How to Read a Dress

August 1, 2017
The goal of this reference is to teach readers how to recognize the details of women's dress as it evolved from the 1550s through the 1960s. The book itself is as stunning visually as the garments depicted inside. Each chapter accounts for a number of years and includes up to a dozen color images of dresses, outlining the features of each. Necklines, Leg of Mutton sleeves (which look exactly how you are imagining), box-pleats, mantuas, and stomachers are all covered in fascinating detail. Chapter and dress introductions give context to the styles, revealing that the wheel farthingale famously worn by Queen Elizabeth I was one of the shortest-lived fashions of the century and that skirts were shortened and narrowed regularly for the first time because of WWI material rationing. Touching stories, like that of the WWII bride who died before she could wear her darling handmade honeymoon dress, add a personal element to the book. Although the intended audience is fashion students, anyone interested in history or women's fashion will enjoy this volume.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)