- The Edwardian silhouette is often described as an S-Curve. Corsets changed during this period, allowing more space at the front of the body, but less at the sides of the waist. The overall shape was wasp-waisted with a monobosom or pigeon chested effect at the bust.
- One of the biggest changes in fashion silhouettes was in the 1920s. The wasp-waisted and matronly look of the Edwardian era was replaced by a clean, rectangular shape with no bust, waist or hip definition. Drop waists, soft fluid fabrics and breast binding were typical to achieve the silhouette of the roaring '20s.
- Silhouettes of the 1930s and 40s were relatively similar. Shoulders were strong and there was clear waist definition in both casual and more formal wear. Clothing fit closer to the body, in part due to fabric rationing in the war years. The body was not exaggerated by these fashion silhouettes and they worked well with many body types, unlike the boyish figure of the 1920s.
- The end of World War II brought about a new fashion silhouette. The waist was tiny, thanks to shapers and girdles and skirts were full, with crinolines adding to their fullness. The bullet or cone bra and fitted tops and sweaters completed this overall look. This is the stereotypical 1950s fashion silhouette.
- The straight shifts made famous by Jackie Kennedy represent the most familiar silhouette of the 1960s and the broad shoulders of power suits remind many of us of the 1980s, but these are not the only or even the primary fashions of the time. While fashion magazines from the 1960s onward have occasionally hailed a fashion silhouette as representative of the year or decade, changes in style and undergarments have made fashion more variable and less about set shapes or silhouettes.
