There were big changes going on in America in the 1920s. People were making money. There was a revolution in art and literature. Women were experiencing changes as well. In 1920 they got the right to vote. There were openings in the workplace for them. They were smoking and wearing trousers in public. Hems were rising and necklines were lowering. Department stores made buying the latest fashions easier for those with means. 1920s dresses patterns made it possible for those of modest means to be as fashionable as their wealthier sisters.
Most women were accomplished seamstresses and took pride in their skill. They often did not have the money necessary to buy off the rack clothing so they either paid a dime for a pattern or created their own using magazine photos to achieve the look they wanted. The savings went to accessories like shoes, belts, cloche hats, 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.
Working women needed something a little more formal for the office. Housewives would change into something a little nicer to run errands or visit neighbors. A tailored dress made of wool or silk was appropriate wear. Women in the cities tended to choose neutral colors like tan, grey, black, and navy while those in the country preferred white, red, blue, and light grey.
Afternoon teas, in cozy tea rooms or in drawing rooms, gave women of the era a chance to wear something more sophisticated. An afternoon tea dress usually hit about mid-calf and was artfully decorated. They could use more colorful and lighter material for these dresses than would be used for a home dress. Women wore sheer stockings in colors to match their garments.
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 reserved for those who had enough disposable income to party the night away. These women wore the dropped waist style of the time in materials such as silk, velvet, taffeta, and chiffon. A beaded dress would have been a time consuming project, but worth it because it was a sign of affluence. Only young women wore sleeveless garments.
Styles come and go. The post World War I fashions are seen on catwalks every decade or so. If you are a seamstress and want to try your hand at a vintage 1920s dress, you will find reproduction patterns online. Originals are mostly collector's items selling for a lot more than the dime women originally paid.
Most women were accomplished seamstresses and took pride in their skill. They often did not have the money necessary to buy off the rack clothing so they either paid a dime for a pattern or created their own using magazine photos to achieve the look they wanted. The savings went to accessories like shoes, belts, cloche hats, 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.
Working women needed something a little more formal for the office. Housewives would change into something a little nicer to run errands or visit neighbors. A tailored dress made of wool or silk was appropriate wear. Women in the cities tended to choose neutral colors like tan, grey, black, and navy while those in the country preferred white, red, blue, and light grey.
Afternoon teas, in cozy tea rooms or in drawing rooms, gave women of the era a chance to wear something more sophisticated. An afternoon tea dress usually hit about mid-calf and was artfully decorated. They could use more colorful and lighter material for these dresses than would be used for a home dress. Women wore sheer stockings in colors to match their garments.
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 reserved for those who had enough disposable income to party the night away. These women wore the dropped waist style of the time in materials such as silk, velvet, taffeta, and chiffon. A beaded dress would have been a time consuming project, but worth it because it was a sign of affluence. Only young women wore sleeveless garments.
Styles come and go. The post World War I fashions are seen on catwalks every decade or so. If you are a seamstress and want to try your hand at a vintage 1920s dress, you will find reproduction patterns online. Originals are mostly collector's items selling for a lot more than the dime women originally paid.
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