The way we see it, it’s no surprise that fashion from the 1920s is still so rich and inspiring nearly a century later. After all, there’s a reason the decade got that Roaring ’20s nickname. And even a small peek at the ladies who championed the aesthetics of the era will serve up outfit ideas in spades, be it from the classic flapper look that favored less figure-defining shapes (and shameless amounts of pearls) or gender-norm-defying icons like Marlene Dietrich.
What’s most fascinating about the era is how its fashion didn’t seem to fit one mold—women of the 1920s could pile on the extras or opt for minimalism. And like so many of us today, they could use style to express and celebrate their identities. Now that we're in 2020 and a full century from the 1920s, these looks and the values they imbued are just as relevant today as they were 100 years ago. Scroll down to revisit some of our favorite looks from the 1920s.
Clara Bow, 1920
You have a lot to learn, 2020 statement sleeves.
Louise Brooks, 1925
More is more when patterns, ruffles, and bows come together in one ensemble.
Josephine Baker, 1925
This icon made a silky robe and fuzzy details feel so much more than boudoir-ready, and well before It girls of today wore the pajama-dressing trend.
Desiree Lubovska, 1925
Simple, straightened, and monochrome, this look is for the minimalists among us.
Bessie Love, 1925
The statement collar transforms the whole ensemble.
Marion Morehouse, 1926
Bring on the sequins in spades. But the pearls? Just one simple strand will do.
Greta Garbo, 1926
There’s so much glamour in this effortless ensemble.
Joan Clement, 1926
Art Deco FTW.
Marjorie Willis, 1926
This unconventional silhouette and skirt layering is one we can picture on 2020’s most creative dressers.
Gloria Swanson, 1928
Just a reminder to step up your hat game.
Joan Crawford, 1929
Don’t forget to pair your elegant tiers of ruffles with a wavy bob and a steely gaze.
Bettina Jones, 1929
This silky design is so shiny that it’s practically liquid.
Norma Shearer, 1929
What’s better than a one-shoulder design? One-shoulder dramatic draping.
Marlene Dietrich, 1929
Who’s to say what’s menswear and what’s not? Not Dietrich.
Shop These 1920s-Inspired Pieces
This is us stepping up our hat game.
More bows, more patterns, more fun.
Marlene Dietrich would be proud.
Sleepwear as partywear à la Josephine Baker.
Shimmy in style in a '20's-esque fringe dress.
Girls in the 1920s knew how to make a statement, and so does this dress.
The decade loved a good frill.
A full pleated skirt gets full approval.
A drop waist is an easy way to channel the '20s look.
Opt for a dress in beautifully draped silk.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated
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