How did the 1920's lead to change?
The 1920s were a time of great change for the USA. In the aftermath of World War I, social customs and morals were relaxed due to the optimism brought about by the end of the war and the booming of the Stock market. The style of Jazz came onto the music scene, women were given the ability to vote and were entering the workforce in record numbers, and there was an incredible burst of affluence for the middle class. There was revolution in almost every aspect of daily life, and fashion was no exception.
"The Roaring Twenties," or otherwise known as the Jazz age became a leading decade for fashion that still is popular to this day. As WW1 began, people started to challenge the stiff and often, uncomfortable formality of the Edwardian era and opted for the more comfortable clothes out of practical necessity. The main characteristics of the fashion of the time became loose-fitting clothing, dropped loose waistlines, shorter hems on some styles of dresses, loose fitting pants, a long, lean, flat-chested silhouette and a generally androgynous appearance.
"The Roaring Twenties," or otherwise known as the Jazz age became a leading decade for fashion that still is popular to this day. As WW1 began, people started to challenge the stiff and often, uncomfortable formality of the Edwardian era and opted for the more comfortable clothes out of practical necessity. The main characteristics of the fashion of the time became loose-fitting clothing, dropped loose waistlines, shorter hems on some styles of dresses, loose fitting pants, a long, lean, flat-chested silhouette and a generally androgynous appearance.
A youthful group of “fashionistas” appeared called The Flappers, who flouted traditional morals and authority. Driving automobiles, dancing, listening to Jazz, drinking, smoking; wearing short skirts above the knee, bras, plunging necklines and low backs, with bob cuts and cloche hats became the new culture - treated in disdain as unacceptable by the older generation. Fashion designers such as Coco Chanel became an influential fashion celebrity with her unique clothing famed for the androgynous look by the enhancement of the female silhouette of slim, flat-chested boyish figures. Chanel brought in her fashion line of loose shift dresses, blouses, trousers and evening coats. The most notable one however, is “The Little Black Dress,” a classic fashion staple that remains popular to this day, albeit with a few adjustments to the design. |
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The fashion during the 1920s has had a great impact on generations afterwards and even on the modern world today. The 1920s show that events can ultimately affect the lifestyle of people, and change the fashion style forever. Women do not only have the right to vote now but also have the equal rights of men! The freedom that women have acquired has allowed them to have an education, a job and a choice in their life. It was the first time that women were able to wear clothes that showed off their bodies without being perceived as radical and it brought about a change in society's attitudes towards women and their role. As the barriers off the Edwardian era were broken, there is now a wider variety of clothes to choose from. The beginning of loose- fitting clothing has opened a new generation of modern clothes that are available in a variety of colours, styles and sizes. The availability of the sewing machine and online orders for personal designs has enthused creativity and individualism in each person. It led the way for designers afterwards to express the emotions and changes in society through clothing. Coco Chanel, as a leading fashion designer of the 1920s has led future designers to be more innovative with their ideas, without pertaining to what the society thinks as fashionable. This has led to the creation of a large diversity of clothes that the modern society has conformed to.