The Roaring 20s
This decade was full of life and liberty. The end of WWI meant the beginning of a new found sense of freedom which was reflected in an American’s everyday life. Everything became more free and expressive. Jazz and bold art was born with this freedom. Women especially took advantage of this freedom. Their clothing definitely reflected it. Vibrant colors, unique textures, and patterns were not uncommon. Flapper dresses were a must. These dresses had no shape but lots of life. These dresses were often decorated with extravagant patterns and things hanging from the dress that would bring the dress to life whenever the woman danced, especially to jazz. The length of dresses and skirts became shorter once again. And now that shoes and stockings were actually visible, they became important articles of clothing too. Women wore bright-colored or patterned stockings to accent their outfit. During this time, mass production of clothing became more common. The “bob” haircut became popular again and hats were simple and fitted to the head.
This new fashion also reflected the new definition of womanhood. A more liberal and casual woman was made. It became more acceptable to be less “lady-like” which meant smoking and drinking in public was ok, more body contact during dancing was ok, and other things not accepted before began to become a new norm.
Men’s suits became narrower and they wore their slacks short so that their socks could be seen slightly. By mid-decade, “Oxford Bags” which were wider slacks became popular. Loose-fitting sleeves also became common during this time.
This new fashion also reflected the new definition of womanhood. A more liberal and casual woman was made. It became more acceptable to be less “lady-like” which meant smoking and drinking in public was ok, more body contact during dancing was ok, and other things not accepted before began to become a new norm.
Men’s suits became narrower and they wore their slacks short so that their socks could be seen slightly. By mid-decade, “Oxford Bags” which were wider slacks became popular. Loose-fitting sleeves also became common during this time.
The 30's
The fashions at the beginning of this decade changed subtly as there was nothing major that occurred in the country to really impact the lives of average Americans, but what happened towards the end of the decade changed every aspect of life dramatically. Stockings, still popular among women, were now being made of nylon and other man-made materials like rayon were beginning to be more commonly used to make certain articles of clothing. During this time zippers, in both men’s and women’s clothing became mainstream as well as shoulder pads. Another fashion statement that became popular among the people was tans and beach clothing.
Clothing was also largely influenced by a new creation. Movies and cinemas. People began to mimic the clothing worn by the celebrities who appeared in the movies. What was seen in cinemas would become the new trend. It influenced what people wore and how they wore it.
Women’s clothing began to become slightly more defined. Instead of the loose fitting flapper dresses, dresses were made with a defined waist and the length of the average dress reached mid-calf. Full, round skirts also became common. Gloves were necessary accessories for any time of the day. Shorter length gloves were used during the daytime while elbow-length gloves were used during formal occasions. It was popular to accent an outfit with matching, bold-colored accessories.
Towards the end of the decade, World War II began and with it, a new era.
Clothing was also largely influenced by a new creation. Movies and cinemas. People began to mimic the clothing worn by the celebrities who appeared in the movies. What was seen in cinemas would become the new trend. It influenced what people wore and how they wore it.
Women’s clothing began to become slightly more defined. Instead of the loose fitting flapper dresses, dresses were made with a defined waist and the length of the average dress reached mid-calf. Full, round skirts also became common. Gloves were necessary accessories for any time of the day. Shorter length gloves were used during the daytime while elbow-length gloves were used during formal occasions. It was popular to accent an outfit with matching, bold-colored accessories.
Towards the end of the decade, World War II began and with it, a new era.