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.
For working women, a more formal wardrobe was required. Housewives also needed nicer frocks to go visiting or run errands. A pattern they would have used was a tailored dress in silk or wool. Women in cities were inclined to dress in neutral tones like grey, black, navy, or tan. Country women more often chose light grey, red, blue, or white.
Afternoon teas, for women of a certain class, were chances to show off more sophisticated wear. The afternoon tea dress tended to be calf length with more decorative elements than the simple home dress. The material women chose for these frocks was lighter and more colorful than what they work cleaning house. Stockings were sheer and often matched the dress in color.
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 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.
For working women, a more formal wardrobe was required. Housewives also needed nicer frocks to go visiting or run errands. A pattern they would have used was a tailored dress in silk or wool. Women in cities were inclined to dress in neutral tones like grey, black, navy, or tan. Country women more often chose light grey, red, blue, or white.
Afternoon teas, for women of a certain class, were chances to show off more sophisticated wear. The afternoon tea dress tended to be calf length with more decorative elements than the simple home dress. The material women chose for these frocks was lighter and more colorful than what they work cleaning house. Stockings were sheer and often matched the dress in color.
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 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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