How Does 1920s Fashion Continue to Stay Popular?

Fashions of the 1920s

The second decade of the twentieth century is also known as the "Roaring Twenties." This nickname for the fashionable decade captured the carefree lifestyle of the Jazz Age. Young men and women stayed out late and danced the night away, attended lavish parties and were much more free than the youth of previous generations. After World War I ended in 1918, women's fashions became much more masculine. Dresses and skirts were looser and silhouettes boxier. Hemlines also began to rise, revealing the ankle and hovering at calf-length for most of the decade. Around 1926, the quintessentially '20s "flapper look" became extremely popular. This look was characterized by shorter hemlines that rose up to reveal the knee, loose skirts, boxy silhouettes, and a flattened chest. Hairstyles also became shorter, more boyish and often included an embellished headband. Corsets were tossed aside for a less restricting style that also made dancing easier. Cloche hats were often worn by women signifying that they had short hair. Mary Jane buckle strap shoes were often worn. Arms were bared for day and evening, and young women traded in black wool stockings for lighter beige versions that gave the illusion of bare legs.

Popularity in Media

The fashions of the 1920s continue to remain popular thanks in part to the media and the clothing designs of contemporary fashion designers. Period movies about the "Roaring Twenties" continue to fascinate the public, and celebrities such as Nicole Kidman embrace the fashions by donning flapper style dresses and accessories on the red carpet. Popular fashion designers like John Galliano and Betsey Johnson also embrace the unique flapper style of dress in many of their runway shows and collections. When notable designers continue to resurrect older styles, the public takes notice and as a result the styles and fashions of past decades continue to stay popular and fresh in people's minds. The flapper style of dress is also a popular costume choice during Halloween or simply during costume parties. The reason it's so popular among women is because the flapper style is eye-catching, unique and fun. It evokes memories of an exciting era that many women of all ages want to recreate. Dressing in the fashions of the 1920s makes the wearer feel unique, sexy, fun and whimsical.

Dress Like a Flapper

If you want to embrace and try out the fashions of the 1920s for yourself, you can incorporate the styles of the traditional flapper look by wearing some key pieces for your next party or night on the town. The look starts with embroidered stockings paired and undergarments that are more flattening than revealing topped off with a box-cut, knee-length dress that is loose and sleeveless. The dress can be ornately beaded or include sequin, fringe or tassel details. Accessories can include long earrings and necklaces and lots of bracelets. A cloche hat or feathered headband is often worn. Shoes are often Mary Janes with a button-snap closure. Modernize the look with fishnet stockings and stilettos, or keep your hair and makeup more current.

Resources

• 1920s Fashion History