Elegance and Style: Women's Fashion in the 1920s
January 29, 2026Categories: Misc, Roaring Twenties, Podcast Episode, Style Fashion Advice, Women's Clothing Fit
Luxe Looks on a Budget with Tanya Calmwood
Discover personal style advice and inspiration to elevate your look without breaking the bank. This blog offers a personal style guide focusing on mastering fit, fabric, and versatile wardrobe choices. Learn practical personal style tips for women to create timeless outfits and polished appearances. Get easy-to-follow personal style ideas that help you project confidence and sophistication every day.
Welcome back to Luxe Style Secrets, the podcast where we delve into how to frame and develop luxe style on a budget. To help us with that frame, we occasionally look at the style, stories, and secrets of fashion history’s most fascinating eras. Today we’re traveling back in time to an age of elegance, innovation, and social transformation—the Roaring Twenties.
Hello, Luxe Style Secret listeners! I’m Tanya Calmwood, and welcome back to another episode where fashion meets history, and elegance is always in style. Today, we’re diving into a truly transformative decade—the 1920s. We’ll explore how women’s fashion redefined elegance and style, the generational shifts that led us here, and what made the Roaring Twenties so iconic. So, whether you’re a vintage lover or just curious about the journey of fashion, stay tuned!
Elegance Through the Ages
Let’s start with a whirlwind tour through fashion history. For centuries, elegance in women’s fashion was all about formality, structure, and sometimes, restriction. Think about the corseted waists and wide skirts of the Victorian era, or the delicate lace and high collars of the Edwardians. But in every era, elegance was shaped by the times—by culture, technology, and even politics. The 1920s marked a dramatic shift. Suddenly, elegance wasn’t just about constraint and tradition; it became about freedom, movement, and self-expression.
The Roaring Twenties
The "Roaring Twenties" refers to the decade of the 1920s, primarily in the United States and Western Europe. This period is characterized by rapid economic growth, technological innovation, cultural dynamism, and significant social change. Following the end of World War I, countries experienced a sense of liberation and prosperity. The era saw a boom in consumer goods, automobiles, jazz music, and the rise of Hollywood cinema. Urbanization accelerated, and people embraced new fashions, lifestyles, and attitudes toward modernity. The Roaring Twenties also witnessed key developments in women's rights, with many women entering the workforce and gaining the right to vote. However, the decade ended with the onset of the Great Depression in 1929, marking a dramatic shift in global economic conditions.
The 1920s Fashion Revolution
Why did the 1920s stir such a revolution? This era followed World War I, a time when society was changing rapidly. Women entered the workforce, gained the right to vote, and began to challenge old norms. Fashion responded with boldness: shorter hemlines, looser fits, and a sense of liberation that matched the spirit of the age. The idea of elegance was reimagined—less about impressing others and more about feeling comfortable, confident, and modern.
Undergarments of the 1920s
Let’s talk undergarments! Gone were the days of heavy corsets. Instead, women wore lightweight chemises, step-ins, and bandeau bras. These new undergarments flattened the bust and allowed for a straighter, more boyish silhouette—the iconic flapper shape. Comfort and practicality became stylish, and the change in undergarments set the foundation for every other fashion shift in the decade.
Dress Length and Its Evolution
Before the 1920s, dresses typically fell to the ankle or floor, emphasizing modesty. But by mid-decade, hemlines rose to knee length! This was revolutionary—the shorter dress allowed for greater movement and reflected the era’s energetic social life, from jazz clubs to dance halls. The shift was also practical, as women sought clothes that suited their new, more active social roles.
Accessories: Jewelry, Purses, and Hats
Accessories in the 1920s were the finishing touch that made an outfit truly elegant. Long strands of pearls, art deco brooches, and beaded purses were must-haves. Cloche hats hugged the head and complemented the bobbed hairstyles. These pieces weren’t just decorative; they expressed individuality and status in a time when women were stepping into the spotlight.
Shoes and Hosiery
Let’s take a peek at the feet of flappers and others who lived and dressed stylishly in the 1920s. What were the shoe styles? T-strap heels and Mary Janes were all the rage, often adorned with cutouts or metallic finishes. Hosiery became visible as hemlines rose, leading to a boom in silk and rayon stockings—often in pale shades to match lighter dresses. Shoes and hosiery were now part of the public display, blending comfort with style. And shocking a few old fogeys.
"Anything Goes" by Cole Porter is a 1934 musical song commenting humorously on changing social norms. Popular during the Great Depression and frequently covered by singers like Frank Sinatra, the song reflects how what was once shocking is now accepted: Here are the lyrics: In olden days, a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking. Now, Heaven knows, anything goes!
Notable Fashion Designers of the 1920s
Now, let’s celebrate the visionaries. Coco Chanel broke boundaries with her relaxed, chic designs—think jersey dresses and the little black dress. She was inspired by menswear and sports clothing. Jeanne Lanvin and Jean Patou introduced elegant sportswear and innovative silhouettes. Their work made fashion more accessible and practical while retaining a sense of luxury. These designers redefined what it meant to dress elegantly, making fashion about the wearer rather than just the garment.
Hairstyles and Makeup
The 1920s saw a dramatic shift in hair and beauty. Short bob cuts, finger waves, and shingled styles reflected the decade’s love of modernity. Makeup became bolder—dark eyes, red lips, and rouged cheeks were in. Beauty routines were democratized, and women used cosmetics to express personality and style. Hairstyles and makeup became powerful tools of self-expression.
Colors and Embellishments
Elegance in the 1920s was all about shimmer and shine. Rich jewel tones, metallics, and blacks were popular, often embellished with sequins, beads, and fringes. The influence of Art Deco brought geometric patterns and luxurious materials, giving garments an opulent feel. Compared to the past, where soft pastels and lace dominated, the ’20s were bold, glamorous, and unapologetically modern.
More Fashion Information
Any 1920s design ideas that you just love and want to try to elevate your current wardrobe? If you want a go-to resource that breaks down the idea of looking affluent and put-together without breaking the bank, I highly recommend checking out Luxe Looks by Mia Winslow. It’s packed with practical advice on mastering luxury style affordably, perfect for anyone working on their look while transforming their body shape.
Remember, personal style tips for women aren’t about following trends blindly—they’re about discovering what really speaks to your body and soul. So if you’ve been stuck wondering how to handle the changes with your wardrobe, keep it simple:
- Find your body shape and understand it.
- Pick statement pieces that flatter your best traits.
- Experiment with fit and proportion until it feels natural.
- Add personality with accessories.
Also, check out stylish but affordable guides like Luxe Looks for fresh ideas. So, wrap your style journey around who you are and who you want to become. Why not treat yourself to that sense of luxury style that comes with confidence? Your personal style is your signature, your personal brand, and the way you tell the world your story every day. Buy Now and Discover Affordable Luxury Style that works no matter your budget. You’ll find it’s not just about clothes—it’s about you!
What Shall We Wear Next?
As we wrap up today’s episode, it’s clear that elegance is always evolving. The 1920s proved that style could be liberating, exciting, and personal. From undergarments to accessories, shoes to hairstyles, every detail told a story of change and empowerment. How do you define elegance today? What might you borrow from the Roaring Twenties?
Until next time, stay stylish, stay curious, and keep celebrating fashion’s incredible journey.
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