The Fashion Folks

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The History Of The A-line Dress

The Fashion Folks

Is it just us or doesn’t it always feel like Thursday and it’s time for a #throwback? Well, not that we mind it, in fact we do love our dose of history, but too many Thursdays and not enough Saturdays! Well, Thursdays don’t keep us from talking about the fun party (sort of) of the A-line dress!

The story behind the A-line dress

In 1947 Christian Dior launched his collection The New Look. It was a major step back for women’s fashion (in relation to its political power) as it required corsets, heavy skirts and came with limited mobility. From wearing pants during the war years, women were now directed to the old role of looking good and taking care of the house. The collection set the tone for the fashion of the 1950’s, with the hourglass-figure in center. However, in 1955 Dior  changed the fashion game again by a new silhouette for a more modern, youthful and liberal shape; the A-line. It wasn’t until 1958 though until Yves Saint Laurent (Christian Dior’s successor) launched a full collection consisting of A-line dresses.

The style of the A-line dress

As the name reveals, the A-line dress is in shape of an A. There are however two versions of the A-silhouette. Some people think of it as tight by the shoulders down to the hips and then moving outwards. Other also include its defined style by the shoulders and moving outwards directly. Both of the styles are in the shape of an A-line and have kind of the same effect, so both are more than okay to use! The typical length is somewhere mid-thigh, but longer and shorter lengths are also A-line as it is about the silhouette and not length.

 

The legacy of the A-line dress

If you know your fashion history you’re familiar with the style of the 1960’s. It was the A-line silhouette and then there were more A-line silhouettes. Dresses, skirts and tunics all got their adjustments to the 1960’s style. And the timing of the silhouette was impeccable as youths wanted their own fashion of the decade and not dress conservatively as their parents. The dress was easy to move in, dance in and pretty much live in. Gone was the heavy skirts, the annoying corsets and the pretty blouses. The A-line dress was youthful and became even more lively in combination with the crazy patterns of the 60’s. The silhouette also found its way to the space age fashion and was popular in minimalistic colors and styles as well.

The A-line dress today

Today the A-line dress is a staple for many people. The silhouette works for almost anyone as it covers the body, but in a flattering way. As it is a classic and never really goes out of style (even though it always gets extra trendy when true retro fashion is in style), you can pretty much find it in any store and there are endless of options with all the patterns, details and colors of today. Frankly speaking, we love this silhouette for big meals, it has plenty of room for a food baby!

Folks, do you work the A-line dress?

The A-line Dress | The Fashion Folks

82 thoughts on “The History Of The A-line Dress”

  1. I, once again, learned something new! I had no idea that it was both Christian Dior and YSL that created and brought the a-line dress to the forefront! I’m so thankful, as I’m sure nearly every other woman is because it’s such a figure flattering style. Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have a great weekend!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    1. Believe me when I say that you’re kind comments and genunine support for the posts means so much! Both Dior and YSL had great fashion minds and came up with so much regarding fashion, so lovely that their inventions are strong going today! Thank you love, same to you! Xx

      https://www.thefashionfolks.com

  14. I do adore an A-line dress, and I do one hundred percent associate them with the sixties. I can understand the revolutionary aspect as well, and they’re still flattering and chic today, which is kind of amazing. Really wish I was wearing one now instead of pajamas…

    Amber | y a c h t s m a a n

  18. I love A line dresses! The loose fit, the chic sillouhette. I always think of the model Twiggy and her maud hair style and long winged eyelashes when I think of A-line dresses. I also love how they stay flatting even with a food baby =P

    xoxo Rina
    http://www.andshedressed.com

  23. A few years ago I found an amazing a line dress from the 70s and I haven’t let go of it since. They are so fashionable and sexy at the same time!

  34. Ahahaha, I love those last lines. Leaves enough room for a food baby..I can’t, lol.

    I LOVE the A-line silhouette. I used to actually hate it, and then I saw the original Dior designs and fell completely head over heels. I’m still not into the ’60s take, but when I saw the “New Look” my life changed. I started taking cues from that line when dressing myself and invested in a few cute A-line skirts.

    xo
    N
    Style Tomes ||ST on IG

    1. Hahah, right? I got that punchline right haha! The A-lines skirt are so charming too, and love the vintage vibe they comes with! The original collections are great sources indeed for inspiration, so much magic in them! Xx

      https://www.thefashionfolks.com

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