Exploring the Meaning of Women’s Fashion during the 1920’s and 1930’s

1295 Words3 Pages

From the conventional Victorian dresses of the 1800’s to the rock-and-roll tee shirts of the 1980’s, American culture has experienced incredibly diverse trends in clothing. This ever changing timeline of fashion provokes the question: what is the cause of such differing styles? By considering the state of society throughout the eras, it can be seen that clothing directly correlates with the current way of life. Specifically, American women’s fashion of the 1920’s and 1930’s proves to not simply be a meaningless trend – rather an accurate reflection of the specific era. As the stock market booms and society prospers, women’s fashion undergoes drastic change during the 1920’s. The hems of skirts and dresses rise to newer, more promiscuous level. The traditional long hair, supposedly the crowning glory of a women, is cut shoulder-length or shorter. Defined waistlines are lost, giving way to a shapeless and loose fitting style of clothing. Manufacturing of cosmetics emerges during this decade, and a variety of products become popular among women. The famous Gabrielle Chanel, more commonly known as “Coco Chanel,” introduces her renowned perform in the late 1920s (Yarwood 139). Peggy Whitley, dean at Lone Star College, sums up the newfound cosmetic craze in her American Cultural article: “Powder, lipstick, rouge, eyebrow pencil, eye shadow, colored nails. They had it all!” Associated with the distinct new styles of the era, the iconic “flapper girl” is born. This term is often used for women who donned the edgy style of the time, particularly with a defiant and independent outlook on life. Outside the exciting and rebellious life of the flapper girl, everyday clothing also experiences significant change. Relaxed sport’s attire bec... ... middle of paper ... ...and Hudson, 1977. Print. Skinner, Tina, and Tammy Ward. Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Early 1930s. Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 2007. Print. Skinner, Tina, and Tammy Ward. Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Late 1930s. Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 2006. Print. Sutton, Bettye. "1930-1939." American Cultural History. Lone Star College-Kingwood Library, 1999. Web. 7 Feb. 2011. Ward, Tammy. Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid 1930s. Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 2007. Print. Whitley, Peggy. "1920-1929." American Cultural History. Lone Star College Kingwood-Library, 07 Feb. 2011. Web. 03 Mar. 2014. "Women's Clothing, 1920’s." Uvm.edu. University of Vermont, n.d. Web. 29 March 2014. "Women's Clothing, 1930’s" Uvm.edu. University of Vermont, n.d. Web. 9 April 2014. Yarwood, Doreen. Fashion in the Western World. New York: Batsford, 1992. Print.

More about Exploring the Meaning of Women’s Fashion during the 1920’s and 1930’s

Open Document