The Roaring Twenties: Fashion influences from the 1920s to the present day

The 1920s – also the Roaring Twenties – had a lot to offer in terms of fashion. To this day, the inventions of the designers of that era continue to influence the fashion world, and elements of this period are constantly being revisited in contemporary designs.

Fashion in the 1920s – timeless beauty and elegance

The fashion of the 1920s was above all else: very self-confident . Women wore trousers like men and numerous eye-catching accessories. Stunning hats, gloves, and long pearl necklaces were all the rage and completed many outfits.

Especially for women, this period was an era of fashionable freedom. They were finally able to express themselves through fashion and enjoyed it to the fullest.

Dresses in simple cuts with striking details

Knee-length dresses were very popular at this time , as were skirts that were relatively simple in cut but featured additional details such as rhinestones, pearls, fringe, and bows. Ladies often wore the cloche hats .

The trousers were very classic and usually very wide-legged. They were worn with high heels and fashionable headbands – a rather daring combination. Makeup at that time was also bold and very expressive, especially the eyes, which were strongly emphasized.

Men's clothing and short hairstyles

In the 1920s, women often wore men's clothing, such as loose-fitting men's shirts and trousers. When it came to hairstyles, women increasingly dared to try short haircuts.

The bob was the most popular haircut at the time, followed by the finger wave or water wave , or the garcon cut .

Flapper dresses and more

A very popular style from the 1920s is the so-called flapper dress . A very simply cut, sleeveless dress, its light fabric perfectly flattered the body and suited every figure type. The dress was worn knee-length, and paired with a short hairstyle with a headband and a chic pearl necklace – completing the evening outfit .

Also very popular at this time were glamorous cocktail and fringed dresses . Rhinestones and pearls were used liberally, and gold and silver embroidery was also incorporated.

This was complemented by elegant silk gloves, worn down to the elbows or even longer, which added a touch of sophistication to the outfit. Striking jewelry and heavy makeup were also part of the look.

A very special trouser trend: the Marlene trousers

Also from this era, and still very fashionable today, are the timelessly elegant Marlene trousers . They were named after Marlene Dietrich , who made this style of trousers a fashionable all-rounder. These trousers are wide at the legs and fitted at the top.

For example, white shirts and a striking necklace were worn with them. Even today, Marlene trousers still frequently seen on designers' catwalks.

To this day, they are considered a modern yet timeless pair of trousers, perfect for confident women and offering a stylish outfit for various occasions. The trousers have a very feminine feel with a slightly masculine touch – just as women felt in the 1920s.

Shoe trend of the 1920s: Mary Janes

In the 1920s, women often wore skirts and dresses that only reached the knees. This meant that the feet were often the focus, and fashionable shoes were in high demand. One of the most popular shoe styles of the time was the well-known Mary Jane , which came in various materials, all sorts of colors, and with all kinds of eye-catching details.

Women typically had several pairs of Mary Janes in their shoe closet, for example, models made of luxurious velvet or satin, but they also came in leather. Whether silver, gold , or adorned with striking rhinestones, pearls, or other embellishments – Mary Janes were always eye-catching.

slippers and Oxford lace-up shoes were also very popular at that time .

An important detail of the 1920s – the headband

The headband is a symbol of 1920s fashion. Back then, it was worn for every occasion. While today it often serves more practical purposes, back then it was a fashionable detail, even worn with evening attire.

For going out, a chic cocktail or fringed dress was combined with a matching headband. Depending on the occasion, this was embellished with further accessories, for example with the typical feather boas or elaborate rhinestone decorations .

The cloche hat as an alternative to the headband

Anyone who didn't wear a headband back then wore a hat to the party. The cloche hat, so typical of the 1920s, came in numerous designs and was also decorated with all sorts of accessories.

Silk or velvet gloves, as well as long pearl necklaces, pearl bracelets or pearl-encrusted earrings, also completed the outfits of that time.

1920s Fashion – Video Session

The 1920s were the moment when the world truly became modern. Many significant changes occurred during this decade. Women took on a new role in society and led a more liberated lifestyle.

Fashion will translate these social and technological changes. New materials and increased clothing production will allow all social classes access to the same style of dress. This marks the beginning of the democratization of fashion.

The cosmetics industry is now established and expanding, which is changing women's perceptions of their needs and their own beauty.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

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