Fashion Eras - The 1920s

Ralph Lauren S/S 2012

Gucci S/S 2012

In anticipation of Baz Luhrmann's upcoming adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's legendary The Great Gatsby, fashion inspired by the 1920s is currently undergoing a massive revival. I have always admired the decade as a radical age for female fashion, where young women shook off the restrictions of their predecessors and embraced their sexuality. Of course, it was ultimately the political and societal changes of the time that were responsible for this development (for example, certain women in the UK first gained the vote in 1918, with all women over the age of 21 gaining the vote by 1928, an important step towards gender equality), and therefore it is interesting to see how this era of revolution was reflected within the wardrobes and fashions of the time.


The era provided a wealth of different looks from glamorous and dramatic eveningwear, to floaty, romantic styles suited to the daytime. Modern interpretations of the era can be found anywhere - from the cinema, with the popularity of the recent silent movie, The Artist, to the S/S 2012 catwalks of legendary design houses such as Gucci and Ralph Lauren. Even the British High Street have picked up on the trend, and I have found some of the best 1920s-inspired items currently available.


High Street Buys:

1. The fringing on this £60 Topshop dress is particularly reminiscent of the flapper fashions from the period, while the feather detailing adds a funky and current twist. Although a bit pricey for some people, this dress would provide a striking centerpiece to an outfit, and the colour would work well for the summer, particularly when complimented with a natural tan. 

2. These wide-legged palazzo trousers, currently a bargain at £15 in the Topshop sale, are perfect for any body shape as they are designed to skim the figure, smoothing out the line of the lower body and disguising any flaws. Moreover, the lightweight material and airy design of these trousers provide a perfect spring/summer look, providing enough coverage to brace the cooler days. 

3. A wide-brimmed hat is the perfect accessory to complete this look. The one featured is from Miss Selfridge and comes in at £16. Made from straw, not only would this be a stylish addition to any summer outfit, it would also work well as a summer cover-up (although if you live in the UK, it might be worth saving this one for foreign travels, as the current weather seems to suggest that it won't be particularly necessary...)

4. The 1920s saw the emergence of the Art Deco style, and these earrings, also from Miss Selfridge, epitomise the design of the era. Simple and elegant, yet striking at the same time, they would provide the perfect accompaniment to a sophisticated evening look, particularly if accentuated by a cropped hairstyle or up-do.

5. If you want to achieve this look with minimal effort, a statement hair accessory is probably the easiest way to add a touch of 1920s glamour to your outfit. For £12 from Accessorize, this headband features a pearl design that oozes class. With such a bold accessory, it is probably best to keep clothes simple and chic to avoid looking too much like a flea market jumble sale.

NB. The Great Gatsby is due for cinema release in December 2012, whereas The Artist will be available on DVD from 28th May.