Radical Roaring 20s

There are 2 eras in the 20th century that I would have done anything to live in because of the fashion, music and dancing. One of those eras was of course the roaring 20s.

The history of the era

The Roaring 20s was a period of great change. The First World War had just ended a little over a year prior to the start of the decade and change was in the air. The women were recognized more because they were required to hold down the fort while the men were at war. This gave a push back from the women of that time. They didn’t just do what they were told because they had their own minds now and the freedom to express them more. This freedom showed in the clothes and fashion that arose at that time. The dresses were freer and more loose fitting, the skirts were shorter and the styles were more daring than ever before. However, even men’s fashion moved away from the starched collars and formal 3 piece suits to slightly more relaxed day wear.

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The fashion, styles and music of the era

One of the most iconic fashion designers of that time was Coco Chanel. I so didn’t know she was from that era, and it made me so excited. Her ‘flapper’ style dress launched her into stardom. The dropped waist and creeping hemline gave a great deal more freedom for movement. And of course how could we forget the headbands to go with the flapper style. Tassels became a popular material to use for the dresses because of how well it moved when dancing and twirling.

Hair styles became more angular and daring. Statement styles started making an appearance and the women were looking to short bobs and angular curls, rather than the soft up dos that were used with their unbelievably long hair. One of my favourite programs is Downton Abbey and the moment when Lady Mary has her hair cut short is such an iconic moment and changes her persona altogether. It was then that she really came into her own and owned her position as the heir to the estate and the running of it.

Everything about this era was daring and pushing the rules. The music and dancing scenes were invariably in the ‘Speakeasy’ spots where boot leg alcohol was served (alcohol was illegal in many parts of the world after WW1) and the jitter bug become one of the go to dances of the time. Men and women danced in much closer ways and intimacy through dance was seen more and more.

My 21st birthday party was a Roaring 20s theme and I couldn’t have chosen better. I entered a new era of my life and started it with one of my favourite times in history for fashion, music and dance.

If you could live in another era what would it be and why?? I’d love to hear what you have to say.

Until next time…