Flappers

Flappers came from a generation who felt since they survived the brutal World War I, they should be living their lives to the fullest. Wealthy families were often referred to “Bright Young Things,” and revolved their lives around nightclubs, parties, and weekend house parties. Flappers attended these events without a chaperone, which was very uncalled for, and adopted a new boyish look, which was even more uncalled for. Wearing makeup and staying out all night was seen as fashionable and it became acceptable for women to do all sorts of things they were not able to do before. With a cocktail and long cigarette holder in one hand, and an essential ostrich feather fan for cooling in the other, a flapper would be the envy of the party.

Flappers chose to wear their eveningwear the same length as their daywear, to instill astonishment. Their outfit would not be complete though if their “simple sheath dresses” did not rely on fabulous fabrics with surface decoration, such as complicated beading. Often though, fancy dress balls would be held where risqué costumes were very acceptable. Everything from belly-dancer outfits to clown or harlequin were favorites of the flappers. If the flappers were not dressed head to toe in complicated beadings, or the costume of their choice, they were without a doubt dressed with a dress full of fringe. The fringed dresses provided movement and placed the emphasis on the hips. Over each dress, a flapper wore and evening coat made in rich brocades or velvets with fur collars and cuffs, and fastened the coat lows on the hips to complete the look.