Have you ever looked back at pictures taken of you in high school or pictures of your mother when she was high school and thought, What in the world was I (she) thinking????
Yes, I was a child of the 1980’s. I sported big bangs, dangling earrings, and stone washed jeans. Thankfully I avoided the legwarmers and cut-off sweatshirts, but it was a near thing.
Fashion trends that seem so cool at the time can often appear ridiculous once the frenzy passes. I wonder if the fashionable women of the mid-1890’s grimaced when they looked back at family photographs after the turn of the century. Because, really . . . what were thinking???
Here we have the Swirl Sisters, who despite their calm facades, are in real danger of floating away thanks to the giant balloons strapped to their shoulders. For women who wish to be incredibly light on their feet at the next society ball – First diet for months in order to squeeze your waist into one of these incredibly ill-proportioned dresses, then conceal our state-of-the-art helium balloons beneath the cleverly styled sleeves, and the gentlemen will swear you glide across the floor like a feather twirling on the wind.
Next, we have the Battle of the Bows. Don’t be outdone by your peers on the bow front. Some might say less is more, but true ladies know that more is always more.
Both armed with exceedingly pointy parasols, this match might be too close to call, but my money is on the lady in blue. She has the serious showdown face, and though her bows are fewer in number, they aren’t hidden as trim along the edge of her skirt. No, she proudly displays them in full-on, in-your-face action, front and center, as if daring competitors to flee before she yanks them off and throws them like ninja stars, leaving her competitors’ paltry bows in tatters.
Finally, we have The Atrocity. Is it your wish to turn every head in the drawing room? You’ll succeed admirably in our latest design. As the image to the left indicates, everyone will gasp (in horror), unable to look away when you enter the room. This glorious, green-checked silk with giant neck-concealing bow and elegant lace shoulder wings covers any imperfections. You’re sure to delight the turtle-loving males of the assembly, and those with a penchant for bird-watching will be awestruck by your massive wingspan.
***
I’m in the process of starting a new book, and it is set in . . . yes, 1894. The year of the giant sleeves. Thankfully, my heroine is too savvy to get caught up in the fashion frenzy of outlandish designs that serve no practical purpose. But even in Texas, women ached for fashion and poured over ladies magazines and pattern books to create looks that would grant them that touch of sophistication.
So yes, my heroine will have puffed sleeves, but more along the line of the leg-of-mutton sleeves than the balloons of the Paris fashion models pictured in these drawings. She is a smart, career woman, who prefers a good suit to a fancy walking dress. So, hopefully, Emma Chandler will not be cringing when she looks back at old photographs one day while holding her grandchildren.
- What about you? Any fashion disasters in your past?
- Do you follow fashion trends?
- Ever made over an old outfit to make it look more in style?
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What a fun post! I, too, am a child of the 80’s, so, big hair. Enough said.
I hear you, Carolyn. I’ve tried to hide away all the evidence of those days, but thanks to Facebook, some of those incriminating photographs have seen the light of day. Hanging my head in shame…
I was born in 1980, so I have many childhood memories of the late eighties and nineties. When I look back, all I see in pictures is bangs! I had impressive bangs, if I do say so. In the nineties, we pinned or rolled our pant legs, and when we heard bell bottoms would come back into fashion, there was audible cringing (but I wore bell bottoms in high school! Corduroy bell bottoms!). Oh yes, many fashions statements that make me shudder now. 🙂 Looking forward to your next book, Karen.
Thanks, Gabrielle! My younger years were in the 70’s where bell bottoms were the thing. I repelled against such style when I was old enough to have a say, but there are some childhood photos of me in a pair of pink plaid flared pants when I was too young to know what I was wearing.
I generally figure if it fits to perfection, it’s wearable, whatever the decade – minor alterations might be needed, but don’t give up on a good thing. During college, there was a casting-out of the 80’s prom/bridesmaid dresses from the theatre costume shop where I worked, and we were given first dibs. One was a sea-foam green satin that fits like a dream – all it took was a seam ripper to get rid of the massive (albeit, not to compare with the 1890’s) sleeves. It completely changes the look. The style of the skirt may not be trending at the moment, but it flares spectacularly when dancing, forgiving any remaining of fashion sins.
I so envy your savvy sewing mind, Rachael. It take a true artist to see beyond the garish to find the elegant possibilities. Excellent work on resurrecting that dress! It’s fun to have something a little different. Otherwise you’re just a carbon copy of everyone else. Sounds like a perfect party dress!
Enjoyed looking at the different fashions from the 1800s. Your new book sounds like a story begging to be read.
My fashion in clothing is comfort first. I can remember the bell bottom slacks. When I was very young I can remember all the talk about woman’s slacks having the zipper in the front (like a man’s) and there was talk of having this idea banned.
Looking back I have nothing to regret except the pointy toe shoes !
Today I’m still dressing for comfort. Since I’ve put on weight I’m looking for the loose baggy look. I do like to buy outfits for Church that are nicely color coordinated. Alfred Dunner is my choice of clothing style.
I’ve never made over any old outfits. I wouldn’t fit into them anyway. I still have my wedding dress after 45 plus years! I doubt seriously I’ll be wearing it for my 50th anniversary celebration.
I do want to say that during my life time I’ve noticed fashions that once were popular coming back again. Younger people don’t realize they were fashionable years ago and are making a comeback. So you never know. Maybe the ballon sleeves will be seen at the next Grammy awards show.
