Fashion has been an extension of women’s identity, an expression of their individuality since the dawn of time. From the veil-draped ladies of ancient Egypt to the couture-clad women of Parisian high society, women’s fashion has played a crucial role in their empowerment. In this blog, we will explore the relationship between fashion and women throughout history and see how it has shaped them.
Ancient Times 🌅👸🏼
In ancient times, fashion was primarily dictated by the culture’s customs and beliefs. In Egypt, women wore long, flowing gowns that covered them from head to toe, while in Greece, loose tunics were the norm. Fashion served as a way to signify women’s social status and signify their class. Women dressed in clothes fitting the roles they played in society, and it reflected their influence on the particular culture.
Image captured from the wall paintings of Ancient Egyptian Women</Diverse Ancient Women>
## The Middle Ages 🏰👸
The Middle Ages brought a significant change in women's fashion. Women now wore tighter-fitted clothes made of expensive fabrics and adorned themselves with jewelry and other accessories. It was a reflection of women's growing economic and social status, moving away from the strictly functional clothing of the previous periods. Fashion was an essential tool for sharing the wealth of certain families, a reflection of their status in society.
Women during the Renaissance in Europe. Wearing classic jewelry and sumptuous gowns</Ladies during the Renaissance>
## The Industrial Revolution 🏭💼👗
The Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift in fashion. Clothing became mass-produced, causing prices to fall, making it more accessible to a more extensive demographic. This accessibility resulted in an increase in fashion's significance as more people were expressing their identity through fashion. Women had more opportunities to work, creating new fashion trends in the workforce. They wore functional clothing such as practical dresses, skirts, and trousers suited best for work.
Women's workwear during the industrial revolution</Industrial Revolution Style>
## The 20th Century 💃🏻👠🕶
The 20th century has perhaps the most iconic fashion moments in history. The flappers of the 1920s brought a new and liberating trend in women's fashion, marking a significant change in society's values embracing a woman's independence. Fashion was now not only about expressing individuality but a form of liberation, a new symbol of power. Women wore shorter skirts and bobbed their hair, creating a fashion trend that has lasted even till today. During the World War II era, women's fashion adapted to their new roles, particularly in the workforce, encouraging women to wear practical clothing. This was a remarkable step towards gender equality.
<Flapper of the 1920s>Flappers wearing short dresses and bob hair</Flapper of the 1920s>
## The Modern Era 👸🏽💅🏽🕶
Today's fashion era reflects the beginning of women's true liberation. There are no strict fashion rules anymore, with designers catering to a myriad of individual styles regardless of body shape and size. Women wear what they want, unapologetically. Today, anybody can express themselves through fashion, with online access to style inspiration and clothing stores offering more options than ever before. We see women challenging conventional beauty standards, empowering themselves through fashion activism.
However, the fashion world still has a long way to go in achieving complete inclusivity for all body types and ethnicities. But fashion's role in women's empowerment is continually evolving and getting better with time.
women of present day dressed in many colors and styles</Image of Women of Today>
#Fashion is a reflection of women's evolving place in society and how fashion has been used as an expression of their societal and economic values. There is no doubt that fashion had always played an essential role in women's empowerment. With advancements in fashion, women now have the power to control their own stories and express themselves creatively through fashion, symbolizing that fashion and women's empowerment are forever linked.
# Empowerment Tip 💪🏼
When you wear clothes that you love and feel confident in, it gives you confidence throughout the day. You deserve to feel powerful and beautiful, and the clothes you wear can be a reflection of that. Embrace fashion's ability to empower you, and wear what makes you feel happy and confident.
