Collected From a Number of Fashion Plates, These Images Illustrate Women’s Fashion in Every Year From 1784 to 1970

Shown here is a timeline of women’s high fashion from 1784 to 1970, focusing entirely on trends in Europe and North America.

Meticulously compiled using a number of historic fashion plates, this timeline showcases the many shifts in styles that occurred in women’s fashion over the course of nearly 200 years, from 1784 to 1970.

While fashion illustrations may not be as widely created or used today, some contemporary artists continue to keep the craft alive with their dazzling designs and dedication to documenting today’s styles.