The 1910s were difficult times. In fact, the difficult weren’t unique to the United States. People all over the world acknowledged the 1910s as being one of the worst decades they’d ever seen.

It could have been a number of things. But it’s a safe bet that the cause for the universal hardship was the Great War. The First World War changed the United States and the world forever. It was the largest conflict to ever take place and it took it a toll on the global morale.
For years, fashion was about abundance. Women wore floor length skirts with elaborate hats and gloves. Men wore three piece suits and hats as every day wear. Fashion was intended to make people look fabulous. But when the First World War began in 1914, things changed.

People started to think more practically about how they lived. The idea of opulence completely left the culture and the world of fashion. People began to dress in clothing that required less material and less frills. People began to cut corners and costs any way they could and clothing was no exception.

The beginning of the 1910 was about looking fabulous. By the end of the 1910s, women’s dresses were shortened from floor length to above the ankles. Colors and designs were bland with less flair and fancy. Even menswear took a nose dive. Pants were made shorter and clothing became simpler. After all, there was a war going on. People didn’t have time to worry about how they looked. They were too busy worrying about how to survive this war to end all wars.

Unfortunately, the First World War didn’t end wars. In fact, it didn’t even come close. But the changes made to the fashion world lasted beyond the four year conflict. Floor length dresses have hardly been worn since the early 1910 except in formal attire. Clear distinctions between practical casual wear and opulent formal wear were made.

However, dressing like you’re from the 1910s could be a little tricky in the modern world. You might not actually be able to wear a 1915 costume without getting a few stares. You can design your wardrobe with the minimalist 1910s mentality.