This history post will be on an exciting subject: fashion! I’ll be guiding you through women’s fashion from the 1920s to the 1970s. Included will be a guide for how to properly search for items for each decade as I don't wish to create any problems with linking too many items and copyright issues. You can however find inspiration on the peaks+billows Pinterest account which will be linked below. I have gone through extensive research so you don't have to, all you have to do is search the terms I use for different outfits or accessories to find what you like. Let’s get started!
*Disclaimer: I do not own any of the images in this post*
The 1920s was quite a decade for fashion to change from what it had been before, especially for women. Women’s pants were coming on the scene, and brighter colours and patterns as well! Now, everyday clothing was not like we see it in Downton Abbey or The Great Gatsby, but usually, those types of outfits were for special events or occasions, or if you came from a wealthy family.
Much to many women’s happiness, corsets were officially out, and loose-fit dresses were in. Oftentimes these straight-fit dresses were worn with statement belts or long necklaces. Mary-Jane shoes were becoming the trend in the 20s, and the styles included flats, low, chunky heels, and two-inch and higher heels. Oxfords also changed from being made for just men to being made for women as well. Pointed-toe boots were popularised as well, most of which reached mid-calf or just above the ankles and were primarily lace-up.
Casual wear for women could include very loose-fit pants, midi or knee-length dresses, or skirts paired with Oxfords or Mary-Janes. If a lady wore pants or a skirt, they would usually pair it with a plain blouse or chemise.
Business wear for women often mimicked men’s with broad-shouldered jackets, professional pants, skirts, or dresses, and matching hats. Shoes might include Mary-Janes or low-heeled pumps.
Evening attire was what has become the most iconic fashion from the 20s. The flapper dress was primarily for flapper girls and not worn by normal everyday society. However, donning a long velvet or sequined dress like Lady Mary Crawley was more common. This was where women’s fashion remained very feminine and glamorous.
What to Look for:
* Any time you search for 1920s style anything it will pop up with flapper dresses, but these were primarily worn by flapper girls, so they are unrealistic when it comes to being both historically accurate and dressed like the decade*
Palazzo Pants
Midi Tartan Skirts
20s Style Cocktail Dress
Peter-Pan Collared Blouse
Neck Tie Bow Blouse
Mary-Jane Heels
Oxfords for Women
Notable Fashion Icons: Zelda Fitzgerald, Joan Crawford, Marlene Dietrich, and Coco Chanel.
The 1930s women’s fashion really was a continuation of what the previous decade brought forth. The most notable difference was more options for pants. Sailor-style pants, lounge pants, and overalls were becoming more popular. Fashion for women became more practical as a result of the Great Depression in America. Women began working in order to support their families, so clothes had to adapt to this change as well. High-waisted pants were incredibly popular and paired with button-up shirts and lower-cut heels. Clothes were more geared towards professional ladies. Dresses became slightly shorter and easier to move in for the working woman. Many were paired with or came with matching jackets and hats. Shoes became practical as well, and more comfortable for a working environment. A little-known secret is that women would often take men’s pants and secure them tightly around their midriff with a belt due to a lack of such an item designed specifically for them and because it was often cheaper or easier to get a hold of.
Casual attire didn’t change much from the 20s to 30s, and still included lots of pants, skirts, and plain t-shirts.
Business wear like mentioned above became more practical.
Formal or evening wear was similar to the 20s but was not so limited to being straight and loose. Dresses now included ruffles, textured fabrics, and fit the shape of the woman better.
What to Look for:
Wide-Shouldered Dress
Ruffle Sleeved Shirts
Midi Skirts
Square-Toed Heels
Bulgarian Style Blouses
Notable Fashion Icons: Katharine Hepburn, Myrna Loy, and Rita Hayworth.
