Artists, sculptors, photographers who have created world masterpieces driving mad millions of people, made it possible thanks to one detail only they describe women wearing – stockings…
The first record of the stocking dates back to 4-5 centuries BC. The stocking was invented in Ancient Greece and Rome. They were knitted.

The art of creating such unique clothing was later forgotten and restored only in 13 century. So, within a few centuries stockings were made of thin leather or linen.
The stocking became popular in 16th century with men exclusively. And the turning point in the history of the stocking took place in 1589 when an English priest Reverend William Lee invented a knitting machine.

The second important moment in the stocking history is the adoption of the stoking into the women’s wardrobe from the men’s one.

In the 19th century men’s pants became longer while the women’s skirts got shorter and it became socially acceptable for ladies to show their legs.

As soon as stockings were the women’s their look changed dramatically.

Lace, flower embroidery, geometrical lines and even… the picture of a bric wall with a military headwear (these were the stockings Maison Milon, made during the war of 1871).

Check, stripes, sequins, pearls, turquoise, all possible colors from brown and yellow to red and orange…
Talking about fabrics we should mention that synthetic silk started being produced in 1910 together with Lisle thread and cotton. About 20 years later nylon was invented and only in 1980 it was lycra that made the stockings even more beautiful.

In 1920 flesh-colored stocking became fashionable. Actually flesh ranged from pinkish to maroon. The most popular patterns were snake-skin, iris, flower bouquet and peacock tails.

When nylon and lycra began to be used in the production of stockings the price for the ones of poor quality fell dramatically while the cost of the best stockings went up to $9 (at that time a new pair of shoes cost as much).

Looking at different designs of the stocking worn by the most recognized people in history we can say these were the works of art.
For example, in the times of Louis XIV men wore red and light-blue stockings made of velvet or silk. The models were adorned with bows and garters and could be affordable for only very rich and powerful people.

In Baroque and Rococo epoch men wore stockings as additions to knickers. Women of the 18th century rocked lacy stockings imitating le marquis de Pompadour’s  style.
The most interesting stockings in the late 20th century are the ones by French designer Chantal Thomas.

Her stockings had the imitation of corset embroidery, funny inscriptions, and other interesting details.
Showing this beauty was considered obscene for a long period of time. If we spoke about works of art, the first picture of a woman wearing stocking appeared in 1832 when Ejen Delacrua painted a picture “Woman in white stockings”.

However, demi-nu didn’t get so much popular at that time. Just in the end of the 19th century newspapers, postcards, photographs and pictures paid attention to the topic.

But according to the law one had a right to watch and admire a beautiful woman’s body only in circus and the opera.
Fortunately for men soon the era of cancan started and pretty dancers got the opportunity to wear black stockings adorned with ruching and bows.

Bills for cabaret Moulin Rouge in 1890s were painted by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Jules Cheret and other artists followed his enthusiasm but most of the bills didn’t appear in public for an obvious reason.

When striptease got popular after Les Couchers d’Yvette, artists began painting women smarting themselves as if caught putting on stockings.

Nowadays when stockings became a part of our life their assortment is huge as well as the price range. If you have no idea which brand to choose, feel free to experiment.

When purchasing the stocking pay close attention to seams. They can be of two types: rounded and flat.

Black Fishnet Thigh Highs

The first are usually cheaper and can chafe your skin and under clinging clothes they are clearly seen.

Stockings of high quality are characterized by the use of aromatizers.  To add to this the stocking can be made of natural and synthetic materials.

The best brands use microfiber (polyester and polyamide). The more lycra is included the more expensive and better the piece is.

When worn and kept with great care the stocking can serve long and well.

The main rules are: hand-wash your stockings, avoid detergents with whitening effect, never dry the stocking near a source of heat like radiators or heaters and before you put on them take off all the jewelry that can damage the stocking.
And the last but not the least: no one except the wearer should know she’s wearing stockings. Everyone around can just guess but never be sure…

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Nearly every girl dreams of becoming a model: beautiful clothes, total admiration, camera flashes… And some girls do realize their dream. However, Fashion History knows just a few of those. Those who are remembered dozens years after their star left the dome of the fashion sky. Those who are called Style Icons.

Harper`s Bazaar has listed 30 most famous models of the XX century, those who personify their epoch.

Pioneers

1. Dorian Leigh – the height of her fame Dorian Leigh enjoyed in the 40-60s when photo models earned much more than those who strutted down catwalks.

