The fabric of war and fashion have always been intertwined in a complex relationship. From introducing utilitarian pieces to inspiring a sense of resilience to weather life’s hardest fights, war has had an undeniable influence on fashion over time. Even though fashion trends may come and go, its source of strong motivation will always be rooted in the events of war. Let us explore how war has impacted fashion and learn how the modern designer is using these fashion catalysts to inspire today’s generations.
1. War: A Catalyst of Change in Fashion
When taking a look at our planet’s history, it’s easy to see that war has been a great contributor to changes in many aspects of our lives, including the evolution of fashion. As wars have unfolded over the years, the fashion trends of the day have either been heavily influenced by the fighting conflict or have chosen to move in the opposite direction.
The Impact of World War 1
It’s no secret that World War 1 was one of the most influential wars in regards to the evolution of fashion. Women had become accustomed to the fashion trends of corsets and billowing skirts but, during the war, chose to adopt a more natural form. This included shorter skirts and a focus on practicality. This move away from corsets freed women from certain constraints, leaving them more mobile and liberated to embrace their individuality.
The Legacy of World War 2
The divisiveness of World War 2 saw a plethora of different fashion trends, some of which were heavily influenced by the conflict itself. During the war, clothes became more utilitarian and bulkier in order to protect from the cold. Additionally, renowned designers and retailers of the day began placing a greater emphasis on fashion that expressed the national identity of a country. Examples of this included dirndls in Germany, chequered skirts in France, and tartan skirts in Britain.
Throughout the course of history, war has had an undeniable impact on the evolution of fashion. From the rise of utilitarian clothing during World War 1 to the embracing of national identities during World War 2, this unique period in human history has left us with an abundance of valuable insights into fashion.
2. Utility: A Slash of Pragmatism to Clothing
Of course, being a creature of comfort doesn’t mean sacrificing on style. Enter utility fashion, which balances practicality and style. This is the perfect fashion niche for busy professionals and weekend adventurers alike.
Utility fashion consists of clothing lined with deep pockets and multiple closures, giving the wearer an element of convenience and security. Investing in a piece of heavy-duty outerwear in a sturdy fabric such as tweed can easily add a touch of sophistication and substance to any wardrobe. Besides functional convenience, the earthy hues in such fabrics also adds an air of timelessness and chic-sensibility to any look.
Moreover, a timeless staple like a well-crafted military jacket can be easily dressed up or down. Its range of versatility makes it a staple piece for any savvy dresser wishing to brave an ever-changing wardrobe without fuss. Here are a few tips to help you incorporate utility fashion into your wardrobe.
- You can easily add a smart utilitarian touch to an evening outfit with a crisp-looking cargo pants.
- Opt for fabrics with muted, earthy hues – cognacs, olive greens, and slate grays.
- Tone down the overtly military feel with a light turtleneck for a sophisticated look.
- Think sleek and functional – embrace pockets and closures to maximize convinience.
Utility fashion allows creatives minded power dressers to show off their practical side, while still pushing fashion boundaries. Whether you choose a pair of khakis or rugged denim, there are many ways to make the trends in the fashion world work for you.
3. Making Resilience Out of Adversity
Our lives are defined by the challenging roads we go through, and how we are able to cope with those adversities. We must not forget that our struggles have an immense potential to infuse us with strength and make us resilient!
- Be Positive:First and foremost, it’s important to stay upbeat and positive – testing times can sap our energy and will-power. But a positive outlook can help you face the hardships and to make the best of whatever situation you are in.
- Be Resourceful:In difficult times, it is important to find as many creative solutions and options as possible. Being innovative with the resources available to you can help you come up with solutions and even opportunities.
- Adapt: Adversity sometimes forces us to do things differently. We are forced to adapt, innovate and adapt a fresh perspective on our situations. This can be beneficial and open up many more paths to success.
In the end, is all about challenging our assumptions and beliefs and being persistent. Keep pushing yourself and you’ll soon be able to look back at the adversary in your rearview mirror!
4. Creativity Swarmed by Hardship
Though they come in many shapes and sizes, hardships are universally challenging. Creativity can be a tool to cope with them, though. Embracing out-of-the-box thinking can render hardships somewhat less daunting.
It’s acceptable for people to take a step back to digest the situation. Also, the greater the challenge, the more potential for creativity. Emotional resonance can be pulled from the hardest of times, and a narrative can be derived from them.
Throughout a hardship, many forms of creativity can be found and nurtured:
- Writing: Keeping a journal of tried approaches, feelings, and successes.
- Drawing: Developing visual depictions of the problem to better understand it.
- Music: Channel the emotions into sounds to relieve stress.
By using creativity, hardship can become nothing more than a starting off point for crafting creative projects to express the feelings it evoked.
5. War’s Impact on the Fashion Frontier
History has seen some of the most iconic fashion trends borne from historical events and changing times. World War II, in particular, had a significant impact on the fashion industry and filtered down the effect to the present day.
Royalty and Politics: Before and during World War II, the monarchy set the standards for fashion in Western countries. As Nazi occupation spread, royal families were forced to flee and the traditional fashion influence of these families slowly faded. In the wake of the War, new styles emerged and spread through political figures, such as JFK’s iconic black and white style.
Military: The military inspired many fashion trends that are still prevalent today. Bomber jackets, pea coats, and khaki chinos are a few exceptions. During the War, seeing a man in uniform representing his country was a powerful incentive for male fashion trends. Today, the combination of military khakis and a t-shirt has become a classic for men.
Functional Clothing Basics: World War II changed the way we clothe ourselves. When people everywhere had to make do with whatever resources they had, clothes had to be functional. Men’s and women’s wardrobes were so limited that they had to make do with what they could find. Many trends from the War period still remain popular today, such as denim jeans, chinos, and trench coats.
- The monarchy set the standards for fashion in Western countries before WWII.
- Military styles inspired enduring fashion trends.
- Functional clothing became more important during WWII.
The history of war and its influence on fashion reveals much about the power of resilience. As times change and life adapts, fashion morphs and evolves. In any era, fashion can be a reflection of a people’s struggle and hope. Looking ahead, fashion’s future remains as dynamic and ever-changing as its past.
