from european influence to american culture: modesty
From the beginning of the 1800's, Europe had a big influence on people everywhere. Despite people leaving Europe to live in the Americas, a lot of the clothing was not forgotten and was carried on. The British learned from the French, and the colonies learned from both. Napolean Bonaparte had heavy influence on women in France in the early 1800's, which the British eventually to combine into their own style. At that time, the colonies were at war with Great Britain, denying any ties to British culture in order to be seen as their own country. The colonies were in alliance with France, which ultimately affected women when it came to clothing.
Although there was much dispute between countries, women in the colonies adapted and continued to impress amid the wars. The Victorian Era was especially influential, as it was a sign of beauty and royalty. The corset became more common in the early 1800's as men's tastes in women changed again and again. Since the corset gave the illusion of an hourglass body, many women sacrificed their health in order to look good. It was believed that a women who could afford corsets and Victorian and French clothing was wealthy, and they didn't have to work; as it restricted moving. The corset also caused health problems for women as it damaged their organs and left them with breathing problems.
As the colonies began to move West in the mid to late 1800's, the European influence was soon forgotten, but the fashion sense still stood strong. American culture soon began to emerge as people expanded. New styles of dresses and clothing appeared to adapt to their surroundings. Dresses allowed for more movement for a woman to travel long miles to the West and work in the fields. It was also easier for women to do more house chores. Although many lived on farms and were surrounded by dirt and hear, women didn't hesitate to look good. Each dress was intricately sewn with beautiful patterns. That way, a woman could be looked at as a hard working, beautiful woman.
From the early to late 1800's, modesty was a big part of fashion. It was inappropriate for a woman to even show her ankles. Skirts were all long and cleavage wasn't even an idea. To men, modesty was a major sign of beauty; a sign that a woman cared for her body and was humble. Also, a majority of America in the 1800's was Christian and Catholic, and believed in the Bible.
Although there was much dispute between countries, women in the colonies adapted and continued to impress amid the wars. The Victorian Era was especially influential, as it was a sign of beauty and royalty. The corset became more common in the early 1800's as men's tastes in women changed again and again. Since the corset gave the illusion of an hourglass body, many women sacrificed their health in order to look good. It was believed that a women who could afford corsets and Victorian and French clothing was wealthy, and they didn't have to work; as it restricted moving. The corset also caused health problems for women as it damaged their organs and left them with breathing problems.
As the colonies began to move West in the mid to late 1800's, the European influence was soon forgotten, but the fashion sense still stood strong. American culture soon began to emerge as people expanded. New styles of dresses and clothing appeared to adapt to their surroundings. Dresses allowed for more movement for a woman to travel long miles to the West and work in the fields. It was also easier for women to do more house chores. Although many lived on farms and were surrounded by dirt and hear, women didn't hesitate to look good. Each dress was intricately sewn with beautiful patterns. That way, a woman could be looked at as a hard working, beautiful woman.
From the early to late 1800's, modesty was a big part of fashion. It was inappropriate for a woman to even show her ankles. Skirts were all long and cleavage wasn't even an idea. To men, modesty was a major sign of beauty; a sign that a woman cared for her body and was humble. Also, a majority of America in the 1800's was Christian and Catholic, and believed in the Bible.
"Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works" (I Timothy 2:8-10).