In her time Dorian Leigh graced prestigious glossy magazines regularly. Her face was on Vogue cover 7 times.

Dorian became the most photographed model in history. She became popular internationally when signed a contract with Revlon – Leigh was chosen to represent a cosmetic range Fire and Ice in the 50s.

When her modeling career was over Dorian Leigh founded her own modeling agency. Besides, by that time she owned a chain of restaurants in France and the USA.

2. Sunny Harnett – a legendary model and an actress who starred in a film Funny face along with Audrey Hepburn.

3. Lisa Fonssagrives. She is often called the first supermodel. Her face beautified magazine covers for about twenty years – from the 30s to the 50s.

Lisa worked with the most acclaimed photographers of her epoch: George Hoyningen-Huene, Man Ray, Horst, Erwin Blumenfeld, George Platt Lynes, Richard Avedon and Edgar de Evia.

4. Suzy Parker is Dorian Leigh’s sibling, 12 years younger. When Suzy was 15 Dorian was already a famous model.

It was Dorian who introduced her younger sister to representatives of Ford Modeling Agency.

Suzy wasn’t a typical model. She was short, a bit plump and freckled. But soon she became very famous.

After Suzy had been invited to represent Chanel, lots of other invitations followed. Vogue, Revlon, Hertz, Westinghouse, Max Factor, Bliss, DuPont, Simplicity, Smirnoff, Ronson shavers wanted to work with her. During her life Suzy graced more than 70 magazine covers.

5. Dovima got into the modeling business by chance. She was noticed by Vogue editor while walking.

The photo shoot by Richard Avedon along with a few elephants – Dovima and the elephants – made her world famous. Dovima became a style icon. The dress for the photo shoot that sent her to a stardom had been made by a young Christian Dior’s assistant – Yves Saint Laurent.

Many of the greatest models at one point or another taken promotional modeling jobs.

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A few years later exceptionally shining crystals beautified fingers, ears and necks of the most recognized women in the world. Swarovski bijouterie was officially acknowledged as a worthy substitution for precious stones and metals.

Nowadays Swarovski crystals are often more pricey than jewelry with natural emeralds, diamonds and sapphires. And the fifth generation of Sir Daniel’s heirs keeps the technology of crystal cutting and production top secret. And the crystals are still an obsession for millions of fashionistas.

Unlucky violinist Daniel Swarovski, who trained to be an engineer, was able to invent and patent a machine allowing to facet natural crystals quickly and absolutely flawlessly. This happened in 1891. The products were so brilliant that Daniel understood he had to leave Bohemia and find another place where he could work. Otherwise his secret technology would soon be stolen by competitors who were in plenty in Bohemia.

Evening Blue Aurora Borealis Bracelet

Swarovski moved to Wattens in Austria, married and kept on working to improve his machine. 20 years later together with his sons he invented the new way of production and faceting those crystals we adore now.

Thanks to Swarovski ‘strass’ word was deprived of its negative meaning. Strasses were jewelry fakes made from glass and crystals George Strass used instead of natural diamonds. Now Strass is one of trademarks of Swarovski trust – artificial crystal of special facet. With the help of unique laser technology the word ‘strass’ is engraved inside of the crystal itself.

At the present time Swarovski enterprise is still run by the family. Within a hundred years it has widely expanded. All main producers of jewelry and bijouterie buy crystals from Swarovski and branch companies Swarovski Optik and Swarovski Tyrolit produce high-precision optics and polishing materials.

Now Swarovski produce crystals of unspeakable beauty for women and men, New Year trees and sophisticated interiors. Famous designers like adorning their creations with Swarovski crystals. They are as well used by makeup artists, manicurists and hair stylists.

Daniel Swarovski never passed his crystals for natural diamonds as he considered them to be better. The symbol of Swarovski bijouterie became a swan – symbol of purity and faithfulness.

Swarovski crystals are loved so much for their purity and the way they are polished and facetted. All the details are kept in secret but what we know is that the shine of the crystals is due to lots of facets. Swarovski family patented the 14-facet way of cutting the crystal. But generally the number of facets range from 16 to 56 depending on the material the strass will be used with.

Galet Capri Blue Mini Pendant

All the facets are polished ideally and the technology of cutting allows no chips or distortions. Swarovski crystals are attached to surfaces of materials with unique glue that works so well that producers can guarantee the durability of the products.

