About '20s Costumes for Women
The 1920s were a revolutionary time in many ways, including in the fashion world. The modesty displayed by earlier generations began to make way for more revealing styles, which were enhanced by over-the-top accessories like boas, feathers and fringe. The early '20s saw long, cylindrical skirts that fell 7 to 10 inches below the knee, but by the mid-'20s, flapper fashion took over.
History
The Roaring Twenties, as they were known, were a time of great change in the United States. The middle class was up and coming, women were granted the right to vote, and prohibition made its debut. Automobiles made travel less difficult, and new electric appliances gave families more free time. The social and economic changes were tremendous, and fashion of the time reflected this.
Identification
When most people think of fashion from the '20s, flappers come to mind. While flappers were definitely a significant influence, they didn't actually surface until around 1926. Flappers of the '20s were fashion forward---they wore short, slick hairdos, short shift dresses and beautiful costume jewelry. A flapper was likely to be seen smoking a cigarette from a decorated cigarette holder, applying makeup in public and dancing the night away in a jazz club.
Features
Evening wear in the '20s was different than everyday clothes. Women who skipped the flapper trend were likely to be seen wearing luxurious silk gowns, embellished with intricate beading. Designed to promote movement in dancing, these dresses were most often below the knee. The asymmetric hemline was popular, and gowns featured embellishments that might include trains and sashes. Evening wear in the '20s didn't include hats for women very often, but striking and intricate hair combs were worn by many.
Significance
Before the '20s, high-style looks could only be completed by the rich and famous---but since shift dresses could be sewed at home, anyone could stay up to date. Butterick sewing patterns made it simple for even an unskilled seamstress to make a stylish outfit. The '20s are the first recorded era in which "high style" could be attained by almost anyone, and in which the fashion stereotype of the decade could have been worn by any average Jane.
Misconceptions
One major misconception about style in the '20s is that skirts were micro-mini short. In reality, it wasn't until the '60s that this style surfaced. Dress and coat lengths were primarily around mid-calf for most of the '20s, but from about 1926 to 1928, daring flappers showed their knees in their day wear and evening gowns. This misconception is likely fueled by the popular "moving picture" film of some especially audacious flappers doing the Charleston, knees peeking out from their gowns.
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