From the late 19th century through the early 20th century, the United States experienced unparalleled economic expansion and social stratification, a time period known as the Gilded Age. The extravagant style of the time mirrored the era’s overall atmosphere of riches and excess. The Gilded Age elite wanted to flaunt their newfound wealth, thus their clothing choices reflected that.
The Gilded Age: A Historical Background
As a result of industrialization and rapid economic growth, the upper class amassed enormous riches during the Gilded Age. The term “gilded” is used to describe a situation where social problems and economic disparity were hidden by an outward impression of success. Extreme prosperity coexisted with extreme poverty and social instability, making for a time of striking contrasts.
Fashion Trends of the Gilded Age
The Gilded Age was known for its grandiose and lavish dress trends. Here are a few of the defining characteristics of the style of the time.
Elegant Silhouettes and Corsetry
The Gilded Age saw a shift in women’s design toward a more structured form. Corsets were used to attain the desired hourglass silhouette by cinching in the waist. Corsets were designed to give ladies a slimmer waist and more defined curves, giving them a more sophisticated overall image.
Lavish Fabrics and Embellishments
During the Gilded Age, lavish materials were all the rage. Fabrics made of silk, velvet, brocade, and satin were worn by both sexes. Lace, embroidery, and beadwork were common embellishments on women’s dresses. Extravagant fabrics and embellishments were used to highlight the wearer’s financial and social status.
Accessorizing with Extravagance
The importance of accessories in Gilded Age style cannot be overstated. Women wore hats, gloves, and parasols that were over the top, often including feathers, ribbons, and jewels. Men began accessorizing their clothes with more refined pieces like pocket watches, cufflinks, and walking sticks.
Women’s Fashion during the Gilded Age
There were several shifts in what was considered fashionable for women to wear during the Gilded Age. The defining features of their ensembles are detailed below.
Daytime Attire
Women dressed for the day in high-necked shirts and ankle-length skirts. Petticoats were worn in multiple layers to provide a full and voluptuous look. Stylish and functional tailored jackets and coats were also often worn.
Evening Gowns and Ballroom Fashion
During the Gilded Age, evening gowns represented refinement and grace. These dresses were notable for their plunging necklines, elaborate needlework, and full skirts. Women accessorized their already stunning attire with long gloves and elaborate jewelry.
Accessories and Jewelry
During the Gilded Age, women’s fashion was heavily dependent on accessories. Women often wore elaborate hats decked out in feathers, flowers, and ribbons. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, typically set with diamonds, sapphires, and pearls, were also popular among women.
Men’s Fashion during the Gilded Age
The men’s clothing of the Gilded Age was just as polished and handsome as the women’s. Their essential pieces of clothing are as follows.
Formal Attire
Men were expected to dress formally for these events in either tailcoats or tuxedos. Waistcoats and button-down shirts with high collars were standard accessories for these ensembles. Top hats and canes gave their getup an air of refined elegance.
Everyday Wear
Men often wore suits consisting of a jacket and pants of the same material for casual occasions. During this time, people started using sack coats instead of tailcoats since they were more comfortable and less stuffy. Collarless shirts were widely worn because of how neatly and professionally they looked.
Dapper Accessories
Men’s fashion was greatly influenced by accessories. Men accessorized their clothes with cufflinks and pocket watches. Bowler hats and boater hats, two of the most popular types of trendy headwear, topped off their outfits.
Influential Fashion Icons of the Gilded Age
During the Gilded Age, some individuals emerged as style leaders.
Women’s Fashion Icons
Lillie Langtry, a famous actress of the Gilded Age, is often cited as a major style symbol of the era. Her tasteful clothing and accessories set the fashion. Consuelo Vanderbilt was another major figure because she personified the opulence and refinement of the time through her wardrobe.
Men’s Fashion Icons
Oscar Wilde exemplified male Gilded Age style at its peak. He was known for his eccentric sense of fashion, which included a penchant for bright colors, velvet jackets, and flashy accessories. Many of the era’s fashionistas took their cues from his unique sense of style and grace.
The Impact of Gilded Age Fashion
Not only did Gilded Age fashion mirror the era’s lavish lifestyle, it also significantly influenced societal mores. As a visual indicator of socioeconomic standing, fashion allowed the upper class to set itself apart from the lower. Fashion publications, couture houses, and the idea of seasonal trends all have their roots in the Gilded Age fashion industry, which also prepared the path for the present fashion system.
Conclusion
The clothing of the Gilded Age was the epitome of extravagance and extravagance itself. It was a platform for the affluent to flaunt their status while also having an impact on the modern fashion business. Fashionistas all over the world look to this era for inspiration, as its classic cuts, luxurious textiles, and eye-catching embellishments have stood the test of time.
FAQs
What were some popular fabrics during the Gilded Age?
Silk, velvet, brocade, and satin were all highly sought after textiles throughout the Gilded Age. Oftentimes, elaborate decorations graced these expensive fabrics.
Did men wear corsets during the Gilded Age?
During the Gilded Age, ladies frequently wore corsets. However, men started wearing tailored jackets and waistcoats to look more dapper and sophisticated.
How did fashion change after the Gilded Age?
After the Gilded Age, there were radical shifts in the world of fashion. Later ages ditched the Gilded Age’s ostentatious excess for simpler, more functional looks.
What were the common hairstyles of women during this era?
Many ladies of the Gilded Age styled their hair into extravagant updos, accessorizing with combs, ribbons, and flowers. Bangs, which delicately framed the face, were also common.
Were there any fashion rules or etiquette that people had to follow?
During the Gilded Age, people were expected to follow rigid standards of dress and behavior. Women, for instance, were to wear conservative clothing during the day (think: high necklines and long skirts), while men were to dress formally for nighttime occasions. Norms and expectations in society had a major impact on people’s style preferences.