The 1940s changed a lot for women’s fashion. As a result of the Second World War and the Great Depression a decade previous, fashion became more and more work-related for women. Denim pants were popularised as well as overalls. Clothes suited for working outside on farms, shipyards, and anywhere else that could be dirty work became the norm. Slacks for women were huge, yes, people definitely dressed like Peggy Carter!
Casual wear and business attire were not very different from the 30s, so I have no additional comments here.
Evening wear had changed by then. Skirts and dresses were designed in the ever-fashionable A-Line style that we still love and wear today! The 40s formal wear was really a precursor to the 50s as well. Lower-cut blouses were acceptable, and tighter-fit chemises were in too. By this time most skirts and dresses were mid-length, coming to mid-calf or right under the knee, and nothing shorter was really worn yet. The most famous style of dress really complimented the hourglass body type. Cinched waist dresses were also very popular.
What to Look for:
Shirtwaist Dress
Square Shouldered Jacket
1940s Style Pinafores
Dress Suits
A-Line Midi Tartan Skirt
Wingtip Heels
Oxford Shoes
Notable Fashion Icons: Ingrid Bergman, Bette Davis, Veronica Lake, and Ava Gardner.
The 1950s- one of the most classic decades in fashion history. Everyone is familiar with the poodle skirt, which emerged in 1947 that became famous in the 50s. The woman’s dress suits were incredibly popular too. Shoes still hadn’t changed much since the 40s, Mary-Janes were worn a lot, and heels were still fairly chunky and low. The kitten heel and the sneakers were the unique shoes that emerged in the 50s. These both helped in the ease of walking for ladies young and old. The Ked and the Converse worked their way into women’s shoes in this decade.
Casual wear included denim, capris, or cigarette pants, often paired still with a chemise or a plain t-shirt. These outfits would be topped off with either comfy canvas sneakers or flats.
Business attire usually consisted of a simple ladies dress suit and fashionable heels and hat that matched.
Evening wear was similar to the previous decade, but the A-Line style increased in popularity and was worn more frequently. Patterns such as gingham, plaid, checked, and polka-dot emerged as fresh new things to wear.
What to Look for:
Poodle Skirt
A-Line Skirt
50s Style Jeans
Cigarette Pants
Swing Dress
Bishop Sleeved Chemise
Hostess Dress
Converse
Keds
Saddle Shoes
Notable Fashion Icons: Audrey Hepburn, Marylin Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Ahhh my favourite decade: the 1960s! These ten years completely changed the way fashion is today. The mini-skirt, mod fashion, swing dress, and over-the-knee boots emerged. Over-the-knee boots came out in 1962, and the go-go boot was invented in 1964. High-heels weren’t as popular as flats or very low heels like the kitten style. Colourful and patterned stockings came into popularity and ranged from the fishnet to intricately woven lace stockings. Everything in the 60s was colourful and/or patterned. Flower prints were in, and bold combinations like pink and orange or purple and green were the trends. Stripes, plaids, and gingham were still popular too. And of course, you can’t have 60s fashion without the bell-bottom jean! These ranged from denim to dungaree with wild prints and colours, or embellishments like sequins or embroidery.
Casual wear could range from mini-skirts to bell-bottoms and usually paired with boots or kitten heels. T-shirts with prints or vibrant colours would most often be paired with them.
Business wear was pretty much the same as the 50s, but a lot of companies became more lenient with dress codes and allowed women to dress a little more comfortably or casually.
Evening attire could be shift dresses, swing dresses, or more traditional chemise dresses and hostess dresses. Usually, these things would still be paired with boots or kitten heels. Maxi dresses were designed in the 60s as well and ranged from velvet to sequined.
What to Look for:
Shift Dress
Mini Skirts
Pencil Skirts
Mod Dress
Bell Bottom Jeans
Go-Go Boots
60s Style Chelsea/Ankle Boots
Patchwork Skirt
Tight-Fit Turtle Necks
Notable Fashion Icons: Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, Brigitte Bardot, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Mary Tyler Moore, and Mary Quant.
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