As the Temperatures drop, we explore the Art of Winter Dressing, 1920s Style...
You can probably tell that we're a little bit 'into' the 1920s at the moment. It's been on our minds since the turn into 2020! I've been waiting for the '20s revival in the mainstream - which hasn't yet happened and we've only got 3 and a bit years left of this decade.
That's ok...we'll do it instead then :-)
Why We Love 1920s Fashion?
Speaking for myself - I love how it was completely different from anything before. It was hugely liberating in a decade of real change. Evidence again of how fashion reflected societal change...restrictive silhouettes became much more relaxed.
But what we particularly love about 1920s clothing is its understated elegance. While the decade is often associated with sparkling flapper dresses, feathers and extravagance, everyday fashion was altogether more subtle. Beautifully draped fabrics, clever cutting, Art Deco-inspired details and straight silhouettes gave even the simplest garments a distinctive charm.
At Foxy, we've become really quite interested in the subtle versatility of 1920s style. From softly tailored separates and elegant day dresses to more glamorous evening pieces; it's a decade that offers so much beyond the familiar and sartorial flapper look. And as the colder months arrive, there's plenty of inspiration to be found in the beautiful layering, luxurious textures and sophisticated winter wardrobes of the era.
Perhaps that's what makes 1920s fashion so enduring. A century later, these designs can still feel surprisingly fresh, individual and wonderfully easy to wear. And for all our vintage fashionistas; exciting, standout and wonderfully experimental.
What Did Women Wear in Winter During the 1920s?
When we bring to mind the 1920s, we tend to associate it with glamour and parties. But what about everyday life - especially when the temperatures dropped? Women in the 1920s still needed to stay warm (especially up in Yorkshire lol) and a bit of research shows us the beauty of the everyday winter wardrobe...a wonderful combination of practicality, comfort and style.
The loose, straight silhouette that defined 1920s clothing was particularly well suited to layering. Dresses and separates could be worn over warmer undergarments, longline woollen cardigans, knitted jumpers and beautifully cut coats provided protection against the cold without compromising the fashionable shape of the decade.
1920s Winter Coats and Outerwear
One of the most distinctive features of 1920s winter fashion was the coat. Often generously cut with a straight or slightly cocoon-shaped silhouette, 1920s coats were designed to sit comfortably over the loose dresses of the period. Large collars, deep cuffs, decorative buttons and interesting seam details added character, while wool and other substantial fabrics provided warmth.
Fur collars and trims were particularly fashionable, although these weren't within everyone's budget. Today, the same sense of 1920s glamour can be achieved with beautifully textured fabrics, generous collars and thoughtful tailoring. We particularly love the use of textured velvets (though this was more common in eveningwear).
Everyday Layers: 1920s Knitwear and Cardigans
Knitwear became an increasingly important part of women's wardrobes during the 1920s, reflecting the growing popularity of practical, comfortable clothing and more active lifestyles.
Knitted jumpers, cardigans and sleeveless pullovers were worn with skirts, often creating a relaxed, almost sporty appearance. Geometric patterns, stripes and contrasting colours brought personality to these everyday garments, while wool offered much-needed warmth.
We particularly love this side of 1920s fashion and exploring this in some of our new designs. It's a reminder that the decade wasn't all about dressing up... there was a wonderfully casual, modern and super elegant approach to clothing emerging too.
1920s Winter Dresses and Fabrics
The fashionable dropped-waist silhouette remained popular throughout the colder months, but lightweight summer fabrics gave way to more substantial materials. Wool crepe, wool jersey, heavier silks and velvet were all used for dresses, depending on the occasion and the wearer's budget.
Day dresses often featured long sleeves, modest necklines and clever details such as pleats, tucks, contrasting panels and decorative collars. These small design touches added interest to otherwise simple shapes.
For evenings and special occasions, velvet, silk and richly coloured fabrics offered a more luxurious interpretation of the 1920s silhouette, something that still feels particularly appropriate for winter celebrations today.
Cloche Hats, Scarves and Winter Accessories
No 1920s winter outfit would be complete without the right accessories. The iconic cloche hat was a practical choice for colder weather, sitting closely around the head and often made from felt. Scarves, gloves and warm stockings helped complete the look, while sturdy leather shoes or boots were more practical for winter days.
What makes these outfits so appealing is the attention to detail. A beautifully shaped hat, an interesting collar or a carefully chosen scarf could transform a relatively simple ensemble into something really rather special. Our Clara cloche hat in black velvet is the first, and we are working on bringing a wider range of cloche hats into our collection as we see it as the iconic addition to any 1920s wardrobe.
To conclude...
And that's perhaps the greatest lesson we can take from 1920s winter fashion: dressing for warmth and practicality doesn't have to mean sacrificing elegance. With thoughtful layers, beautiful fabrics and a few distinctive details, the relaxed silhouettes of the decade are just as relevant to a modern winter wardrobe.
