Fashion in the last two years of the 1910s began to transition towards the style of the archetypical 1920s straight silhouette. Following the war, the silhouette became slimmer by widening the waist and narrowing skirts, creating a barrel shape. Some wartime styles persisted through the last few years of the decade and into the 1920s with a few adjustments, such as the jumper-blouse with a skirt or suit. As women’s daily clothing continued on with the trend of comfort and practicality, extravagance slowly returned to evening wear, bringing back bright colors and ornamental decorations.

With the start of World War I in 1914, the need for practicality and mobility in clothing was amplified, and popular fashions eventually mirrored military styles. Even before the entrance of the United States into the war, Americans adopted militaresque styles due to the ongoing influence of European fashion. The hallmark of women’s clothing from 1915 to 1918 was the blouse paired with a shorter and wider skirt or suit that incorporated masculine and militaresque design elements, such as darker colors and khaki, pockets, uniform-like jackets, and braided trim.

In the 1910s, women were becoming more active in their lifestyle, and their clothing reflected it. An increasing number of women were working outside the home in positions like mill workers or office clerks, joining women’s clubs, participating in sports, and campaigning for various reform movements. These changes, along with the popularity of the automobile, prompted the form-changing silhouettes and restrictive styles of previous decades to fall out of fashion, while more comfortable and practical clothing replaced them.

Throughout the decade, much of American fashion was influenced by couture from abroad with Paul Poiret and Fortuny lording over the industry above all others. Both designers found inspiration through the growth of cross-cultural connections, art movements, and previous historical periods. Poiret, a French couturier, focused his designs on freedom of movement – apart from his famous hobble skirt – which were heavily inspired by the continuing interest in Orientalism and art nouveau.

The Edwardian era from 1901 to 1914 was a tumultuous period in the United States as life in urban and rural areas was affected by modernization and social reform, followed by the First World War. The first couple of decades were especially prosperous for Kansans. After a significant economic downturn and exodus in the 1890s, there was an exponential boom in the economy and population. Kansas became increasingly connected with the rest of the country through greater circulation of magazines and newspapers, as well as technology.