Dresses Throughout History - The Evolution of Dresses

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51 B.C.

In ancient Egypt, women wore sheer or linen materials. The last pharaoh, Cleopatra, was known to wear fabric that was adorned with gold or semiprecious stones, since, you know, she was a queen.

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30 B.C.

Ancient Greece's garments have long served as modern fashion inspiration for their ethereal looks. But at the time, the dresses were designed mostly for comfort and functionality. Women opted for silk and linen, because of the hot climate and no sewing was required.

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1450

In early medieval times, dresses started to become more intricate. Heavy and ornate fabric was a sign of wealth, so dresses began being constructed in pieces and layers.

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1530

Here, Henry VIII's wife, Anne Boleyn, is seen wearing a Tudor-style dress, which was common in medieval times. The style often featured long, draped sleeves, as well as heavy fabrics, such as velvet. The square neckline was also made popular and would typically be adorned with layers of necklaces and jewels.

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1650

During this period, high-waisted silhouettes from earlier in the decade were replaced with lower designs that emphasized the waist. In Europe, this was especially popular among nobility.

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1760

Dresses in the American colonies were strikingly simpler than those in Europe. A woman from an affluent family, such as Martha Washington (pictured), would wear a combination of a petticoat and an open-front dress that was, in actuality, a skirt and bodice sewn together in the same pattern.

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1775

In contrast to what was happening in the New World, European royals piled on the pageantry. Case in point: Marie Antoinette models a frock during a time when fashion was at peak opulence. The dresses were big, the designs were elaborate, and the hair was high. Of course, this was just within court—hence the French Revolution.

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1790

By the end of the 18th century, women's clothing became a little less structured. Empire waists were now the fashion, and a draped high neckline allowed for more fluid movement.

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1810

Empire dresses were designed for all occasions in mind. A noble woman, such as First Lady Dolley Madison, would add ruffles to make the dress more formal.

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1815

Muslin fabric was very popular in England during the early 19th century, especially for less formal occasions. Think empire waist and cap sleeves à la Emma.

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1820

Full skirts began making a comeback in the early 1800s, and off-the-shoulder sleeves started to have their own moment.

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1840

Ruffles, large skirts, and extravagant details like flowers or embroidery were popular in the mid-19th century. If you've ever seen Gone with the Wind, you know what we're talking about.

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1860

With the United States at war, dresses became simpler in terms of fabric and design. Instead of opulent debutante gowns, women would wear full skirts made of just one material.

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1880

Royal fashion remained formal in Europe, although it took cues from the trends of the day. Off-the-shoulder dresses were common, and a long, broad bodice was back.

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1890

Entering the Victorian era, women's dresses were almost uniform like. Black or white was the color of choice for conservative, well-to-do women, and styles were designed with high necks and long sleeves.

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1900

The Victorian silhouette was made to be conservative with lots of layers and coverage. During this period, there was also a stronger emphasis on a woman's slim waist, meaning corsets were encouraged.

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1905

At the tail end of the Victorian era, dresses became more playful with lace, ruffles, and feather details. But high necks were still key.

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1910s

Into the Edwardian era, women began wearing dresses that were boxier and looser in design. Lace was still a popular fabric, and the waist was still cinched with a sash. But the most exciting thing about this time? Hemlines began to climb up past a woman's ankle.

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1915

Again, this period welcomed lighter fabrics like chiffon, and a woman's silhouette was more streamlined than ever before. Elaborate details like beading and velvet sashes were also in vogue.

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1920

Hemlines had been slowly creeping higher for years, but the Roaring '20s and flapper craze blew the trend up. Not only was the drop waist introduced, but dresses were cut off right below the knee, and sleeveless gowns were no longer scandalous.

Barry Samaha is the former style commerce editor at Esquire, where he covered all things fashion and grooming. Previously, he was an editor at Harper’s Bazaar, Surface, and WWD, along with overseeing editorial content at Tod’s Group. He has also written for The Daily Beast, Coveteur, Departures, Paper, Bustle Group, Forbes, and many more. He is based in New York City and can't seem to find enough closet space for all his shoes. 

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