America was in transition in the nineteen twenties. The economy was strong, and there was a revolution going on in art and literature. Women were experiencing their own changes. In 1920 the 19th Amendment was ratified giving women voting rights. The workplace was opening up to them. Smoking and wearing trousers in public was a sign of the times. As skirts got higher necklines got lower. Off the rack clothes made fashion affordable for many. Those of more modest means could purchase 1920s dresses patterns and make their own creations.
Most women were accomplished seamstresses and took pride in their skill. They often did not have the money necessary to buy off the rack clothing so they either paid a dime for a pattern or created their own using magazine photos to achieve the look they wanted. The savings went to accessories like shoes, belts, cloche hats, and silk stockings.
A staple in the wardrobe of a twenties housewife would have been the home dress. This was a simple garment made for everyday wear. Most of them were made out of cotton with a little lace or rickrack. White collars were common embellishments. Women wore aprons over their home dresses to protect their garments from cooking splatters and spills. Aprons were typically homemade.
Working women needed something a little more formal for the office. Housewives would change into something a little nicer to run errands or visit neighbors. A tailored dress made of wool or silk was appropriate wear. Women in the cities tended to choose neutral colors like tan, grey, black, and navy while those in the country preferred white, red, blue, and light grey.
Afternoon teas, in cozy tea rooms or in drawing rooms, gave women of the era a chance to wear something more sophisticated. An afternoon tea dress usually hit about mid-calf and was artfully decorated. They could use more colorful and lighter material for these dresses than would be used for a home dress. Women wore sheer stockings in colors to match their garments.
Colleges were opening to women at this time. Those lucky enough to attend spent most of their time in garments made of knit material. They shortened their skirts, bobbed their hair, and bought raccoon coats. Dinner was usually a formal affair. Everyone was expected to dress. Anticipating this their mothers packed formal frocks of silk and similar delicate materials.
Evening wear was pretty much restricted to the upper class woman. They preferred dropped waist clothing in velvet, taffeta, silk, or chiffon. Beaded dresses were all the rage, and time consuming for women who tried to make them. Such a frivolous dress was a sign of wealth. Married and older women always wore sleeves. Only young girls showed their arms.
Styles come and go. The post World War I fashions are seen on catwalks every decade or so. If you are a seamstress and want to try your hand at a vintage 1920s dress, you will find reproduction patterns online. Originals are mostly collector's items selling for a lot more than the dime women originally paid.
Most women were accomplished seamstresses and took pride in their skill. They often did not have the money necessary to buy off the rack clothing so they either paid a dime for a pattern or created their own using magazine photos to achieve the look they wanted. The savings went to accessories like shoes, belts, cloche hats, and silk stockings.
A staple in the wardrobe of a twenties housewife would have been the home dress. This was a simple garment made for everyday wear. Most of them were made out of cotton with a little lace or rickrack. White collars were common embellishments. Women wore aprons over their home dresses to protect their garments from cooking splatters and spills. Aprons were typically homemade.
Working women needed something a little more formal for the office. Housewives would change into something a little nicer to run errands or visit neighbors. A tailored dress made of wool or silk was appropriate wear. Women in the cities tended to choose neutral colors like tan, grey, black, and navy while those in the country preferred white, red, blue, and light grey.
Afternoon teas, in cozy tea rooms or in drawing rooms, gave women of the era a chance to wear something more sophisticated. An afternoon tea dress usually hit about mid-calf and was artfully decorated. They could use more colorful and lighter material for these dresses than would be used for a home dress. Women wore sheer stockings in colors to match their garments.
Colleges were opening to women at this time. Those lucky enough to attend spent most of their time in garments made of knit material. They shortened their skirts, bobbed their hair, and bought raccoon coats. Dinner was usually a formal affair. Everyone was expected to dress. Anticipating this their mothers packed formal frocks of silk and similar delicate materials.
Evening wear was pretty much restricted to the upper class woman. They preferred dropped waist clothing in velvet, taffeta, silk, or chiffon. Beaded dresses were all the rage, and time consuming for women who tried to make them. Such a frivolous dress was a sign of wealth. Married and older women always wore sleeves. Only young girls showed their arms.
Styles come and go. The post World War I fashions are seen on catwalks every decade or so. If you are a seamstress and want to try your hand at a vintage 1920s dress, you will find reproduction patterns online. Originals are mostly collector's items selling for a lot more than the dime women originally paid.
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