The Roaring Twenties signaled a shift in women’s fashion, as ladies abandoned the rigid corsets and long skirts of the past in favor of the iconic flapper girl look. The style of the era was all about shorter hemlines, loose-fitting clothing, and glitzy accessories. Today, there’s a renewed interest in reviving the flapper girl look, and we’re all for it! Whether you’re looking to add a touch of vintage glamour to your everyday wardrobe or channel your inner Daisy Buchanan for a special occasion, let’s explore how you can bring this iconic style back to life.

The Background of Flapper Girl Look
The 1920s was a decade of change for women’s fashion. The flapper girl look, which is now synonymous with the Roaring Twenties, emerged during this period. The look was considered scandalous and provocative at the time, and it was a rejection of traditional gender roles and Victorian fashion norms.
It was at a time when fashion liberated women from their corsets and restrictive garments. The flapper girl look is often described as the first real fashion trend of the 20th century, and its influence can still be seen today.
The Emergence of the Flapper Girl Look
The term “flapper” was initially used to describe young women who were considered somewhat wild and unconventional. They were often seen smoking cigarettes, wearing short skirts, and dancing the Charleston. The flapper girl look was defined by its short hemlines, shapeless silhouette, and boyish hairstyles. These outfits featured lowered waistlines, shorter hemlines, and looser-fitting garments that were more comfortable to move around in.
The shift was influenced by the changing political, economic, and social landscape. Women had just won the right to vote, World War I had ended, and the prohibition era had begun. The fashion industry and design houses, in particular, began to cater to the needs of this new breed of female clientele who were looking for modern and trendy garments.
The Fashion Staples of Flapper Girls
The roaring twenties was an era that brought a lot of changes to women’s fashion. Flapper girl look, also known as the “It” girl style, was the signature look of the time. The flapper girl look refers to the fashion choices of young, independent women, who had just entered the workforce and gained the right to vote. It was an era that symbolized freedom, expression, and opulence.
Dresses
The flapper girl dress was an iconic piece that defined the roaring twenties. It was a shift-style dress that was loose-fitting, knee-length, and sleeveless. The shift dress was a departure from the voluminous and restrictive dresses of the previous generation, and it allowed for freedom of movement and expression. The dresses were often made with lightweight fabrics like silk and adorned with details like sequins, beading, and fringe. The dresses were also commonly decorated with geometric shapes and patterns.
Skirts
In addition to dresses, flapper girls wore skirts that were shorter than anything their mothers had ever seen. The hemlines of the skirts were often above the knee and were designed to show off a woman’s legs. The skirts were also typically straight-cut and made with fringe or tiers that swayed to the music in dance halls.
Hats, Gloves, and Jewelry
Accessories were a crucial part of the flapper girl look. They were used to add a touch of glamour to the outfits. Hats were a popular accessory in the 1920s. Flapper girls wore cloche hats, which were a bell-shaped hat that sat low on the forehead. The gloves were long and made of silk or satin. They were often paired with vibrant beadwork design or embroidery. The jewelry worn by flapper girls was flashy and bold. They wore necklaces with long beads, multiple bracelets, and long dangling earrings. The jewelry was made with gold or silver and embedded with gemstones.
The Make-up and Hairstyles
If you’re looking to revive the flapper girl look, it’s essential to learn about their signature makeup styles and hairstyles. These iconic looks have stood the test of time, making them must-know trends for any modern-day flapper girl. Below are the key elements of flapper girl beauty and hairstyles.
The Make-up
The makeup of flapper girls was characterized by heavy, dark eyes and bold lips. Their aim was to achieve a look that was both seductive and mysterious. Here are the elements of a classic flapper girl makeup:
- Smoky Eye Makeup: Flapper girls applied a generous amount of dark eyeshadow around their eye sockets and blended it outwards to create a smoky effect. The black kohl eyeliner was used to accentuate their eyes further.
- Dark Lipstick: The lipstick shade of choice for flapper girls was a deep purple or red tone. They applied the lipstick outside the natural lip line to create a fuller pout.
