12 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Style Charleston You’ve come a long way, baby. That phrase has a variety of connotations. It implies dramatic change or development, particularly regarding women’s rights issues. Women’s fashions have come a long way, too. They often visually represent social, political and economic norms of the eras, the changing styles illustrating the evolution of woman herself. ELITE & ELEGANT It comes as no surprise that women’s fashions among the early Charleston elite emulated the latest styles of London and Paris. That meant silk, satin, lace and damask. For a glimpse into the fashions of the day, look at some of the 18th century portraiture at the Gibbes Museum of Art or visit the Charleston Museum. Women who were not part of the higher economic and social statuses required a fashion statement a bit simpler but did what they could to infuse some of the latest styles into their modest attire, including wearing dresses made of inferior fabric and adding the all-important gloves and hats. FLAPPER & DAPPER The crinoline petticoat became the fashion staple through the next century. Think Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind.” With the tremendous wealth on Lowcountry plantations allowing for the latest trends, it’s no wonder that the Southern belle was stereotyped in film and literature. Today, some Charleston brides still choose this style for their wedding gowns. However, a new century ushered in a new look, and dress styles became slender and sleek. Then, as women sought more independence and the right to vote, a bolder fashion statement emerged. Hemlines rose to the knee, and “flapper” styles became the rage. Those shiny, short, fringe-trimmed dresses could shimmer and shake while dancing “The Charleston,” of course, as women broke all kinds of norms, showing that sometimes rebellion demands respect. The first waves of feminism had begun. After the 1920s roared, The Great Depression ushered in a serious tone reflected in more modest wear. Yet even during those leaner times, special functions required the Charleston Style A visual history through fashion BY MARY COY Charleston Women in Style An early damask and lace dress for a Southern belle.
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