Flapper Fashion of the 1920's

 This week I thought I would do a post on the fabulous fashion worn by flappers in the mid to late 1920's!

Flappers? What nonsense is this?!

A flapper was a young lady in the 1920's whose intent was more on enjoying herself than it was on following acceptable behaviors of the time. Flappers were thought to be rebels and to have loose morals as it was that they were often enjoying a sip of alcohol at a speakeasy whilst showing off their skin.

During this time, prohibition was in effect causing many speakeasies to open. Speakeasies were secret clubs or bars that served alcohol illegally. Because the government was infringing on the peoples' right to drink, rebellions broke out. And what is more rebellious than a lady showing her legs, wearing excessive amounts makeup, and dancing risque?

The silhouette changed drastically from the S figure that was carried over from the Victorian Era to a more flat and straight figure. This was to create more of a boyish look because women that were rebelling also wanted to prove that men were not the dominant sex.

 Short hairstyles were also used to create the boyish look. This shook the fashion world during this time. Previously, women wore their hair quite long and long hair was a sort of symbol of being a lady, but women were rebelling against all traditions and society's beliefs.

Hats, caps, and headbands would be worn to tuck long hair under to create that desired boyish look.

                             

 

 Although the boyish look was so coveted, women still wanted to be glamorous and would wear heavy makeup and powders with deep red lips.

And of course, pearls! The signature jewelry of flappers.

Last but not least, the shoes! Because flappers would dance the nights away, their shoes would usually have a strap or buckle to keep them from slipping off. The height of the heel was rarely over 3 - 3 1/2 inches, not that it was really much of a concern. :)

               

 

                

 

 While we're on the subject of prohibition, here's a fun fact; in the fabulous movie It's A Wonderful Life, in 1928 when Harry was off to his graduation party his father stopped him and said, "No gin tonight, son! Not one drop!" This is peculiar because prohibition lasted from 1920 to 1933 and it was in 1928 that Mr. Bailey said this. Interesting...

Well, I hope you enjoyed this post and were able to learn something new!

Thanks for reading!