Oo La La - Paris is Dancing Mad in 1913

Courtesy of the Wearing History Blog.

The credit for this wonderful find goes to blogging fashion historian Wearing Fashion. This is an excerpt from a McCall's magazine in 1913 that has some beautiful illustrations of the clothing worn by society ladies during this time. It is featured with a charming little article about public dances and tea parties - now those were the days...

Clothing worn by the Edwardian lady consisted of many, many layers! The first undergarment layer was a combination of a vest and pants set. A corset went over the top, its busks fastened with metal clips down the front, and laced up the back. Silk pads were often attached to the hips to enhance the 'hourglass' look and make the waist appear more slender.

Next came the camisole and knickers, which were always white. Then came silk or woolen stockings - typically black, white, or grey - and were held up by garters. The last of the undergarments was the waist-petticoat made of silk and was tied around the waist.

Finally, after all that, the lady would put on either a dress or skirt and blouse. If ladies wore a blouse and skirt, then a stiffened belt that fastened in the front was also required to be pinned onto the undergarments so that there could never be a gap. Lastly, shoes, and gloves, and, well....just imagine how long it took to get dressed and undressed!

Recommended Reading

A Room with a View by E. M. Forster
Woman in Black by Susan Hill
The House at Riverton by Kate Morton