Silk Cocktail Dress: History Of 1920S Formal Dresses

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Term was used more frequently in the 1930s, the first direct mention of a cocktail dress in Vogue was in the May 15. Referencing a Patou dress in mannish tweed. Whenever dubbing the cocktail dress avowedly modern, a year later, the October 1931 issue of Harper’s Bazaar sang the praises of the relatively new garment type. Cocktail dresses followed identical slim, biascut, anklelength styles that dominated female fashion of the 1930s and replaced the cylindrical, short styles that fit the mood of the flappers. Actually the American stock market crash of 1929 and the preceding economic depression completely altered the carefree nature of theflapper era, and fashions echoed the social change. There was still lots of drinking going on, that made the practicality of the cocktail dress even more important, despite one would assume that the economic hardships will put a damper on cocktail culture. Having your back to someone in a crowded room was no excuse to skimp!

Shawllike’ draping was popular with low cut backs that was also often decorated with a big sash and bow at the front or on the side.

The recent discovery of King Tuts mb made anything ancient Egypt very fashionable.

Decorative jewelery like large clips and pins carried a very Egyption look and feel on the dresses. Even the hems of dresses were not neglected on 1920s formal dresses. Scalloped or uneven handkerchief hems made dresses unique and fringe trim along the bottom gave them some swing! I am sure that the design and the length was simply to risqué for and similar ladies of the night in the mid 1920s. Contrasting beading or embroidery around the hem made them something special in and of themselves. Gold and silver metallic were eye catching color choices.

Thanks to Coco Chanel, who introduced the now famous ‘Little Black Dress’ throughout the ‘20s, it became an extremely popular color for evening and remains so to this day.

Cream, pastels and jewel nes were also common to see.

So do not skimp on the fancy, when choosing a 1920s evening dress. It was perfect to show off those gorgeous decorative elements and jewelry! Now please pay attention. Fabrics were very luxurious -velvet, silk, satin, layers of chiffon and lamé. Let me tell you something. Really, the sky was the limit in regards to color. Even grey became acceptable for evening wear -before the 1920s it was only worn by ladies in mourning. Read more about and shop for 1920s headbands. Certainly, across theforeheadgave them a Egyptian queen look while others wrapped around the head for a youthful girlish look.

They have been many different styles of headbands and placement on them on the head.

Hair jewelry replaced hats for evening wear.

Beautiful beaded headbands or all rhinestonehaircombs and tiaras accented ladies short hair styles. Opulence, decadence, glamour -whichever way you seek for to say it, 1920s formal dresses had it! And therefore the 1920s was a decade filled with all night partying. Money seemed plentiful, and electrifying parties at mansions and ballrooms were always in the mix. Women in the 1920s went allout for eveningentertainment. Of course whenever doing the Charleston, the Shimmy and the Tango, jazz music exploded and people danced the night away in clubs worldwide. Party dresses, cocktail dresses, prom dresses, and evening dresses. In the 1920s all after six dresses had identical look and feel and went by many different names. Oftentimes there’re many names for 1920s formal dress. Women wore layers of long necklaces over their evening dresses, usually strands of fake pearls and beads.

Motifs of gold snakes,Egyptiancats, butterfly’s and dragonflies were especially in demand.

Cuff bracelets in gold or silver were often worn with a few going up the arm and around the bicep.

Even beaded or feather headbands or turban hats made it into formal wear. You see, vintage dresses are very difficult to find as well as very fragile to wear. Reproduction 1920s dress patterns to sew your dress are a great alternative. Now regarding the aforementioned fact… In the past very few clothing designers had introduced 20’s style dresses to their line. All of this has changed recently as a lot more TV shows and movies set in the 20’s have influenced popular fashion. Exception was Sue Wong who’s signature styleincorporates20’s and 30s style beading in her formal gowns.

Buying 1920s evening dresses is a challenge until now.

I have found many formal 1920s style dresses online that are modern but with enough 1920’s style to make them great choices for proms, blackish tie weddings, galasand other formal occasions.

Downton Abbey has created a wave of interest in the early 20’s long bead and chiffon gowns while Boardwalk Empire and the Great Gatsby movie feature short flapper dresses. Known my absolute favorite site is UniqueVintage for 1920s reproduction beaded dresses and twenties inspired prom dresses.Offline formal dress departments insideMacys, Dillards or Nordstrom will carry many beaded gowns. Women often lengthened their hems a tad for very formal occasions, cocktail dresses were almost always sleeveless and daringly short. With a flattened bust, the boyish shape that was so stylish in the course of the decade for day wear, was sought after for nighttime too, dropped waist and a loose fitting straight cut -perfect for dancing!

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