The 1920s witnessed a dramatic shift in women’s fashion, moving away from the restrictive corseted silhouettes of the previous era towards looser, more comfortable styles. One of the most iconic looks of the decade was the “flapper” dress, characterized by its dropped waistline, straight silhouette, and knee-length hemline. This androgynous style reflected the newfound freedom and independence that women were experiencing.
However, the flapper dress wasn’t the only defining style of the 20’s. Designer Jeanne Lanvin championed a contrasting aesthetic, creating romantic and feminine gowns with long, full skirts, often featuring panniers for added volume. These “Robe de Style” dresses were a stark contrast to the boyish flapper look, showcasing the era’s diverse fashion landscape. These elegant gowns were reminiscent of earlier periods, embracing a more traditional femininity.
Lanvin also incorporated softer elements into her designs, such as pastel colors and delicate embellishments. Her use of straw hats, a departure from the popular close-fitting cloche hats, further emphasized the romanticism of her creations. Lanvin’s designs demonstrated that 1920s fashion for women encompassed a spectrum of styles beyond the flapper. Some designers even adapted the Robe de Style, incorporating elements of the flowing silhouette while maintaining a distinctly feminine touch.
Beyond the flapper and the Robe de Style, sportswear emerged as a major trend in women’s fashion during the 1920s. While sportswear had long been acceptable casual attire for men, the decade saw its adoption by women as everyday wear. This shift is often attributed to influential designers like Coco Chanel, Jane Regny, and Jean Patou. These designers embraced the practicality and comfort of sportswear, transforming it into stylish and fashionable garments for women.
Tennis, in particular, held significant sway over 1920s fashion trends. The popularity of the sport led to the widespread adoption of tennis-inspired clothing. Designers like Jean Patou created stylish and functional tennis attire that blurred the lines between sportswear and everyday wear. Patou’s designs, featuring elements like pleated skirts and comfortable sweaters, reflected the growing influence of athletic wear on women’s fashion.
Tennis star Suzanne Lenglen, a fashion icon of the era, further popularized this trend. Her signature short-sleeved, pleated tennis dresses and bandeau headbands, designed by Patou, became highly influential. Lenglen’s on-court and off-court style inspired countless women to embrace the sporty aesthetic. She epitomized the modern woman, embracing both athleticism and style.
By the late 1920s, sleeveless, knee-length tennis dresses were widely fashionable. The influence of sportswear extended beyond tennis, with elements like loose-fitting garments and comfortable fabrics permeating various aspects of women’s wardrobes. The acceptance of sportswear in fashionable settings, even for lunch at upscale restaurants, highlights the profound impact of this trend on 1920s society.