The list of stones manufactured by Swarovski includes over a hundred thousand names. Researches conducted by specialists in Swarovski laboratories allow making crystals of various hues – from light blue to deep red.

Alua Brooch

The distinctive feature of Swarovski stones is their compatibility with a huge number of different materials. In Swarovski collections crystals  and stresses are combined not only with metals but also with leather, textile, synthetic materials, enamel, etc.

Swarovski collections are launched twice a year. Besides, the company unveils limited editions of jewelry for holidays, like Saint Valentine’s Day and New Year.

Pendants, bracelets, brooches, hairpins, chains and necklaces, cuff links, earrings, rings… You can either adore the original style combining femininity and infantilism, severity and playfulness, elegance and casualty, or ignore it. But what is true is that you just cannot call Swarovski bijouterie boring.

This jewelry is so diverse that one can think there is no limits to the producers’ imagination. Collections can include objects and sets inspired by rock-music, deep-water world, astronomy and even cartoons.

Mushroom Charm

It was Swarovski that have brought charms to fashion – those tiny pendants one can express his mood and intentions with, or create a unique jewelry attaching charms of a certain type in certain sequence on the bracelet or a mobile phone.

And what is also good about Swarovski bijouterie is its price policy. One can always find something she or he can afford.

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CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN – FETICHA PUMPS

Real Lady has to be feminine, stylish, elegant. And one of the main tips to make your view complete is choose the right shoes.

Classic pumps are nessesary for every woman in every season. They have distinguishing features: multipurpose and elegant.

DOLCE & GABBANA – PATENT STILETTO PUMPS

They reduce the foot visually. They are comfortable and very simple.

Pumps with short thin toes and middle-sized heel make even the plainest foot look graceful and fab. Classic pumps have no clasps, hooks or other adornments.

NICOLE BRUNDAGE – SHINY HEEL LYCRA PUMPS

Pumps confidently step on course of life on the runway.

50s pumps had long toes and sexy thin and extremly high heels.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO – KARUNG SNAKE PUMPS

In 60′s the fashion on pumps changed for a dancing twist. The toe became round and the heels more stable.

At that time the queen of fashion Coco Chanel offered a new style of pumps to fashionistas: two-tones pieces with toes darker than the basic color of shoes.

In 80′s pumps made a great come back with a triumph. They had low sharp heels. The most popular model of teh shoe was with a heel in a jigger shape.

Indigo by Clarks Musing Shoes – Burgundy – Women

In our times every woman has pumps in her wardrobe.

Pumps match cocktail dresses wonderfully and look hot with pants and long gowns.

Enjoy some hot pumps:

SHOOTERR COGNAC LE

TERIFIC MAGENTA

Look like you just stepped off the runway in Terific. Its lush gray suede, silvery wood-grain heel, and island platform make this shoe a unique and sexy addition to any wardrobe.

Nine West – Jabs (Black Leather) – Footwear

This fashion forward platform pump is featured in the May issue of Marie Claire Magazine. The Jabs has a leather upper and sits on a 1/2″ platform sole and 4 1/2″ heel.

Naughty Monkey – Risky Business (Black) – Footwear

Save up to 70% off shoes, boots, pumps, sandals and more at Jildor Shoes.

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Aviator sunglasses were invented for the military. The design was elaborated by Bausch & Lomb company for American pilots in 1929-1930.

The firm signed a contract with USAF and took their time to develop the right shape and find the most appropriate and durable material for the frame. Besides, special technologies were used to make the sunglasses almost versatile: they could protect eyes from the sun and at the same time cleared the view.

Douglas MacArthur – an American commander – made the aviators top fashionable. Aviator sunglasses were the integral part of his image as well as a pipe.

Charismatic man was the first to represent a newly-founded brand.

Soon stars and city fashionistas started wearing aviators. In 1937 the sunglasses went on mass production and could be bought all over the United States.

Right at that time Ray-Ban trade mark was registered and aviators as well as other styles of sunglasses were produced with the company new logo.

The second wave of popularity came in disco era. Despite the military origin of the aviator sunglasses they were highly appraised by the generation of the 70-80s.

Due to the versatility of the shape the aviator sunglasses look great on any face, and suit nearly any face shape.

Nowadays aviators are still very popular and almost every designer or a label makes sunglasses of this style.

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But goldfields weren’t interesting for him. He started his own business focusing on making strong pants for gold diggers.

