Final answer:
The 'casual fashion' trend was spurred by government restrictions on clothing during World War II, which necessitated more practical garments due to fabric rationing and women's new roles in the workforce. Post-war, there was a continuation and broadening of this trend towards practicality, influenced by flapper fashion of the 1920s and the women's liberation movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Influencing the 'Casual Fashion' Trend
One of the key factors that spurred the 'casual fashion' trend was the government's restrictions on clothing during World War II. Due to fabric rationing for the war effort, women adopted more practical and less constrictive clothing out of necessity. This shift coincided with women entering the workforce in new roles, which required more functional attire. Post-war, there was a move towards femininity, but it was grounded in comfort and practicality, in part due to the economic and societal changes brought by the war. These clothing styles were more affordable and available due to advances in manufacturing and were popularized by mass production and department stores.
Additionally, with the rise of flapper fashion in the 1920s, there was a trend toward simpler and more practical attire, a trend accelerated by resource needs during the war. The 'flapper' look with shorter skirts and hairstyles embodied a rejection of traditional feminine attire and supported the new confident and liberated role women were embracing. The women's liberation movement also played a role in changing fashion, as social and political gains were mirrored in the freedom of dress and the expression of new forms of social engagement like jazz and dance.