What was the fashion in 1916?

Answer 1

1916 was right in the middle of World War I. Women's clothing was undergoing an incredible revolution during this time period.

Paul Poiret's "harem" look, introduced around 1909, brought in loose garments, trousers for women (shocking!), and a myriad of Asian influences. These quickly gained popularity with women who were used to the restriction and suffocation of corsets, petticoats, and cumbersome hats dripping with decorations. Combined with the practical mentality of a war, these lead to the styles that would eventually become the 1920s flapper.

The mid-1910s were marked by a natural waist, usually with a wide belt, an a-line or full skirt falling to the ankles, and 1/2 or full sleeves for day. Both dresses and separates were worn, blouses and jackets often featured a peplum.

Shoes were worn with a 1-2" Louis (flared) Heel.

Hair was worn long, in curls and was generally put into an up-do by most adult women. Hairstyles varied, but were generally worn closer to the head, influenced by Regency and the Classical hairstyles of Ancient Greece. Hats were quickly becoming smaller on the whole. Though wide brims were still seen from time to time, generally hats were less decorated and flamboyant than they had been before the war.

Evening gowns followed the styles of day-wear, but were known to be sometimes worn without sleeves. Evening frocks often featured layers of lace or chiffon, as well as ruffles or ribbons.

Men's fashion didn't change much in this period. The three-piece suit was the norm, except that jackets became shorter and the tail-coat was falling slowly out of vogue with younger crowds.

Answer 2

You can Google "fashion 1916" and get a fair amount of responses http://www.marquise.de/en/1900/pics/1910/1910c.shtml