His factory produced overalls from brown canvas that was delivered from an Italian town Genoa. Bales had marks Genes on them, and Americans read it in the same way as ‘jeans’, so later the word was changed and pants were mostly called as ‘jeans’.

Soon the pants became blue. This happened due to the fact the factory ran out of canvas. The production couldn’t be stopped and Levi decided to use thick blue twill delivered from Nim town in France.

Mark ‘De Nimes’ (‘From Nim’) gave name to the fabric itself and pants made of it began to be called – denim.

Though the material was very durable sometimes it couldn’t carry heavy mining tools and gold bars. Levi solved this problem soon as well. He started using metallic rivets to prevent pants from tearing.

And in 1873 first Levi’s jeans with rivets appeared.

A bit later women took this clothing item into their wardrobe too.

In 1953 the first woman’s design was created.

Thus in the 50s jeans became the most fashionable garment and the whole world got to love them!
Sex-symbols of the epoch – Elvis Presley, Marlon Brando – liked wearing jeans a lot.

Moreover, first jeans were perceived as sexy clothes.

In 1952 women’s jeans got a zipper, this was a bold violation of conservative morality. Model 505 with a zipper supplanted the classic 501 model with buttons. Buttons became popular again only at the beginning of the 20th century.

In the 50s classic five-pocket denim design was highly popular: two pockets were in front, two at the back and a small one in the first front pocket.

In the 60-70s jeans became fashionable in hippie movement as a symbol of freedom, dissent and sexuality.

Then followed flared jeans, they literally burst into fashion. They looked shabby, had décor and were worn very low on hips.

In the early 70s women were hysterical about the so-called ‘hot pants’ – the shortest denim shorts ever.

They could hardly cover women’s bottom. In the 90s this style returned with a new twist and all women were again enthused.

‘Jenny’ design which is baggy and pretty comfortable for work was liked by many girls in the 60s, and in the 70s this style became popular with men too.

In the 80s jeans makers bleached jeans with pumice stone wetted in perchloric acid – young people loved the idea!

Moreover, fashionistas of that time used to tear jeans to tatters. Rich people wore special jeans embellished with gemstones.

In the 90s jeans with a high waist and skinny jeans became trendy. At the end of the last century stylish jeans were ornamented with beads, sequins, stones and prints.

Nowadays designers make jeans of different colors, experiment with forms, cuts and tailoring.

Punk style, bleached, ripped, flared or skinny jeans – diversity of styles are in vogue at the moment and you can hardly choose something that is out of fashion!

Denim is liked by lots of celebrities. For example, Jessica Alba, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Audrina Patridge, Ashley Tisdale and others. If they like jeans why don’t we do that?

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A little black dress, a mini skirt, a pencil skirt – all these have been taken as must-haves for any fashion conscious women’s wardrobes. They are basics and have outlived plenty of fashion transformations.

And now more fashion history!

The ‘30s: Little Black Dress (LBD)

As we have already written it was Coco Chanel who invented the little black dress in 1926 and made it a revolutionary item for women of that epoch. Black used to be interpreted basically as a religious and funeral color. But the Great Depression changed much in people’s minds and soon the LBD was successfully adopted into ladies’ wardrobes. Thanks to Chanel women understood that the elegant black dress was the best investment because it would never become old-fashioned.

The ‘40s: Mannish Style

Hollywood actress Katharine Hepburn was the first woman who dared to don a pantsuit. She proved that women can look feminine even when wearing men’s pants and shirts. Designers of nowadays offer us to combine mannish pants with more womanly items, such as ruched blouses, massive necklaces or cocktail rings.

The ‘50s: Pencil Skirt

French couturier Christian Dior created a pencil skirt that immediately became popular with women worldwide, including the USA first lady Jackline Kennedy. The success of Dior’s creation is pretty explainable: pencil skirt suits women of any shape minimizing hips and lengthening legs.

The ‘60s: Mini Skirt

Extremely short skirts by British designer Mary Quant were inspired by the ‘60s youth’s rebellious spirit and became very popular with young girls in Europe and the USA.

The ’70: Platform Shoes

Originally platform shoes appeared in the ‘40s but they were widely taken as a trend only in the ‘70s. Even men liked wearing them. The bold sexuality of the platform attracts shoe designers now even more than ever.

