Fashionable Women of the Early 1900's

In the beginning of the 1900's, women's fashion continued the long, elegant lines of the late 1800's. The hourglass shape became popular again and the necklines of women's tops were supported by very high boned collars. Women's skirts were long enough to brush the floor. They often had a train on evening and day dresses. A new, columnar silhouette introduced by the designers in Paris late in the decade signaled the approaching abandonment of the corset as an indespensible gramet of fashionable women.

In a more social perspective, desginers sent fashion models to the Longchamp races wearing the latest styles. The women would show off the newest designs, hoping to develop some business out in the public. The new styles featured form-fitting gowns with high or undefined waists. Ankle-length skirts and long tunic-like jackets were worn which required a different "straight line" corset.
Huge, broadbrimmed hate were worn in mid-decade to accessorize their attire.They were trimmed with mases of feathers and occasionally complete stuffed birds or decorated with ribbons and artificial flowers. Masses of wavy hair were fashionable.

Website link:

http://fashion.about.com/od/historycostumes/Fashion_History.htm