Shirley
Hi, Shirley. How interesting about the side zipper vs. front zipper. I grew up with front zippers so I always thought side zippers were weird, though rather flattering. Isn’t it funny how scandalous we can find the littlest changes? One of Emma Chandler’s aunts is a staunch suffragette and breaks out her bloomers whenever she needs to make a point for women’s rights. This is also the decade of the bicycle dresses and split skirts/bloomers. A definite decade of change.
I’m the same age as you, Karen, so I’m another one with big bangs and acid wash jeans in my past. What I’ve realized, from looking back at old photos, is that keeping with a simpler more classic style is best for me. If I lean too far over into a trend, I later regret it. 🙂
I couldn’t agree more, Becky! If only we could go back in time and convince our younger selves of that wisdom. 🙂
Hilarious post, Becky! When my children need a good laugh, they look at pictures of my husband and me when we attended college in the 1970s. Oh my! We look like hippie flower-children, even though we were straight-laced conservatives. Our bell-bottoms looked as voluminous as your models’ sleeves! Thanks for the chuckle.
Ha! Love it, Lynn. Hiding that conservatism in hippie attire. The perfect disguise! I’m sure there will come a day when your children’s children will find reason to laugh at their parents, too. It nearly always comes back around. 🙂
Too funny – what a sales pitch! That last photo has me distracted by the choking bow around her neck. 😉
Hmm, I remember rolling my socks and tying the corner of my shirt into a knot. And scrunchies! But I was never very fashion-savvy so I missed a lot of whatever was the current fad.
Ah . . . scrunchies. I might still have a few of those tucked away in a drawer somewhere. Ha!
Witty Witemeyer is at it again! LOL Karen, I can hear your narration to the catwalk of historically insane fashions.What would our kids have to laugh at if not our own “olden days”?
I remember tight skirts that no one could walk in, mini skirts that no one could bend in, ugly, ugly psychedelic colors, go go boots. I grew up in a very bizarre era. And I was growing up at the end of girdles. Every time I look at your pictures, my ribcage hurts. And the funny thing is that guys could care less.
Isn’t that the truth, Sandy! Why we do these things to ourselves, I have no idea. Ha!
You are so right about men not caring…we dress for each other and women are so critical.
My future DIL sent me a picture of her in her wedding dress (they are getting married July 11th) and it’s a champagne color. She asked me “Do you think Ben will mind if it’s not white?” I said he won’t care, he’ll think you’re beautiful no matter what!
Precisely! And the perfect answer for you future DIL, too, Gail. 🙂
As I read your post, I was thinking of Anne of Green Gables and her desire for a dress with “puffed” sleeves. Seeing some of the actual dresses with said sleeves, makes me glad, my imagination only created the leg-of-mutton look, rather than, I have to say it, “Popeye” arm sleeves. How attractive those were. No waist and arms the size of a battleship.
I, too, grew up in the ’80’s and remember the big hair. I used more hairspray in the ’80’s and ’90’s, than I have in the 21st century. I had a long sweat shirt and stirrup pants. Glad those days are over. I am also glad that most of the fashions, which every one says comes back, so keep your clothes, the big hair and over-sized long sweatshirt and stirrups have not reappeared, nor have the gigantic sleeves of the 19th century.
Ah, yes, the stirrup pants. I remember those. Pretty sure I own a few pairs. They may not have come back, but the current skinny jean/leggings with long shirts certainly mimic that 80’s look. Thankfully, there are no enormous puffed sleeves walking around. 🙂
I was born in 1954 and I used to love looking at my mother’s yearbook from 1953. If I could have Lucille Ball’s wardrobe from I Love Lucy I would so wear it! All the time. I love the styles from the 50’s. Maybe not the hair so much, but the clothes, yes.
In junior high the Nehru jacket was in style and I had my school picture made in it for all eternity, LOL.
I also succumbed to the white Go Go boots of the 60s. I wanted them so bad that I choose them instead of church shoes. My mother told me I would have to wear them to Sunday School. I was embarrassed at first but everyone raved about them and I felt better.
Great memories, Gail. I love the 50s style, too, but I really like the classy look of the 40’s. I had my hair fashioned in Gibson girl roll for my wedding. 🙂
Karen, I love your commentary on these fashion designs. It does make you wonder what they were thinking!
Thanks, Cara. I couldn’t seem to keep the sarcasm from bursting through. 🙂
Oh Karen….your post (and descriptions of these dresses) had me laughing so hard I had TEARS!! 🙂
When I was younger I cared more about following styles, but now I much prefer what’s comfortable, LOL. 😉
After reading this, I think I might just have to pull out some photos from my teen years for a good laugh.
So glad you enjoyed my tongue-in-cheek assessment, Patti Jo. 🙂
And I’m with on that comfort thing. The older I get, the more important comfort is. Who has time for pointy toed heels that make you feet hurt? Not me!
Hope you have a fun walk down memory lane.
I recently read a fiction story about an “English surprise dress”, that could be switched from a walking dress to a more elaborate gown by unbuttoning the front placket and hooking the skirt to the sides. I haven’t been able to find any more details but it sounds like a very useful item.
Love your books and the research you do! Patt
Thanks, Patt. That dress does sound interesting. I’d love to see one. 🙂
I generally love the styles of the 18th and 19th centuries (for the most part) but these sleeves are downright absurd! Love your books by the way!!