The year 1920 marked a fascinating transition in women’s fashion. While the flapper dresses of the Roaring Twenties are well-known, the everyday styles of the early 1920s were quite different. High waists, exaggerated hips often adorned with ruffles and large pockets, mid-calf length hems, and loose, bust-less blouses defined the silhouette of the era. This style was a carryover from the late 1910s, evolving into the more recognizable flapper look later in the decade. This recreation of a 1920s outfit showcases the unique charm of Old Fashion Blouse Designs.
Authentic vintage glass buttons, hand-painted and dating back to the 1920s, adorn the blouse, complemented by hours of intricate hand stitching on the neck and sleeves. A vintage hat embellished with straw flowers, a wide lace band, and silk flowers completes the ensemble. The skirt and purse are also custom-made, along with historically accurate undergarments crucial for achieving the correct 1920s silhouette.
This 1920s ensemble demonstrates that period-authentic clothing can be comfortable and stylish for modern wear. The loose-fitting cotton garments offer ease of movement, while the subtle details and understated elegance of the design evoke a sense of timeless femininity. The outfit received positive attention, proving that vintage styles can be appreciated and admired even today.
The old fashion blouse is a Past Pattern’s No. 8268, Ladies’ Overblouse, from Pictorial Review circa 1920. Careful consideration was given to achieving the correct fit, taking into account the wearing ease typical of the era and adjusting the pattern accordingly. The blouse features a roomy, bloused bodice designed to be worn over a flat chest.
While designed as an overblouse, this garment is worn tucked into a skirt. Future plans include creating a period-appropriate pleated skirt and wearing the blouse as a true overblouse, potentially adding welt pockets and a stay-band for authenticity. Construction techniques, such as using an antique sewing machine for buttonholes and incorporating cotton thread and self-fabric bias tape, enhance the historical accuracy of the garment.
The delicate floral hand embroidery, a departure from the geometric Art Deco designs that would become popular later in the decade, adds a touch of feminine softness to the blouse. This detail not only enhances the visual appeal but also showcases the time-consuming artistry involved in creating garments of this era.
The skirt, a Past Pattern’s No. 9412 “Ladies’ Skirt with Hip Pocket Effect” from McCall Company circa 1920, features unique, oversized pockets, a striking contrast to the tiny handbags popular at the time. This juxtaposition highlights the evolving role of women in the 1920s, with both pockets and purses symbolizing newfound independence. The skirt’s design includes a subtle placket closure, hook-and-eye waist fastening, and a distinctive cummerbund-style waistband.
The purse, made from a tapestry remnant using a Vogue #7252 pattern from the year 2000, is a “reticule” style reminiscent of the richly textured carpet bags and needlepoint purses popular in the early 1920s. Such handbags often showcased the owner’s wealth or the maker’s skill, as many were handmade and could be quite expensive. The decorative tassel further emphasizes the early 1920s aesthetic. Handbags in the 1920s were often geometric in shape and did not necessarily match the outfit.
The photo shoot location, the St. Louis Arcade/Wright Building, a National Historic Landmark and an early example of an indoor shopping mall, provides a fitting backdrop for the 1920s ensemble. Opened in 1919, the Arcade represents the architectural and cultural shifts occurring during that period.
Wearing historically accurate clothing while exploring such landmarks enhances the experience, connecting the wearer to the past in a tangible way. This project underscores the enduring appeal of old fashion blouse designs and the rich history embedded within vintage garments.
