Fashion and Family History: Interpreting How Your Ancestors Dressed

Dress history illuminates the past, revealing how fashion and clothes represented the experiences of earlier generations as Britain evolved from an agrarian society to an urban-industrial nation. Women sewed at home, shopping advanced, and modern city modes, workwear, and holiday gear developed. The Victorians observed strict etiquette through special costumes for Sundays, marriage, and mourning, while poorer families struggled to maintain standards. Twentieth-century dress grew more relaxed and democratic as popular culture influenced fashion.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 160 pages
\n Publication date: 26 November 2020
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
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Dress history holds a wealth of knowledge about the past, and Jayne Shrimpton's book is a masterful exploration of this subject. Through carefully illustrated and accessible prose, the author demonstrates how fashion and clothing serve as a reflection of the everyday lives of previous generations. By delving into the world in which they lived, Shrimpton sheds light on the evolution of fashion as Britain transitioned from a slow-paced agrarian society to an urban-industrial nation during the 1800s.

Traditional rural styles gave way to modern city modes, including new workwear and holiday gear. Women took on the role of sewing at home, while shopping became more accessible, introducing novel textiles and mass-produced goods that brought affordable fashion to the masses. Many of our predecessors worked in professions closely related to fashion production, such as garment-making, laundressing, or other related trades. As consumers, they took care of their clothes, understanding the social significance of dress.

The Victorians, in particular, adhered to strict etiquette through the use of special costumes for Sundays, marriage, and mourning. While poorer families struggled to maintain these standards, young single workers often spent their wages on clothing, while the older generation cultivated their own discreet style.

In the 20th century, dress grew more relaxed and democratic as popular culture influenced fashion for recent generations. These generations enjoyed sports, cinema, music, and dancing, and their tastes shaped the trends of the time.

Overall, studying dress history provides a valuable insight into the past, revealing the experiences, values, and social dynamics of different eras. Jayne Shrimpton's book is a testament to the power of fashion as a means of communication and self-expression, and it serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of fashion history.

\n Weight: 466g\n
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526760265\n \n