A New Chapter in Fashion History!

The year 1920 is marked as a turning point in the world of fashion. 1910 saw the silhouette rise to prominence, which was much more fluid and soft. But it was the 1920’s when fashion truly entered a modern era. Two distinctive styles characterize the 1920s; the first was relatively conservative in nature and it was only in the second half that changes started to take root.

The ‘Golden Age’ commenced with the end of World War l, and this had a great impact on all socio-cultural aspects of society including fashion. Men were busy with the war, giving women the opportunity to get out in the world as professionals. Obviously, gowns weren’t the best options for the workplace so their outfit changed to accommodate comfort. Women stared wearing pleated skirts with slits to allow movements. Women also started wearing loose pant suits that were called ‘pajama suits’.

The 1920s was filled with lively colors; designers included colors in every article of clothing. The burgeoning entertainment industry influenced the era in a major way, and Vogue magazine was also started in the 20s. Corsets became a thing of the past, while silhouettes for this decade became loose and shapeless with lighter fabrics taking center stage.

A new class of women known as ‘The Flappers’ emerged, changing women’s fashion dramatically in this era. Flappers were known to dance to jazz music, drank, smoked and had casual relationships. 

             

                                

Women cut their hair into a bob, which inspired hats that were smaller and more fitted. Hats were as colorful as the outfits themselves.

           

                                      

After hats, purses and handbags were the favored accessories. In fact, they were considered ‘eye-candy’. They came with beautiful beading and in materials like silk. Women would make one, if they were unable to afford it. In Jewelry pins and brooches were popular as they would stylishly hold clothes together.

Bathing suits made a very controversial entry during this time. They were initially very unflattering and uncomfortable, but the mid 20s saw swimsuits gain a new identity by way of form-fitting suits and vibrant colors.

Men’s fashion saw a fair few changes during the decade. Suits became slimmer with wide legged trousers, while short suit jackets were preferred and the long jacket from the previous decade was donned solely on formal occasions. V-neck sweaters with white trousers became famous. During the mid 20s, men went for shirts with attached collars, which when compared to detachable collars were much softer.  

The 1920s was packed with more fashion trends than any amount of words could suffice for. The vibrancy and liveliness of the decade are not going to end here. There is way too much to talk about, and this is just the start!