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.
For women of a certain class sewing was a sign of a good homemaker. Even as more and more women flocked to department stores to buy their clothing, the ones that couldn't afford it could buy a pattern for a dime, or create one of their own, and achieve the same look. They saved their money for accessories like cloche hats, shoes, belts, and silk stockings.
A staple in the sewing basket would have been a pattern for a house dress. These were simple comfortable dresses mostly made of cotton. Many had white collars and touches of lace or rickrack. Most women wore aprons to protect their clothing while they were cooking, and most of the aprons were 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 tea was not just a British tradition. In America it was a chance for women of some means to meet with friends and show off their sophisticated styles. A tea dress was typically calf length with delicate, decorative elements embroidered on. The materials were lighter and had more color than a home dress. They wore sheer stockings that complemented the color of their dresses.
Women of the time were attending college in increasing numbers. Most of them lived in knit because it was so easy to care for. Coeds wore raccoon coats and skirts that were shorter than their mother's were. For the most part dressing for dinner was required. They brought silk frocks from home and changed before entering the dining room.
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 go in and out of fashion. Every couple of decades sees a revival of the styles worn just after World War I. An original pattern today, if you are interested in creating your own version of a 1920s frock, is hard to find and will cost much more than a dime.
For women of a certain class sewing was a sign of a good homemaker. Even as more and more women flocked to department stores to buy their clothing, the ones that couldn't afford it could buy a pattern for a dime, or create one of their own, and achieve the same look. They saved their money for accessories like cloche hats, shoes, belts, and silk stockings.
A staple in the sewing basket would have been a pattern for a house dress. These were simple comfortable dresses mostly made of cotton. Many had white collars and touches of lace or rickrack. Most women wore aprons to protect their clothing while they were cooking, and most of the aprons were 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 tea was not just a British tradition. In America it was a chance for women of some means to meet with friends and show off their sophisticated styles. A tea dress was typically calf length with delicate, decorative elements embroidered on. The materials were lighter and had more color than a home dress. They wore sheer stockings that complemented the color of their dresses.
Women of the time were attending college in increasing numbers. Most of them lived in knit because it was so easy to care for. Coeds wore raccoon coats and skirts that were shorter than their mother's were. For the most part dressing for dinner was required. They brought silk frocks from home and changed before entering the dining room.
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 go in and out of fashion. Every couple of decades sees a revival of the styles worn just after World War I. An original pattern today, if you are interested in creating your own version of a 1920s frock, is hard to find and will cost much more than a dime.
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