When it comes to the revolutionary power and the decadent style of Gatsby-era fashion, you can’t deny the freedom-fuelled razzle-dazzle of the 1920s. Flapper dresses with string pearls, feather boas, and cloche hats (worn without a hint of irony), Chanel’s then-radical androgynous “garçonne” silhouette… It was a time of wild abandon, empowering new cuts, shorter hemlines, and unabashed party dressing. Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, and Zelda Fitzgerald (née Sayre) ruled the style scene, and we’re only just getting started on why this is the decade our wardrobes should be really celebrating.
A century later, it might be surprising to learn that we still, perhaps without even realising it, constantly reference this decade in our wardrobes. Not only do we still wear plenty of trends created during that rebellious time (hello, LBD), but the ’20s are also still used as inspiration for the latest collections. Just take the Erdem A/W 20 runway that gave more than a nod to the Jazz Age, referencing iconic photographer Cecil Beaton’s work throughout the collection.
Ready to see who we’re still looking to for style inspiration? Keep scrolling for the complete Who What Wear UK guide to 1920s style, including the trends we’d still wear today. Plus, the fashion icons who remain total #OOTD goals.