The ‘80s: Jeans

Rock musicians and ABBA, crazy parties and of course jeans – these determined the image of the youth in the ‘80s. At that time the world saw the transformation of jeans as working clothes into the must-haves of young people’s wardrobe.

The ‘90s: Minimalism

Neon colors and lycra went away and fashion minimalism was taken as a trend instead. Designers turned to making simple restrained garments with minimum details and colors.

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It was popular long ago, is popular now and I am sure will be always in vogue in future due to its versatility and elegance. No matter what current fashion tendencies are, women still prefer the pure style of the LBD.

Robert Rodriguez Embroidered Cowl Dress

Women have admired the LBD since it was invented and made a style revolution in ladies’ wardrobes. I think nearly everyone knows that the inventor of the classic LBD was Coco Chanel who literally forced fashionistas worldwide to throw out all their immediately-got- old-fashioned dresses.

BR Monogram: BR Monogram silk embroidered dress – Silky coal

This happened in 1926. The success of the LBD was so huge that American women called it “La Ford” that meant the LBD was as popular as the most famous American car at that time. This way the vision of an elegant wardrobe changed and the LBD became as versatile as an ordinary t-shirt.

Elizabeth and James Tube Dress

Nowadays this garment is probably the only one which makes a woman feel comfortable and stylish no matter how old she is. And even those who know nothing about the Little Black Dress inventor and its history understand that the little black dress is a must.

Black color which is neutral and sexy at the same time allows us to vary and combine it with anything we like. The simplicity of style gives an opportunity to experiment much with various details and accessories. Depending on accessories you wear the same dress can look hot, stylish or funereal. If you know how to mix styles, find originality and avoid dullness you can do everything.

According to French stylist Didier Ludot a woman should stay away from bourgeois motives and the most appropriate style is wearing the LBD with an embroidered cardigan and wedge shoes. If you don a simple jacket your Little Black Dress turns easily into an office style dress. As soon as you put on a fur collar and a brooch with strasses the dress looks glamorous and is right for a party.

The trendy style of nowadays is the LBD worn with colored tights or pantyhose, but this choice is perfect only for those who have slender legs. To avoid too formal look try to combine original jewelry with costume one. For example, try a combination of a pearl necklace with massive bracelets of wood or wool.

Beaded Necklace Dress

The most traditional look is the following: the Little Black Dress, a simple pearl necklace, sheer black pantyhose or stockings and black high stiletto shoes. The woman wearing these will look very elegant but what should be kept in mind is that such an attire makes you look a bit older.

The versatile LBD can look casual as well. When you feel there is nothing good to wear in your wardrobe and its winter outside you may try putting on a contrast-colored light turtleneck with long sleeves or skinny trousers under the dress.

LaROK Hollywood Halter Dress

This season the Little Black Dress in ‘60s style is the most popular but this is far from being the only style you can create. You have lots of possible options: retro-chic cocktail dresses, dresses with strasses or sequins, the ones of velvet or muslin, etc. Just don’t be afraid to experiment!

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Do you like experiments and originality? Do you treat clothes ironically and each time going out create your own unique style? Then vintage style is for you!

The term ‘vintage’ was originally used to name the wine of high quality that was stored in excellent conditions for more than a decade. Vintage wine was always unusual, exclusive and unique, it was a wine rarity. Now ‘vintage’ is a rarity in fashion world.

So, what’s the modern interpretation of ‘vintage’?

Well, it’s an original or authentic closing item, at least 20 years old, with clear signs of fashion of times when it was popular. For instance, if you find a black turtleneck sweater which was bought by your Mum somehow in the ’70s it will be just a secondhand item.

But if this sweater has clear characteristics of fashion of that period – bell-shaped sleeves, wrap over, wide stitch on the bottom – be sure you’ve found a vintage piece.

So, if you’re keen on vintage clothes you have to love fashion history and know what was in vogue in these or those decades of the last century.

Experts have a few classifications of vintage clothes. One of them is based on age characteristics. As I’ve mentioned before clothes can be considered as vintage if they’re at least 20 years old.

Clothing items that are 15 years old or newer are believed to be modern. However, the most punctilious fashion historians think vintage clothes are those produced before the ‘60s. As for the items manufactured since that time – they are the retro.

Another criterion for classification is a style. If a garment is old it doesn’t have to be considered as vintage for vintage style is an art piece, original and distinctive, expressing fashion trends of that time. Each piece represents its epoch and traditions of people who wore them.

