The Evolution of the Sundress: A Brief History
The sundress is synonymous with summer. When the weather heats up, lightweight, breezy sundresses emerge from our closets as the perfect attire for laidback warm-weather pursuits. But where did the concept of the sundress originate? Let's take a brief look back at the history and evolution of this summer style staple.
12/6/20232 min read
1940s: The Birth of the Sundress
Most fashion historians credit American sportswear designer Carolyn Schnurer with inventing the modern sundress in the mid-1940s.
During this postwar era, Schnurer pioneered easy-to-wear casual clothing for women that was both comfortable and flattering. Her early sundress designs were a far cry from the more structured day dresses of previous decades, featuring softer silhouettes with subtle thematic accents.Schnurer's innovative sundresses were designed specifically with warm weather in mind. Crafted from lightweight materials like cotton voile and featuring details like racerback straps and lower hemlines, they encapsulated a relaxed, resort-friendly aesthetic that resonated with women seeking effortlessly stylish summer attire. The sundress was an instant hit, reflecting a growing desire for less restrictive clothing in the 1940s and 50s.
1950s & 60s: Sundress Popularity Soars
The 1950s saw the sundress surge further in popularity, especially as rising postwar prosperity enabled more leisure travel and resort vacations during the summer months.
Fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot famously donned chic sundress styles by designers like Claire McCardell, cementing the garment as a warm-weather wardrobe staple.By the 1960s, the sundress was fully embedded in mainstream fashion. Retailer Lilly Pulitzer's brightly colored printed sundresses embodied the cheerful, relaxed aesthetic of the era, ultimately becoming wildly popular amongst American women. The 1960s sundress was typically a sleeveless, A-line shift falling above the knee, with bold patterns and colors. The youthful mod silhouette was often accessorized with flat sandals, cat eye sunglasses, and a pair of big statement earrings.
1970s: Boho Chic Takes Over
The 1970s saw sundress styles evolve with the prevailing bohemian trend. Billowing maxi sundresses with empire waists, peasant blouses, paisley prints, and crocheted details came to the forefront.
These boho-inspired sundresses had an earthy, laidback feel that aligned well with '70s counterculture. Shorter hemlines also reemerged however, from cute belted shifts to halter-neck minis. Sundresses in breezy, natural fabrics like cotton and linen remained a key component of the decade's effortless summer style.
1980s & 90s: Athleisure Influence Begins
In the 1980s and 1990s, activewear began seeping into mainstream fashion, subsequently impacting sundress styles.
While classic feminine silhouettes persisted, sportier details like racerback straps, contrast piping, graphic prints, and oversized armholes became more prominent. These athletic-inspired sundresses aligned with popular aerobics culture while still retaining a chic sensibility.The '90s also saw the introduction of new high-tech performance fabrics like Lycra blends. Figure-hugging sundresses accentuating curves emerged as a trend, morphed from the loose, flowy styles of previous decades. Sundress hemlines continued to yo-yo between long and short each season, but ubiquitous floral prints persisted regardless of length.
2000s to Today: Festival Fashion Takes Over
In the early 2000s, bohemian festival fashion rose to prominence, once again impacting the era's sundresses.
Peasant blouses, crochet trims, beading, loose silhouettes, and free-spirited prints aligned perfectly with the modern boho aesthetic. This festival-friendly style also blended seamlessly with remnants of '90s athleisure, like sporty racerback and halter straps on relaxed-fit sundresses. Contemporary sundresses today are extremely varied in silhouette, length, and styling. While breezy maxi dresses and feminine floral prints remain perennial summer staples decade after decade, today's sundresses pull inspiration from across eras. Modern iterations might pair an open crocheted knit with '80s contrast piping or blend vintage florals with sporty asymmetric hemlines. Regardless of styling details, the effortless charm and cool comfort of the sundress endures through summer seasons, with this iconic warm weather garment undoubtedly here to stay.
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