THE239 History of Western Fashion (Varga)

Good research starts with lots of open-ended questions, so generate several to start! For example I might be interested in clothing and dress among the Amish. I might start by asking

What kinds of garments are worn? What are their histories? Who makes them?

How do forms of dress among the Amish intersect with religious and cultural practices? How do age, gender, and other factors influence dress?

Are there certain local or regional forms of dress? Have events or technologies affected change in forms of dress?

This initial research will help me generate key terms that I can then take to reference books, Worldcat, and article databases to find specific sources:

After searching key terms you might find yourself generating additional questions and starting the process anew!

Reference Sources, especially the Encyclopedia of World Dress, are a great place to start. Come to the Library's print Reference Collection and search this set by region or specific types of garments. You will find a bibliography of other books and articles at the end of each entry - these may be useful sources for you!

In-depth (Stacks) Books will help you deepen your questions and gain greater contextual understanding. Use Worldcat to locate and request titles we don't have at New Paltz through Interlibrary Loan, or explore what we have right here in our library.

Article Databases will provide the most specific or granular level of research. If you want to know more about a specific garment or cultural practice, you may find an article on it in JSTOR, Academic Search Complete, or Art & Architecture Complete. 

You can always visit, call, text, or e-mail a librarian for assistance. 

Dress, Evening (Ball Gown), American, ca. 1820 Accessed through ARTstor