Finally, hemlines crept up slightly past the ankle, making walking less of a chore. Unfortunately, this coincided with a trend for "hobble skirts," a style popularized by designer Paul Poiret that was narrow through … See more

Flapper ensembles are instantly recognizable as the look of the '20s, and it's easy to see why: With their relaxed drop waists, ornately beaded designs, and feathered accessories, the trends of the era … See more

While the American public was reeling from the Great Depression, the silver screen became a welcome site of escapism. There, film icons like Bette Davis, Jean Harlow, and Joan Crawford dazzled in glamorous gowns and tailored skirt suits. The silhouette was long and lean, in part thanks to the popularization of Madeleine Vionnet's bias … See more

One of the less predictable consequences of wartime was the increasing popularity of the two-piece swimsuit, a result of fabric rationing enforced by the U.S. government beginning in 1943. Three years later, French designer Louis Réard introduced the bikini we know today, naming it after the site of American nuclear tests and daring to cut it … See more