We talk a lot about Art Deco antiques like lamps and marble-top tables; let’s focus on the fashion for a minute. The 1920s was a time of significant change and liberation for women. The flapper style, which emerged during this period, was characterized by short skirts, bobbed hair, and a carefree attitude. But how did flappers stay warm during winter while still maintaining their signature look?
In this article, we explore flappers’ various options for staying warm in the winter, including coats, tailored outfits, and accessories like gloves and fur stoles. We also provide ideas for incorporating elements of 1920s winter fashion into a modern look you can wear today.
Common 1920s Winter Clothing Options
Knee-length Coats and Cloche Hats
One option to stay warm was simply adding a coat to their flapper outfits. Coats of the time were typically knee-length and made of heavy materials like wool or fur. They were often paired with a cloche hat, a close-fitting hat that could be pulled down over the ears for added warmth.
Long Wool Skirts and Wide-Brimmed Hats
Another option was to opt for a more tailored look, which was also fashionable in the 1920s. This might involve wearing a long wool skirt, a matching jacket, and a wide-brimmed hat. This look was often accessorized with gloves, a muff, and a scarf to keep warm.
Stockings and Knee-High Boots
Flapper dresses were also sometimes made with longer hemlines, allowing warm layers to be added. Flapper-style dresses with dropped waists and fringe details were popular, and these could be worn with tights or stockings and knee-high boots for added warmth.
Wraps, Stoles, and Long Gloves
In addition to these clothing options, flappers also made use of other accessories to stay warm in the winter. Long gloves, which extended past the elbow, were popular, as were fur stoles and wraps. These could be worn over a flapper dress or with a more tailored outfit.
How to Mix 1920s Winter Clothing With Modern Outfits
While the exact styles of the 1920s may no longer be in fashion, it is still possible to incorporate elements of the flapper look into modern winter outfits. Here are a few ideas for how to do this:
- Choose a long, tailored coat. In the 1920s, long, tailored coats were a popular choice for winter. Look for a coat with a fitted waist and wide, lapel-style collar, and choose a neutral color such as black, grey, or navy.
- Pick out long skirts or dresses. In the 1920s, women’s skirts and dresses were long, often reaching the ankles or even the floor. Choose a long skirt or dress in a heavy fabric, such as wool or tweed, and pair it with a pair of warm tights or stockings.
- Wear boots or shoes with low heels. In the 1920s, women’s shoes were often low-heeled and practical, with sturdy soles and a closed toe. Choose a pair of boots or shoes with a low heel, and wear them with a pair of warm, woolen socks to keep your feet warm.
How to Pick 1920s-Inspired Winter Accessories
Overall, the key to dressing like a flapper in the winter is to choose warm, heavy fabrics and accessorize with stylish gloves, hats, and scarves. By incorporating these elements into modern outfits, it is possible to achieve a 1920s winter fashion-inspired look that is both fashionable and functional in cold weather.
- Accessorize with a (faux) fur stole or wrap. Fur stoles and wraps were popular accessories among flappers in the 1920s, and they can be a great way to add warmth and glamour to your outfit. Wear a fur stole or wrap over any modern dress or a more tailored outfit to stay warm and stylish.
- Put on a hat. In the 1920s, hats were an essential part of a woman’s winter wardrobe. Choose a hat with a wide brim, such as a cloche or a beret, and pair it with a scarf or muffler to keep your neck and head warm.
- Keep warm with a muff. During the Art Deco era, muffs were a popular accessory for keeping hands warm. A muff is a soft, pouch-like accessory that is worn around the hand, and it can be a great way to add warmth and a touch of old-fashioned charm to any outfit. Choose a muff in a neutral color, such as black or beige, to match any winter outfit.
