| Girls dresses have gone through many | | | | girls dresses. Drop waist dresses often featured wide |
| transformations throughout history. They have often | | | | sashes and square collars. These dresses are popular |
| reflected the feelings and thoughts of the times. | | | | dresses today for special occasions. |
| Hundreds of years ago, children were not considered | | | | Around the beginning of the 20th century, the classic |
| innocent babes. Rather they were viewed as | | | | in girls dresses, the yoke dress, became popular. |
| miniature adults, and as such, were dressed like | | | | Yoke dresses featured fitted shoulders and sleeves |
| adults. Uncomfortable miniature versions of adult | | | | but flowed from the chest down to usually just |
| clothing, or tight fitting, swaddling clothing meant to | | | | above the knee in a loose skirt. This style enabled |
| confine children so adults could work were the norm | | | | dresses to remain comfortable so girls could run and |
| during the 1400s and even well into the 18th century. | | | | jump and play without being restricted by their |
| By the 18th century, however, it was believed that | | | | clothing. Although modified, the yoke dress is the |
| children were indeed not like adults, and full of sinful | | | | model for most dresses designed for play even |
| thoughts and desires. Instead, it was believed that | | | | today. |
| children were innocent and creatures of nature. | | | | Special occasion dresses of the era often featured |
| Outdoor play was encouraged and the empire dress | | | | drop waist cotton dresses with skirts above the |
| was born. With girls dresses in empire styles, little girls | | | | knees. Tiny pleats and embroidery on the skirts were |
| and big alike were able to run and play will still | | | | popular as were big bows in the hair and Mary Jane |
| retaining some form of modesty. In fact, the empire | | | | shoes to complete the look. |
| style is still a very popular style of dress even today. | | | | Flapper dresses as well as shirtwaist girl's dresses |
| The Victorian era's elaborate style of clothing was | | | | became popular about this time too. These tunic |
| ushered in by the 19th century. The increased | | | | dresses were comfortable for girls. Embellishments |
| affluence of the middle classes meant they could | | | | such as beads enabled these styles to be dressed up |
| afford more options when it came to fancy dresses. | | | | for special occasions. Rompers or bloomer dresses |
| Thus came the uncomfortable finery in girl's dresses. | | | | also came out around this period of time. These |
| Tight bodices with corsets, leg o' mutton sleeves or | | | | were short styles as well, with bloomers underneath |
| gigots, and lots of crinolines were popular during this | | | | for modesty. |
| time. | | | | Many of these styles of dresses are still evident |
| Although beautiful, girls dresses in the Victorian era | | | | today, although often modified to reflect today's |
| were difficult to live and play in. Early women's rights | | | | tastes and trends. Many times embellishments such |
| pioneers railed against this senselessness, and as a | | | | as beads, sparkles, bows, or ribbons are added. Bright |
| result, bloomers were introduced by Amelia Bloomer. | | | | colors, multiple colors or pastels all offer a way to |
| Bloomer, the predecessor to pants, remains a popular | | | | modify dress styles to fit the demand. |
| addition to dresses today. | | | | Accessories such as purses, jewelry, hats, gloves, |
| Eventually, in the mid to late 19th century, the | | | | bows and the like can do much to add personality to |
| formality of the Victorian era gave way to a more | | | | dresses. Such additions can also allow girls dresses to |
| relaxed era of fashion. Bodices over slips, and with | | | | reflect the individual style of the wearer while |
| ruffles at the skirt were popular as were drop waist | | | | encouraging her creativity and playfulness. |