Inglese per la moda - accessories

Clothing accessories in the 20th century

In the 20th century, both men's and women's accessories have evolved constantly. Some have always been present, like shoes and hats, for example. Others come and go, like parasols and umbrellas. Handbags were not really used before the 20th century. They are most often made of leather, but almost any material can be used to make them (snakeskin, beads, linked chains, embroidered silk, plastic…). They do not have to fit the body, so they can come in all shapes and sizes. They are often made to match women's footwear.

Styles in women's footwear

Styles in women's footwear have gone through more changes than men's over the last 100 years. For example, wingtip, balmorals, or oxfords have been in fashion for over a century. Hats and gloves were once very important for the well-dressed person. Today, you mostly see sporty caps or warm hats for cold weather.

Accessory list and their parts or types

• Shoes, boots, sandals, clogs, sneakers:
  • Sole: insole, outsole, wedge, platform - bottom part.
  • Vamp: upper part.
  • Toe: front part. Can be pointed, square, round, or open.
  • Heel: back support of shoe can be high, flat, square, thick, spiked, or stiletto.
  • Straps (sling back, ankle)
  • Laces, buckles, zip, Velcro
  • Types: Dress, casual, or sport.
• Hats, caps, headgear:
  • Crown: covers head.
  • Brim: projecting part in front or all around.
  • Sweatband: the inside part of the hat that touches the head.
  • Hatband: a strip of leather or ribbon between crown and brim to hold the hat's size.
• Handbags, shoulder bags, pocketbooks, tote, purse:
  • Handle, feet, clasp, snap, strap, chain, fringe.
• Gloves, mittens: (material or fabric) winter, sport, dress, or evening.
• Belts: (parts, material) buckle, eyelets, studs, strands.
• Scarves: (fabric, origin, length, width) Woollen, silk, Indian, Pashmina.

What kind of accessories did you choose and why?

Describe them? (size, shape or form, colour, type, and details)

Ex. A small, flat, black purse with sequins and a chain handle.