Coat fashion over the past 100 years

The French poet and philosopher Paul Valery noted that history is, first of all, a muse. For fashion figures, she is the most trusted source of inspiration. Therefore, an excursion into the evolution of coats over the past 100 years will help the fashionista to penetrate the thoughts of legendary designers. Moreover, such a study will show that fashion is a part of social life. In this case, you need to listen to her as often as possible.

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Coat in 1920-30 – Renaissance

This decade of the XX century can be called one of the most fruitful in the fashion industry. After the First World War, fashion designers perked up and began to create original samples of coats.

Despite their variety, women preferred only 3 styles:

• direct;
• fitted;
• trapezoidal.

Important! The jazz era has made a special contribution to the modernization of the coat. Fur collars and cuffs were the hallmarks of outerwear at the time.

Now luxury has come as close as possible to the common people. The emergence of textile factories led to the fact that corduroy and velor became available to the general public. As a result, a coat made of luxury materials did not come out of women’s outfits.

In addition, the designers have modernized the cut of these products:

• the floor has become rounded towards the bottom;
• the sleeves are slightly shortened;
• the shoulders stood out and took on a baggy look.

Round massive buttons with loops made of twisted cord served as clasps for them. By 1930, couturiers had transformed coats with a focus on decor. Guipure and velvet appeared on the collars. Fur has taken a leading position in outerwear. Styles have changed from straight lines to asymmetric models. The world saw luxurious silhouettes of a swagger (in the shape of a trapezoid) and a jigger (straight fit, thigh-length or ¾).

Important! Swedish American actress Greta Garbo popularized the tall and slender bow in the 1930s. The outfits of that era subtly emphasized the bust of women and focused on their waist.

A coat in 1940 or militaristic is back in trend

Another war has dealt another blow to the destinies of millions of people. However, she did not plunge them into despondency and did not force them to surrender. The masters of fashion have picked up the military atmosphere in the air.

This is how the original coat models appeared:

• duffle coat with a hood;
• a trench coat like an overcoat;
• short coats reminiscent of a redingot – riding suit;
• princess coat with the most tapered waist and an unusually flared bottom;
• boot as a summer option.

Important! The square shoulders, double-breasted cut and metal buttons on the coat resembled a military uniform. The olive hue and marsh tones have become incredibly popular.

The male cut of the coat became the “progenitor” of these samples of outerwear. The backs of many of them were decorated with folds that elegantly diverged towards the bottom. Collars have also evolved. Couturiers began to massively use the shawl version, as well as the usual rounded lapels.

Important! Due to the scarcity of wool during the war years, tailors used ordinary blankets to sew coats. The sophisticated drapery and unsurpassed play of folds gave pathos to the models. Embroidery was the highlight of these models.

1950s-60s coats – the return of fashion queens

At this point, all industries of that time began to progress intensively. Such transformations have left their mark on the fashion world. The women again felt their power and began to dress like royalty.

They had at their disposal original coat styles:

• A-shaped silhouette;
• straight cut;
• duffle coat – short models made of thick woolen fabric with a hood and horizontal fasteners;
• cocoon coat from the Balenciaga brand;
• square – trapezoidal cut with an emphasis on the field.

The length of such products was both to the middle of the calf and in the mini style. During this period, short dresses and skirts were gaining popularity. Christian Dior introduced the fashion for cropped coats and voluminous collars. Nevertheless, the triumph was short-lived. In the 1960s, the winds of change abruptly change direction. Now maxi length beats all ratings.

However, the unchanged companions of the samples to the floor remain:

• knee-high boots;
• bulky shoulder bags;
• neckerchiefs;
• long scarves with a floral pattern.

Important! Zippers, metal buttons, spurs and overall buckles have become the classic standard for such models.

In addition, diametrically opposite combinations were gaining momentum. The length of the maxi and mini was ideally combined with bright accessories. The sophistication of the outfits was complemented by comfort and simplicity. But the flight of Yuri Gagarin into space did not go unnoticed by the guru of the fashion industry. They quickly picked up the cosmic idea and brought it to life.

Important! The trapezoid has become the trend of the 60s again. Bright, juicy and rich shades of coats flooded the streets of megalopolises.

1970s-80s coat – give yourself some masculinity

Princess-style maxi styles (with a tapered waist) were the most sought after among fashionistas of that era. Fitted models effectively emphasized the curvaceous forms of the female body. The poncho was gaining incredible momentum. One-piece capes were of all sorts of colors, which attracted special attention.

Nevertheless, the fashion of the 80s conquered everyone, which returns today:

• business style;
• strict silhouettes;
• bulky shoulders;
• classic models.

Important! A distinctive feature of 1980s fashion, experts say, were gloss, shapeless things and tasteless shades.

As unisex burst into the 1980s, the line between masculine and feminine styles has blurred. A cropped short coat in a sporty style has come into fashion. These were products in bright colors or with a checkered print. A wide belt was used to indicate the waist of the couturier. At the same time, the copar began to conquer women’s hearts and became megapopular. The long leather coat was to the taste of many celebrities.

Coats in 1990 to our time – the sweet taste of fashion

The irony of fate is that femininity is always in trend, only a coat in the dashing 90s faded into the background. Elegant models have been replaced by trendy jackets. Yet on the streets, dedicated fashion aficionados occasionally showed up in baggy grunge cuts. The combination of luxury and cheapness in this design has become the starting point in the creation of modern coat models.

Popular today:

• capes;
• poncho;
• options for maxi straight cut;
• double-breasted samples;
• oversized;
• products with bulky shoulders.

Important! Classic coat styles never leave the fashion marathon. The only modifications they go through are the changes in the color scheme as well as the shape of the collar.

In white, red and plaid, coats look great this fall. On the crest of the 2019 fashion wave, the animal print is again. Therefore, it is worth replenishing your wardrobe with outerwear with a leopard pattern.

These have been the last 100 years in the evolution of the coat. As you can see, its style and colors were influenced by the tragic and triumphant events experienced by humanity. Therefore, as Coco Chanel said, the worse you do, the better you should look.