Ruth True's afternoon suit, ca. 1920

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Ruth True's afternoon suit, ca. 1920

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Description

This navy blue, gabardine two-piece suit, which once belong to Mrs. Ruth True of Portland, is reminiscent of World War I fashion. By 1915, women's fashions featured military and wartime influences as seen here in the peplum jacket design. This styling reflects the uniform jackets and skirts worn by women who served in the war effort.

The back of the fashionable, peplum style jacket features an elaborate, high quality, braided detailing. Originally, the suit skirt was likely flared and above-ankle in length. The suit is lined in silk. The white collar (blouse), shown, is not original to the suit.

By 1919-1920, wartime flared skirts made way for the incoming slimmer skirt styles. This skirt was probably altered into the new straight style. Evidence of such alterations include a significantly altered, but not finished off, waistline. Despite the alterations, the suit dates from the period between 1916 and 1920.

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About This Item

  • Title: Ruth True's afternoon suit, ca. 1920
  • Creation Date: circa 1920
  • Subject Date: circa 1920
  • Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
  • Media: Wool, silk
  • Local Code: 1993.300.458 a,b
  • Collection: Costume collection
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.

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