- Thin Eyebrows: Flapper girls would pluck and thin out their eyebrows using a pencil to recreate a shape that was higher up and pointed.
The Hairstyles
The bob haircut is undoubtedly the most iconic flapper girl hairstyle, but they had many other hairstyles that were equally as popular. Here are some of the most famous flapper girl hairstyles:
- The Bob: This is the most famous flapper girl hairstyle of all times. It was characterized by a chin-length cut that was often worn sleek and straight. It was seen as a bold move at the time since most women were wearing long hair in the twenties. This look was made famous by celebrities like Louise Brookes and Clara Bow.
- The Shingle: Think of the shingle as an edgier version of the bob. This was a shorter version that was cut to taper in at the nape of the neck. This style was often cut into sharp angles, giving it a more dramatic feel.
- The Marcel Wave: This hairstyle was all about the curls. It involved using curling tongs to create deep waves in the hair, which were then brushed out to create a more natural-looking shape. While this style required more maintenance, it was a go-to for many flapper girls.
Reviving the Flapper Girl Look: Roaring Twenties Women’s Fashion
Get ready to transport yourself back in time to the era of flapper girls and jazz clubs. The Roaring Twenties, also known as the Jazz Age, was a decade filled with glamour, extravagance, and liberated fashion. Women of the era rebelled against the traditional societal norms and embraced a more relaxed and carefree style that reflected their newfound freedom.
The Flapper Girl Look
The flapper girl look consisted of short hair, loose-fitting dresses, and a variety of unique accessories such as headbands, long pearl necklaces, and feather boas. This iconic style was characterized by its daring spirit and boldness, which encapsulated the essence of the era.
How to Revive the Flapper Girl Look Today
If you’re looking to revive the flapper girl look, here are some tips on how to incorporate it into modern day fashion:
- Experiment with dress silhouettes: Look for dresses that have a straight, loose-fitting silhouette that falls just above the knee or slightly below. You can also try a drop-waist dress that was popular during the 1920s.
- Accessorize with pearls: Long strands of pearls were a signature accessory of the era, and they’re still a perfect way to add some vintage charm to your outfit. Try layering multiple strands or pairing them with other statement pieces, such as a feather boa.
- Adopt the bob haircut: The iconic bob haircut was a hallmark of the flapper girl style, and it’s a classic look that’s still relevant today. If you’re hesitant about making such a dramatic change to your hair, try a shorter bob or experiment with a wig.
- Experiment with makeup: The flapper girl look was characterized by dark, dramatic makeup. Think smoky eyes and bold red lips. Play around with different shades and styles and find a look that works for you.
Whether you’re attending a themed party or just want to add some vintage flair to your everyday wardrobe, the flapper girl look is a timeless trend that will always be in style. Add your own contemporary twists to the iconic style, and you’ll be sure to turn heads wherever you go.
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – Coco Chanel
The Influence of Flapper Girl Look in Popular Culture
The flapper girl look, which became prevalent in the Roaring Twenties, had a significant influence on popular culture, particularly in the entertainment industry. This look was characterized by short haircuts, short dresses, and other daring styles that captured the liberated spirit of the times. Here are some of the ways the flapper girl look influenced popular culture:
Film
One of the most significant ways that the flapper girl look impacted popular culture was through film. The 1920s saw the birth of Hollywood and the rise of the silent film era, and flapper girl fashion was prominent on the big screen. Actresses like Clara Bow and Louise Brooks epitomized the flapper look, with their bob haircuts and knee-length dresses. The popularity of these actresses and their signature styles helped to shape fashion trends of the time and beyond.
Music
The flapper girl look also had a tremendous influence on the music scene of the Roaring Twenties. Jazz music, which was predominantly played in the speakeasies and clubs of the era, was often associated with this liberated female style. The flapper girl look was a reflection of the cultural shifts of the time, and jazz music became a powerful voice of that shift.
- Jazz music became a popular choice for dancing, and the dance moves of the time reflected the carefree and uninhibited nature of the flapper girl.
- The flapper girl look and jazz music went hand in hand, with both embodying the spirit of the era.
