return to more fitted silhouettes and bias-cut gowns. Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly often wore figure-hugging designs that complemented their natural shapes. Luxurious fabrics like satin, velvet, and chiffon were used to exude effortless style.
Details and Embellishments
Old Hollywood evening wear used draping and ruching details to help create stunning hourglass shapes. Exposed backs and sparkling embellishments were also popular among the stars. Accessories like fur stoles and statement jewelry added glamour to these beautiful looks.
Social Context
Evening wear in the 1930s and 1950s reflected Hollywood's escapism. Women wore flirtatious but elegant dresses to soirees, cocktail parties, and, of course, red carpets. Right after the end of World War II, the glam factor in fashion increased, and a renewed emphasis on femininity emerged.
Post-War Era (1960s-1980s): Youthquake and Individuality
The post-war era of the sixties through the eighties was a unique time in fashion. Evening wear shifted from very formal and elegant to more casual and youthful.
Silhouettes and Styles
The silhouettes and styles changed dramatically throughout the sixties, seventies, and eighties. In the 1960s, mini dresses with full skirts were all the rage. These full-skirted dresses boasted low necklines and tight-fitting waists. The 1970s brought deep v-neck flowy evening dresses that mimicked a Greek goddess style. In the 1980s, women loved bright colors, funky patterns, sequins, and tulle. The post-war era also introduced new fabrics like synthetics and jersey.
Details and Embellishments
This era featured bold patterns, vibrant colors, and experimental designs. Women’s evening dresses were often embellished with tulle, sequins, bunched fabric, and more. Women elevated their looks with accessories like platform shoes, headbands, and statement belts.
Social Context
The women’s liberation movement and the rise of disco culture were two social happenings that influenced the time's fashion. Evening wear reflected the social and political changes, featuring strong, individualistic designs.
Contemporary Era (1990s-Present): Diversity and Self-Expression
From the 1990s to today, evening wear has shifted many times to meet the latest trends in the fashion industry. In general, the theme of the contemporary era is self-expression.
Silhouettes and Styles
In this era, women have had access to a wide range of dress styles. Styles have slipped between both extremes, from sleek and minimalist to extravagant and avant-garde. The increased popularity of red carpet fashion commentary and celebrity culture have deeply influenced fashion from the 1990s to today. Additionally, fabric diversity has improved, and a growing focus on sustainable materials has emerged.
Details and Embellishments
Evening dresses in this era used cutouts, asymmetry, and unexpected details to draw attention to different areas of the body. One-shoulder dresses and high-neck gowns are still popular among women today. Statement accessories like fun handbags and jewelry enhance an evening dress. Personalized styling allows women to express themselves as they see fit.
Social Context
Evening wear from the 1990s to now reflects contemporary society's individuality and inclusivity. Today, women wear various styles and lengths for evening dresses. Social media and the democratization of fashion have made it easier than ever to pick up on and participate in evening wear trends.
Enjoy the Ever-Evolving Evening Dress
From the Victorian era to the Roaring Twenties to the post-war era and today, the evening dress has stood as a symbol of feminine power and elegance. Evening dresses remain a beautiful form of self-expression and celebration. Looking for the most stunning evening dresses? Shop Porterist’s collection today to find diverse styles and designs you’ll love! Step into the future of evening wear in confidence with Porterist.