Formal attire, commonly referred to as formalwear or formal dress, has a long and illustrious history. Formal clothing has changed over time in response to social and cultural shifts, as well as the influence of fashion trends and etiquette rules. Here is a synopsis of formal attire’s history:
During 18th and 19th Centuries, the formal clothing category began to emerge. The three-piece suit, which consisted of a coat, waistcoat, and breeches for men’s formal wear, later gave way to the modern suit with pants. Women wore extravagant costumes with enormous skirts, frequently with corsets and elaborate hairstyles, throughout this era. More stiff and structured fashions were adopted during the Victorian era in the 19th century, when ladies wore bustles, crinolines, and tightly laced bodices.
Formal clothing saw considerable alterations in the 20th century. The dinner jacket gained appeal as a formal evening choice, and men’s formalwear became more streamlined and fitted. Simpler, more fluid shapes became more prevalent in women’s fashion, and the little black dress rose to become a classic piece for formal occasions. Cocktail dresses, which were shorter and less formal than typical evening gowns, became increasingly popular in the middle of the 20th century.
The formal dress during the Renaissance and Baroque periods noticed considerable alterations. With the introduction of sumptuous fabrics, extravagant decorations, and voluminous silhouettes, fashion became increasingly complex and luxurious. While women wore elaborate gowns with corsets, farthingales, and elaborate hairstyles, males wore clothing like doublets, breeches, and ruffs.