In Europe and America before World War II, women were not allowed to wear trousers, but only skirts. Therefore, in European oil paintings, most women wear skirts.
In fact, before World War II, European and American women were not allowed to wear trousers, but only skirts, which was a reflection of a custom, because traditional customs thought that wearing a ponytail and a skirt was a symbol of women. If men wear ponytails, or women wear pants, this is an unacceptable embodiment before World War II.
In Europe and America before World War II, traditional forces had a strong influence on Europe and America, and the women's liberation movement was far from comparable after World War II. Therefore, for women, only skirts can be worn. Since it is a tradition, there is no need to question it. Even if some women want to challenge tradition, they will give up because of strong traditional forces. All this changed with the outbreak of World War II.