The 1890s marked a transitional period, as women’s roles in society began to evolve. The rise of women’s suffrage movements and changing work opportunities led to gradual shifts in fashion. Practical clothing, such as shirtwaists (blouses) paired with simpler skirts, became more common, laying the groundwork for the freer, less restrictive styles of the early 20th century. This period serves as a fascinating reflection of the complexities of Canadian life in the late 19th century—balancing tradition with the subtle stirrings of change that would shape the future of women’s fashion and societal roles.
