In the world of fashion, it’s not uncommon for trends from the past to regain popularity. However, our current fascination is not just a trend but a reflection of a deeper historical context shaping contemporary fashion.
The look of the 1920s is seeing a stylish revival. Sleek bobs, broader-legged trousers, drop-waist dresses, and many layers of pearls prevalent on runways and in street style characterize it.
Fashion is inherently cyclical, and elements from previous eras often influence contemporary trends. We would contend, however, that certain parallels between the 1920s and the 2020s have established a foundation for the emergence of this aesthetic’s appeal, both historically and contemporaneously.
1920s Fashion Trending Today
While several contemporary trends originate from the 1970s and 2000s, fashion suggests a resurgence of the Roaring Twenties. Let us examine the tendencies reviving the Roaring Twenties’ exuberance in the 2020s.
The Three-Piece Suit
The three-piece suit, with a high V-neck waistcoat or sweater vest, was essential for the stylish guy. The vibrant sweater vest has become a quintessential element of golf attire, a trend that endures to this day.
Ruffles
Ruffles have been fashionable since the late 2010s, indicating that this style is beginning to wane. However, this does not imply that it has not influenced the fashion culture of 2020. Ruffles may be somewhat antiquated, but they contributed significantly to the evolution of future fashion.
The Corset
Corsets are currently among the most prominent trends, seemingly emerging unexpectedly. However, a discernible relationship may be established back to the 1920s. Historically, they served as undergarments, particularly among ladies with curvier physiques. Currently, we don them on outings, whether during the day or night; they are charming and suitable for every event.
Feathers
As individuals increasingly seize opportunities to don elaborate attire, feathers serve as an ideal embellishment. They provide a touch of joyful embellishment to any ensemble, predominantly observed on footwear and cuffs. They are undoubtedly more audacious, and while they are starting to gain popularity, many individuals remain hesitant to don feathery attire, so do not feel compelled to do so.
Fringe & Flapper Glam
The 1920s were a period of considerable societal transformation, evident in the fashion of the time. Flapper dresses, distinguished by their lowered waistlines, fringe, and embellishments, epitomized the carefree and defiant ethos of the era.
Fringe is perhaps one of the most quintessential ensembles of the 1920s. Flappers, as shown in films and music videos from that era, frequently donned fringed dresses or tops. While completely fringed flapper dresses are unlikely to return, fringe will persist as a subtle decoration in fashion. Fringed garments, including jackets and trousers, enhance an ensemble and introduce an element of playfulness, drawing influence from the Roaring Twenties.
Date Night at the Casino or Speakeasy?
Throughout history, several trends have characterized various decades, with the 1920s being one of the most distinguished periods. The 1920s saw women adopting increasingly audacious and extravagant fashions following the attainment of suffrage after World War I in 1918. 1920 marked the legalization of gambling in the United States, facilitating the establishment of casinos and gambling halls, hence necessitating more vibrant attire options.
Those same attires, particularly ladies’ fringe wear, when you aren’t playing the best slot sites online, can be seen in many top brick-and-mortar casinos today.
The 1920s challenged the established norms imposed by the Victorian era on preceding generations. It was an era of exploration in jazz, dance, social upheaval, gambling, art, and music. Flapper costumes were the focal point for ladies, frequently complemented with feathery headpieces, hats, gloves, high heels, and elongated, cascading jewels. Conversely, men adhered to outfits reminiscent of the Great Gatsby aesthetic. Tweed three-piece suits were frequently used, typically accompanied by hats and fashionable coats, by men seeking to create a notable impression.
Big-Named Brands Embracing the Roaring Twenties
In 2024, four years post-COVID-19 pandemic, we have become fatigued with wearing loungewear and athleisure. Like the Roaring Twenties, a desire exists to adorn oneself, socialize, and abandon the past. The objective is to combine aesthetics with functionality: we are re-embracing our corporate selves with attire suitable for the workplace while infusing our wardrobes with joy and elegance.
Chanel
At Chanel Autumn/Winter 2024, Virginie Viard reinterpreted essential themes of the period with a blend of flowing skirts, layered necklaces, and androgynous components, such as belted suits and an abundance of tweed.
Dior
Dior’s Fall 2024 collection showcased a sophisticated blend of opulence, with flapper-style fringes, crushed velvet, and crystal adornments, alongside elements of androgyny, like bowler hats, ties, shirts, and pants.
Roaring Twenties in the 2020s: Final Thoughts
It was widely asserted that the years succeeding 2020 would resemble the 1920s. This prediction definitely appears somewhat accurate. The resurgence of richness, particularly in fashion, is evident rather than the prevalence of bootleggers, men in three-pieces, or ladies in flappers.
Strong geometric designs characterized the Art Deco style of the era and frequently featured highly sparkling and sequined aesthetics. Women celebrated their entry into the workforce by dancing at clubs and spending their earnings at Chanel, acquiring clothing that facilitated freedom of movement, and the men felt the need to follow suit. The evolving status quo was readily apparent in the creations of prominent fashion designers throughout that period. In their ateliers, couturiers such as Jeanne Lanvin, Coco Chanel, Paul Poiret, and Jean Patou transformed male components into garments characterized by more embellishments.
Currently, that certain look is in vogue. Individuals seek justification to don formal attire after residing in sweats for over three years. Each occasion that permits us to venture outdoors and engage in activities in person seems sufficient justification to attire ourselves as characters from Ziegfled Follies, Metropolis, or The Great Gatsby.