How to buy vintage clothes

First of all pay attention to the state of the clothes. Vintage clothes are old and it’s important to estimate their condition correctly.

Vintage clothes can be:

- Mint, never worn by anyone. Item is in perfect condition, and looks the same as at the day it was made. No signs of wearing are found. However, vintage clothes in this state are very rare.

- Near mint, worn a few times. Slight signs of wearing are noticeable.

- Excellent. Typical signs show that the item was regularly used.

- Very good. There are some essential defects (dirt, oily spots, etc.)

- Good. The piece does not look well and even if you mend it and work on it the result will be poor, it’s too old.

Of course the older the clothes the worse they look.

Though the condition of a vintage garment you’d like to purchase is significant, you sometimes can forget about it. You may feel proud of owning this very item, even if it is extremely old, just because it is a great rarity and no one else has it.

Another tip is – keep the size in mind. I mean when buying a vintage piece remember that the fabric is old and can tear easily.

So, better buy items at least a size bigger. And each time try the clothes on before buying them as the size measurement changes and depends on brand greatly.

How to wear vintage clothes

Wear original vintage and retro items with real flair, and people will understand your message. If you don a piece with something that doesn’t match it you’ll look shabby and poor. Even the oldest piece should fit you like a glove and right to the situation.

In case you like vintage style but a bit unsure about how to wear it and whether it’s appropriate or not you may start from wearing vintage accessories: brooches, jewelry, bags, etc. You can find them in specialized stores. The price usually starts from $50.

And one more thing to remember – original vintage clothes must be differentiated from those that are modern but with retro elements included.

Many designers use patterns, silhouettes, old-fashioned décor in their collections to create a vintage look.

As a rule, lines immediately become popular. It means that old fashion returns and is appreciated even higher than the newly designed items.

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Men had just returned from war and women, who had worked in factories producing uniforms and weapons, wanted to enjoy social gatherings.

Due to the fact drinking alcohol was banned, social drinking had to be done under cover. A cocktail party was easy to organize and if you could find the alcohol there were always plenty of available guests.

Women could not wear chic evening gowns to these parties as the police were able to detect that social gatherings were to be held. It was necessary to create special garments which were less formal than dinner clothing, yet more adorned than day wear. This way the cocktail dress for women was born!

The first cocktail dresses were similar to the waistless, loose cut of the flapper dress. Originally designed for the young, the dresses barely covered the knee. Many dresses were heavily beaded or had fringes; typical fabrics were silk and layered chiffon.

Cocktail clothing was accessorized with tiny bags encrusted in sequins and rhinestones, set in a frame, most often with a small chain handle.

Shoes were slipper-like, and often dyed to match dress or purse. Elbow length or shorter gloves and small hat were worn by guests, but the hostess remained more casual, without a hat, a purse or gloves. Since then on these accessories became traditional to cocktail dressing, and remained as part of the fashion through the mid-60s.

During the early 30s, cocktail parties became extremely popular. Waisted, slim skirted dresses were designed for older women. Dresses became more refined, but still made of silk. The “little black dress” became an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe, and the typical cocktail dress color.

In the 1940s, soldiers returned from overseas. Many of them brought exotic clothing for their girlfriends and soon Asian dresses in beautiful brocade fabrics and bright floral Hawaiian rayon prints became trendy. More and more flesh was exposed by dresses, almost always with no sleeves at all. Decorative elements were brighter and more lavish.

In the 50s cocktail became a culture. Cocktail parties remained, but couples and small group gatherings often went out.

Music, starting in the 20s with the rise of the jazz age, became an important part of the cocktail hour. Cocktail dresses of that time were of many styles.

Full skirts and décolleté necklines, slim skirts with jewel necklines, body-hugging and curve-enhancing was the order of the day.

Dress and coat suits, and three-piece skirt suits also became popular, always combined with the tiny matching bag, dyed-to-match shoes and gloves.

In the 60s decoration on clothing became less obtrusive. Skirts narrowed, and for the young, cocktail clothing eventually gave way to wild discotheque outfits.

Alcohol consumption at all hours was becoming increasingly more acceptable, time and place seemed less important and cocktail parties began to fade in popularity. More frequently, couples stayed for the cocktail hour, and by the late 60s, loungewear replaced fancy cocktail dress.

In the 90s people witnessed a revival of the cocktail tradition, in both music and style. Vintage cocktail garments were in fashion again as well as they are now.

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