The 1920s were a decade of change, through which the radical social changes were reflected in fashion. Much like the 1940s, as determined by the conclusive effects of the war, the 1920s had many changes that actually happened after the First World War. Indeed, the impact of this war on fashion was immense, with women beginning to dress in a more practical and comfortable mode, shedding the tight corsets that dominated the earlier decades. The 1920s vintage clothing is totally different from the previous ones; this was the birth of the modern era, one that incorporated a new idea of self-expression rather than plain old status.

The beginnings

The 1920s were an exciting time for cultural movements across Western cites. In London, high society had its “bright young things.” In New Orleans, a soulful jazz scene was burgeoning. Despite all the somber effects of the First World War and the Spanish Flu, this decade emerged to be both prosperous and transformational, especially for the 1920s vintage clothing. In 1919, women got the right to vote, and the post-war years brought an inflow of energy that created the fashion of the time. Known as the ‘Roaring Twenties’, this was an era marked by a whirlwind of change and innovation, especially so in regard to fashion.

The fashion of the 1920s was a truly useful means of reflecting the newfound freedom women had. It was because of the war that women were exposed to many avenues that went outside conventional roles in the homes. The place saw hallmark features, which included higher hemlines, flatter silhouettes, and a stronger notion of youthfulness and comfort. The shunning of curvatures, leaning more toward simpler yet practical styles, marked a turn away from past opulence.

Different styles of the 1920s vintage clothing

Here are some of the 1920’s vintage clothing styles that you might find interesting even today. You may also use some of these ideas to influence your everyday  casual or party looks.

1920s vintage clothing style #1 

One of the most iconic symbols of this era was the flapper—a figure showing in her attire and character the free spirit and rebellious nature of the 1920s. Flappers were characterized by their risky, provocative attire; short hair, high hemlines, and face makeup were indicative. Heavily beaded and adorned dresses were worn with plunging necklines, but there was no real single look that defined the flapper style. Indeed, it was a very diverse movement showing many appearances signifying individuality and freedom.

1920s vintage clothing style #2

Coco Chanel was an avant-garde icon of the 1920s who broke norms with her proto designs. Chanel’s adoption of trousers, short haircut, and her disregard for the corset revolutionized women’s fashion. At the end of the 1920s, she created the delineation of a modern woman’s attire with her famous three-piece ensemble: a skirt with pleats, jumper cinched at the waist, and a jacket turned out loose and sloppy. Not only did Chanel popularize the classic little black dress, but she also embellished it with jewelry which seemed oversized in costume form.

Coco Chanel’s contribution to fashion was not only the introduction of the “little black dress.” Other creations included a sailor blouse and straight, loose-fitting dresses. Her classic connotation, the Chanel suit, didn’t come until the 1950s. The concept of fashion during the 1920s, which introduced the “garçonne” look, melded masculine and feminine characteristics. Inspiration of the “garçonne” came from the novel “La Garçonne” by Victor Margueritte in 1922.

1920s vintage clothing style #3

Art Deco, an artistic movement popularized concurrently with the fashions of the 1920s, gave a particular flavor to the times. Its vivid prints and geometric patterns go so well with the minimalist silhouette that 1920s vintage clothing exudes, thereby enhancing each other.

In the 1920s, dress lengths were really unpredictable. They were first shortened as a result of wartime material restrictions, then by 1923 they had reached ankle length. By 1928, this changed once more and hemlines rose as high as knee length. To increase the difficulty of garments and try to prevent mass copying, designers during this time resorted to methods like inserting godets and flounce panels and using intricate cutting.

1920s vintage clothing style #4

In the post-war period, an emerging interest in beauty and opulence appeared. In order to shine and glitter on special nights, festive flapper dresses and long evening gowns, very long as in the Gatsby style of the 1920s, became popular. These garments were made from luxurious materials and embellished with sparkling rhinestones, pearls, gold and silver embroidery, and fringes to make a proper impression. Cloche hats, headbands, and headdresses were lavishly decorated with rhinestones, sequins, pearls, and feathers to adorn the freshly bobbed hair.

Vintage styling tips:1920s edition

• To pull off the ultimate ’20s look, consider these top three tips: Foundation Garments To achieve a true ’20s look, avoid thinking about outlining the waistline with waspies or corsets; instead, go for soft, simple underwear that will create the line but without the padding of today’s undergarments.
• Accessories comprise refined cloche hats, long and short gloves, exquisite jewelry. Faux fur added to luxury although the 1920s vintage clothing and style also used vintage pieces.
• Hair and Hats: One of the really indefinable articles of the 1920s was, of course, the bobbed hairstyle. While trying to reproduce this today may seem just a little daunting, there are some really resourceful ways to help pull off the look with panache. Continue for the full scoop on how to do 1920s hairstyles to really get into character.

As you explore these aspects of 1920s fashion, you will better be able to grasp the spirit that made this decade of change an era of great celebration, one which married freedom and style in one potent fusion.

Final takeaway-

The 1920s were certainly a revolutionary time for women’s fashion. For the very first time, women venture outdoors sans their corsets, and some even had the nerve to sport trousers. Hemlines crept up to show a rather risqué amount of leg, thus creating the flapper. Material restrictions following World War I helped the shorter styles along, but the new fashion of the 1920s granted women freedom and comfort to which they had never been accustomed.

The Hollywood heroines Greta Garbo and Fay Wray, the Bohemians like Zelda Fitzgerald, silent movie stars Pola Negri and Gloria Swanson, and dancer Josephine Baker were the style icons during those times.

At Peggy Sue Vintage, there are all sorts of Twenties’ attire, from flapper dresses to garçonne designs. Beautiful vintage-inspired pieces hark back to that era with the timelessness of Coco Chanel’s elegance, the glamor of Gatsby, and the vibrant fashions their contemporaries created. The sophistication and poise of the Roaring Twenties or the bold, daring lines of the garçonne look can be found in our line catering to every buff of 1920s vintage clothing and fashion.