I read this book in galley form -- not a finished published copy -- and was disappointed to see that it was text only without any illustrations. I read the book with my smartphone at my side so I could see what the mentioned dresses and fashions looked like. IF the finished book is illustrated, as indicated in some other reviews & promotional materials, then this is a book worth reading. IF NOT, then it's just like reading a masters' thesis in fashion history, and a bit tedious.

A nice look at the evolution over the last century of women's fashion with the focus on the skirt. From the tiny pleated Grecian gowns to the LBD (little black dress) to sheer sexy nude looks (think Carol Baker or Jennifer Lopez) to Twiggy wearing Mary Quant's mini-dress, all the familiar styles are there with the appropriate historical context. A well researched book, but lacking somewhat in the popular appeal and sometimes a bit dry.

So... 2 stars if not illustrated, 4 if illustrations are included, so 3 stars.

This was a truly eye-opening book. As a history teacher, I was familiar with the basics, but found that I was not aware of how recently women were still mandated or encouraged to wear skirts. As a lover of skirts, this text gave me an appreciation for pants and the women who came before me.

I would absolutely recommend this to students interested in fashion history and feminism.

I received an ARC of Skirts: Fashioning Modern Femininity in the Twentieth Century by Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and this is an interesting look at femininity through garment structure, specifically skirts and skirted garments which have been so rigidly gendered in Western fashion convention, dating back centuries.

The structure of this book is interesting and creative--after a brief introduction, she approaches the path of the evolution of both femininity and associated fashion by devoting a chapter to an iconic silhouette of each decade, roughly aligned with an iconic skirted garment or design associated with the decade in question, beginning with Fortuny's "Delphos" and progressing through the bodycon dresses of the end of the century.

And yet, within each chapter, she explodes the restrictive chronology by detailing how, in actually, the structural conventions and fit/form of whatever her focus is, are actually part of a timeless continuum, pointing out where else throughout history similar/influential fashions appeared.

This book is a really smart, contemporary, and subversively innovative look at a fascinating and timely topic. Highly recommended for anyone interested in deep dives into fashion, gender, and interrogative history.

This is a fascinating book of women’s fashions in the 1900s – like putting headphones on in a museum to listen to the description of the evolution of clothes without the visual images. As one who is “obsessed” with dresses, she examines the decline of skirts.

She presents the reader with ten categories. The Delphos have never gone out of style with its timeless beauty. The Tennis Dress has changed immensely since the 1884 Wimbledon Championships began. The Little Black Dress is loved. A report in Vogue said it perfectly: “a little bit of nothing, yet a masterpiece.” The Wrap Dress was commercially produced in 1933 by the Anglo-American designer Charles James. He said it’s “so easy to put on, you could do it in the back of a taxi.” The Strapless Dress is another name for halter tops in the 1920s. The Bar Suit was outfitted on Barbie dolls. The Naked Dress is skin tight. When Marilyn Monroe sang Happy Birthday to President Kennedy, she was only wearing what looked like rhinestones – 2500 of them. The Miniskirt, The Midi Skirt and The Bodycon Dress is what many of us remember. The book is packed with fashion tidbits. I had no idea that sleeveless dresses were banned from the House of Representatives floor until 2017. In her conclusion, she asked: “Are dresses doomed?”

It’s very well organized and researched, however, I wish some photos or illustrations were included. It was clear to me that the author was elated with all she had to say and could easily extend each section. There’s a great deal to learn from and it would be especially beneficial for those in the fashion industry. However, I wonder why there wasn’t a discussion about the current trend with holes in the jeans. Nevertheless, it’s one that would be fun for book clubs. She said, “Pants aren’t likely to go away, but they were never intended to replace skirts and I hope they never will.” It makes me want to go shopping.

My thanks to Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of September 6, 2022.

What a fascinating book! Skirts traces the shifting roles of women over the twentieth century through the era’s most iconic and influential dresses, such as the Little Black Dress, Bar Suit, Taxi Dress and Popover Dress. The author ties women and their place in the world due to their skirt length - it is historical yet entertaining. As a Women's Studies major, I dove right in and it held my attention the entire time. The book is also not an overwhelming long book, but packs a lot of facts and stories into its pages. The author is clearly well-researched on the subject. I think some pictures or illustrations of the different dresses would be a great update to the book and help the reader get a better visual of the transformation of dresses and skirts over time.

A fascinating look at the differences in fashion, while still holding firm to what has always been - dresses and skirts, and how they continued to evolve and change the face of women's fashion throughout the twentieth century.

This is engaging and thoughtfully organized and written. Skirts could be appreciated by anyone interested in fashion, history, or intriguing nonfiction.



eARC kindly provided by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. Opinions shared are my own.

I read this as an ARC from Netgalley.com.

Skirts: Fashioning Modern Femininity in the Twentieth Century by Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell was a joy to read. I just flew through reading it! The author clearly has a passion for fashion history, but she also covers the social and political climates that affects why and how people wear their clothes.

I had a blast looking up all the examples of different styles and specific dresses mentioned throughout the book. I'd highly recommend this to anyone interested in fashion, of any sort.

This great book links popular culture and historical trends in a truly fascinating way. I was a bit leery looking at the Table of Contents, as it wasn't necessarily organized specifically along a chronology, but it worked well. Chrisman-Campbell takes fashion trends of their times and shows how they both influenced Americans and were influenced by Americans.

There aren't a whole lot of books like this, and that is unfortunate, because it manages to weave a tale about women's advocacy and activism, and showing how we can "zoom in" to see history on an individual level even through the clothing choices that people make. It also helps us understand our current times, in that our debates about acceptable fashion and "wearability" are all over our national discourse.

It also will appeal to the popular reader, someone who may be interested in historical changes, but don't feel like getting bogged down in an esoteric monograph.

This was a wonderful book, much more than I expected from such a narrow topic. This was a fun as well as an enilightening book to read.

I enjoyed learning about early modern women's fashion. Though there were a few times in the book that I was bored.

I really enjoyed this study of the changing styles for women.I completely related to the author I am a skirt wearer love the comfort the beauty of skirts I have very few pairs of pants but am constantly adding skirts to my collection.I had the Dvf wrap dress and other noted pieces,in feminine dress.An excellent look at womens fashion as it evolved as womens place in society grew.Will be recommending. #netgalley#st.martinsbooks

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press!

Skirts: Fashioning Modern Femininity in the Twentieth Century is a fascinating look at the history and politics behind fashion choices, particularly skirts and dresses. The author guides readers through the evolution of styles and notable designers that shaped the twentieth century. The book covers ten of the most popular and revolutionary looks. The author also discusses some of the politics behind skirt lengths and some of the more shocking concepts.

While this book is not comprehensive enough to include every style of the twentieth century it is a great reference for the most influential designs. It is well organized and informative. I do wish that the author had included more pictures or photographs for reference. If a reader is not already familiar with a particular style it may be difficult to discern from just the text.

I do think this book would be a helpful volume for someone studying fashion history or anyone with interest in fashion history.

Skirts: Fashioning Modern Femininity in the Twentieth Century by Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell is a great historical account of the presence, evolution, and inspirations of the skirt/dress mainly in the 20th century. Fascinating.

It was very enlightening and fascinating to read the different faces and changes associated with the dress/skirt concept in the modern history. It discusses the societal shifts associated that helped bring each of the alterations and also what happened secondary to said changes.

I enjoyed all of the different examples the author gave, and she clearly has an interest and passion in this subject. Well researched.
I would have liked visual aids for reference as well, though.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/6/22.