After World War I ended in 1918, an enthusiastic and prosperous America celebrated with a new approach to music, dance and of course fashion. As of 1920 women were working, voting, and gaining a new independence that was largely reflected in the clothing they wore.
actress, Louise Brooks
A Shift in Style
Prior to this shift in style, women wore conservative dresses that revealed little. However since this social revolution, women’s dresses became shorter, looser and easier to move in. The popular and shapeless low–waisted chemise style we picture flappers wearing was perfect for dancing the Charleston. Of course it was the young and vibrant who embraced this new style, ditching their corsets and knickers and wearing undergarments meant to flatten their chests. While we started to see legs for the first time, curves were out of style and the boy body was all the rage! The bob hair style, cloche hat and mary jane shoes were popular styles worn with this loose- fitting fashion.
Class lines also blurred and for the first time the rich weren’t the only ones to explore high style. The shift shape of this popular dress was easier to make at home and therefore available to women of all economic statuses.
typical chemise style of the 1920s
Back to Basics
As often happens when times get tough, after the stock market crash women looked to tradition and familiarity in their style choices. With a more conservative lifestyle came a more feminine approach to fashion - curves were back and emphasized by shoulder pads and cinched waistlines. Ready to wear style made its way on the scene as more and more women needed to work and appropriate clothing was necessary. Suits were popular and sweater sets were introduced. Women grew their hair out, wore smaller hats that revealed their faces, and donned chunkier shoes that made it easier to walk.
fashion designer, Coco Chanel
Hollywood Influence
Of course evening wear never went away and the influence of movies encouraged women to go for ultra glamour! Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Vivienne Leigh and Lauren Bacall quickly became style icons. Metallic fabrics and sequins also made its way onto the evening scene.
actress, Lauren Bacall
That Barbecue Dress
Vivienne Lee's character, Scarlett O'Hara wore this green and white "barbecue dress" in the epic movie, Gone with the Wind. Designed by Water Plunkett, this dress was the most copied in movie history. It was reproduced in many different fabrics and price points.
actress, Vivienne Leigh
Get the Look
You don't have to look like you're wearing a Halloween costume to get a twenties look. Look for chemise or shift dresses that are straight and not fitted. Dropped waists and sequins or beaded accents add to this retro look. Of course a cloche hat and maryjane shoes are perfect fall accessories. Here are some of our favorites:
As we said, one of the reasons 20's style was so innovative is that no matter how much money you had you could attain fabulous fashion! So in honor of those of us on a budget, here are our favorite saves!
Check out our incredible slideshow on architecture from the 1920s and 30s. And for more quotes, personalities and influential events from this period in time, go to the Fox Fan page!
After World War I ended in 1918, an enthusiastic and prosperous America celebrated with a new approach to music, dance and of course fashion. As of 1920 women were working, voting, and gaining a new independence that was largely reflected in the clothing they wore.
