Extreme Tendencies
The July 1914 issue of McCall’s magazine coincided with the start of World War I. From this point on, there were many changes in women’s fashion as skirts eventually got shorter and new shapes of dress took hold. I find the year 1914 fascinating as a bridge between the late-Edwardian, Titanic-era fashion that came before, and the World War I era fashion that would soon appear.
The Three Smart Silhouettes
Of the blue dress on the left of the above illustration, the magazine states:
No. 5981, Ladies’ Waist (15 cents) – Allover lace and blue taffeta collar and double cuffs make this waist a fitting exponent of a charming costume for aternoon teas and simple evening affairs. The pattern for this model may be obtained in six sizes, thirty-two to forty-two bust. Size thirty-six requires two yards of thirty-six-inch material for the waist, with short sleeves.
The cape effect in coats
And here is some detail of the skirt on the above right:
No. 5611, Ladies’ One-Piece Skirt (15 cents) – This serviceable skirt, developed here in white serge, is excellent in linene, pique, or taffeta. Made of white serge or pique, and worn with loose blouses of colored linen, this is a costume for outdoor sports. Made of charmeuse or taffeta, and worn with a smart little bright-colored coatee, in a brilliant color, it is suitable for more dressy occasions. The pattern cuts in six sizes, twenty-two to thirty-two waist. Size twenty-six requires two and five-eighth yards of thirty-six inch material. The width of the skirt at the bottom of hem is one yard and three-eighths.
Serviceable gowns for summer wear
What do you think of 1914 fashion? To me these silhouettes seem very experimental and almost avant-garde. Although aesthetically they are not my favorite, I am always pulled back to them regardless because they are so original.
Frocks for Noon and Afternoon
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