Theater
Theater was another cultural space where the flapper girl look left a strong impression. Broadway shows of the 1920s featured actresses with similar styles to the film industry. They became models for young women to follow, as well as an inspiration for designers creating new styles for clothing stores. Clothing stores wanted to cash in on the trend with dresses, hats and shoes on their shelves.
Dance
The iconic Charleston dance also became popular in the Roaring Twenties. Its fast-paced and carefree moves were a perfect match to the flapper girl style. The Charleston was typically done by younger people, so it was the ideal dance to prove that a new culture was coming out. The flapper girl style and Charleston dance became a symbol of change and freedom for women.
The influences of the flapper girl style still resonates even decades after. The roaring twenties women fashion, with its daring and adventurous fashion sense, has carved a lasting impact on pop culture that is still felt today.
Where to Find Flapper Girl Fashion
Flapper girl fashion is making a comeback! With its mix of glamour, elegance, and rebellion, it’s not a surprise that many women are intrigued by it. Whether you want to channel your inner Daisy Buchanan or just want to add a touch of retro flair to your wardrobe, there are plenty of places to find flapper girl-inspired fashion.
Specialty Boutiques
If you’re looking for a more personalized shopping experience, you may want to check out specialty boutiques. These stores usually have a collection of vintage-inspired and reproduction flapper girl clothing. You can find dresses, shoes, and accessories in different styles and sizes. Plus, you can try them on before buying them and get some styling tips from the staff.
Vintage Clothing Stores
For authentic flapper girl fashion, vintage clothing stores are the go-to places. You can find clothing and accessories from the 1920s that are still in good condition. The downside is that you may need to spend more time and effort in finding the right piece as the selection may vary and the sizes may not fit you. However, the thrill of scoring a unique flapper girl item is worth it.
Online Retailers
If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, there are also many retailers that sell flapper girl-inspired fashion. You can browse through their collections, filter your search based on size and style, and compare prices. Some online retailers also offer free shipping and returns, which is a plus. Just make sure to read the reviews and check the sizing charts to ensure that you get the right fit.
Vintage vs Reproduction
When shopping for flapper girl fashion, you may encounter two types of clothing: vintage and reproduction. Vintage clothing refers to the items that were actually made in the 1920s and have survived to this day. Reproduction clothing, on the other hand, are newly made items that are made to look like they were from the 1920s. Both have their pros and cons. Vintage clothing is more authentic and has a unique charm, but may be harder to find and may require special care. Reproduction clothing is easier to find, comes in more sizes, and is usually more affordable, but may lack the historical significance of vintage clothing.
Care and Maintenance Tips
- Read the care label. Some flapper girl clothing may require special care, such as dry cleaning or hand washing.
- Store your clothing properly. Hang dresses on padded hangers to avoid stretching out the fabric, and keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Handle with care. Be gentle when putting on and taking off your flapper girl clothing, especially those with delicate embellishments like sequins and beads.
- Spot-clean stains. If you have a small stain on your dress, try to remove it immediately with a damp cloth or a mild detergent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions | Answers |
---|---|
What colors were popular in the 1920s fashion? | Pastel colors like peach, pink, and powder blue were popular for daytime wear, while black, gold, and silver were often chosen for evening events. |
What kind of fabrics were used for flapper dresses? | Flapper dresses were typically made of lightweight fabrics like chiffon, silk, and velvet. |
What hairstyles were popular in the 1920s? | Short bob haircuts and finger waves dominated the hairstyle trends in the 1920s. |
What accessories were popular with flapper girl outfits? | Feather boas, long necklaces, and beaded headbands were some of the popular accessories for flapper girl outfits. |
Where can I find vintage-inspired flapper girl clothing? | You can check out online retailers like Unique Vintage or ModCloth for vintage-inspired flapper girl clothing. |
What shoes were popular during the flapper era? | T-strap Mary Jane shoes with a low heel were the typical footwear for flapper girl outfits. |
Thanks for Reading!
We hope you enjoyed learning more about the roaring twenties and how to revive the flapper girl look. Remember to have fun with fashion and experiment with different styles. If you’re interested in exploring more topics like this, be sure to visit our site again later for more fun reads!