In the media, makeup was still being talked about as a bad thing, yet the majority of young and middle-aged women were wearing at least face powder on a daily basis. Face lotions, potions and skin treatments were being marketed to correct skin imperfections, while makeup was seen as a tool to accent natural beauty — not cover up problems. The first two years of the 1920s reflected the same fashion as the late Edwardian period with a natural waistline, full sleeves, and ankle length dresses. Fashions were easy to wear, pretty, and feminine.

Many historians say the ’20s flat chested look was inspired by young boys (La Garcone), yet if you look at 1910s girl’s clothing, you will see drop-waist dresses in the same styles that were made for women after 1922. 1920s women for all ages and sizes embraced these youthful girly looks and genderless identities that enabled them to live in a care-free manner, pursuing new hobbies and opening new doors for women’s rights. Budget: Choose classic fit pants in bold patterns, tweed or linen and pair with suspenders/belt and/or a vest. How to Dress like a 1920s Flapper– Love the iconic flapper girl costume? Read this article for tips on staying authentic yet fun! Something that stands out to me about vintage fashion prior to the ’60s is how often wealthy men and women changed clothing in one day. There was an outfit for every time of day, every type of outing, and every type of party. Add to that specific types of clothing for your age, class, and occupation, and you have one huge wardrobe!

Shop 1920s Men’s Fashion Clothing

Arm Bands– Also were worn by most men, but are iconic for bartenders, bankers, and musicians to keep shirt sleeves out of the way. Ten 1920s Outfit ideas– Looks inspired by the 1920s costumes in the Downton Abbey TV series. Day, sporty, summer and winter looks. How to dress like a 1920s flapper– Love the iconic flapper girl costume? Read this article for tips on staying authentic yet fun!

Vintage gloves were also a protection from disease. Contagious disease was the ruin of lower and middle class families. Upper classes feared catching an illness when out in public. Even with gloves on, there was very little touch involved, including close family members. Wearing gloves even to greet one’s guests at home served as protection from the outside world. The Roaring Twenties were a golden era of fashion. WWI left women desiring a simple, comfortable lifestyle and a fashion style that reflected the new modern age, where young women outnumbered the older Edwardian generation. 1920s fashion was made for by the young and free spirited youth who discarded their corsets and showed off their jazz dancing legs. A woman’s long hair, what had been for centuries her pride and joy, was now meeting cutting shears for the first time. The new look was the bob cut. Short, ear length curly hair in the early years gave way to smooth finger waved styles by 1930. Casual/work: Historical Emporium carries early 20s style trousers with suspender buttons already sewn in. Feather boa, beaded cape, fur stole, or fringe shawl covered shoulders in a dramatic way. Shop them here.

1920s House Dresses

Tips for your pants: Get a pair of high waisted pants and you are half way to a 1920s look. Have a tailor sew on buttons and cuff your trousers for the most accuracy. Read 10 easy 1920s costume ideas that can be put together from things you already own. Day and evening dresses, casual clothing, gangster girls, garden party, DIY, thrifted and more. Avoid open-toe sandals or wedge heels if you want to be authentic. 1920s shoes had a mid-heel that was sturdy, not too thin, and came with straps — one, two or many.

Authentic: A pair of reproduction 1920s trousers will be your best option. Have them hemmed and tailored locally. Each type of clothing in a 1920s closet had a certain set of guidelines as to when they were to be worn. What were the “rules” for morning dress, afternoon dress, and evenings? What about going to school or working?

 Watches

Casual Outfits– When you don’t want to be a flapper, choose a casual look instead. This guide will give you ideas. Basic heeled pumps were also in style, so if you already have some in your closet, by all means, wear them. For daywear, look at walking Oxfords with a low heel. Most ’20s hairstyles were styled to be short and close to the head so a cloche hat could fit snugly over it. Women without natural curl turned to marcel waving, water waving, and wave clips to achieve the desired 1920s hairstyle. Most women became frequent visitors to men’s barbers and the new women’s salons that exploded during this decade. Scarf– A paisley, striped or white silk men’s scarf was a new accessory in the late 1920s. Knit scarves for winter warmth Gloves. Long over the elbow opera gloves for evenings and shorter mid arm leather, silk or mesh gloves for daytime. Shop gloves.

Wide shoes are available in comfort brands. See the section I found here. More Ladies’ Outfit Ideas To properly answer the question “What did women and men wear in the 1920s?” would depend on what they were doing, with whom, and at what time of day. Here you will learn about the types of clothing women and men wore for specific occasions. Follow the links within for even more 1920s fashion history . It was also common to wear a wide silk scarf like bands wrapped around the head but exposing the crown. These, like narrow ribbons, were sometime adorned with beads and feathers on the right side. A long stem cigarette holder studded with jewels or hand painted is an iconic 20s accessory. You can use fake cigarettes and e-cigarettes too. Shop here.Keeping a hat all season without losing it or having it smashed in public places became a daily chore. Learn more about the social history of men’s 1920s hats and hat wearing etiquette here. 1920s Men’s Shoes A similar short pant were breeches (jodhpurs) used for hunting, riding, outdoor work, and uniforms for chauffeurs and military men. Breeches laced below the knee to fit inside tall boots or under leather gaiters. The hip was extra wide and roomy- which looks very comical to us now. The seats and inner legs were often double layers of sturdy fabric or suede. Wide Leg: Wide leg dress pants can be found at MensUSA and MensItaly. They are starting to come into the mainstream but are often pleated at the waist. A men’s dress shirt had a detachable white collar on a striped, colored shirt. You won’t find detachable collars anymore, but a white collared shirt is trendy right now. A white dress shirt or solid color is fine, too, but the striped shirts with white cuffs and collar really look vintage! Shop 1920s style men’s shirts here.