You may rouge your cheeks but how about your knees? In the twenties, flapper girls would apply blush to their knee caps to draw attention to this part of the body (which was frowned upon to reveal at the time.)
The way to wear a blushing knee was peeking out from a mid-length skirt and accompanied by a pair of rolled down stockings. Instead of relying on cumbersome garters to hold stockings up on the thighs, the younger generation would roll them down under the knee, creating a bump effect at the top of the stocking—another way to draw focus to the exposed leg above.
But it’s not that flappers were really walking around with exposed legs and thighs. In the twenties, you’d be hard pressed to find a hemline rising anywhere over the knee—most came to just below. It was with movement, and of course dancing, that one might catch a glimpse of a reddened knee cap. The flapper generation had a number of blush formulas to choose from including cream, powder, and liquid formulas. Whichever blush was chosen, we have a feeling there were a lot of reddish stains back then along the hemlines of women’s skirts!
Not only did knee rouge create a “look at me” effect below the waistline, it brought a healthy glow to an unusual area. It almost makes us wonder what other areas of the body could benefit from a little rouging? The elbows too perhaps? Like the standard “All That Jazz” suggests, “I’m going to rouge my knees and roll my stockings down”.
Would you ever rock a rouge knee?
As a beauty and fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of historical beauty practices, I can provide valuable insights into the intriguing trend of rouging knee caps among flapper girls in the twenties. This unique and somewhat forgotten beauty ritual reflects not only a distinct fashion style but also a societal attitude towards modesty and expression during that era.
The evidence supporting the use of knee rouge by flapper girls is rooted in the historical context of the 1920s. The flapper generation, characterized by their rebellious spirit and rejection of traditional norms, sought unconventional ways to express themselves. The application of blush to knee caps was a daring move to draw attention to a part of the body that was typically concealed at the time.
To elaborate on the concepts mentioned in the article, let's break down the key elements:
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Flapper Fashion: Flapper girls were known for their distinctive fashion choices, including shorter hemlines that challenged conventional standards. The article emphasizes that while hemlines didn't necessarily rise above the knee, the act of dancing and movement would reveal glimpses of the rouged knee caps, creating a playful and rebellious vibe.
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Stocking Style: The article mentions the practice of rolling down stockings under the knee instead of using garters to hold them up on the thighs. This technique not only served a functional purpose but also contributed to the fashion statement by creating a noticeable bump effect at the top of the stocking, further accentuating the exposed leg.
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Blush Formulas: Flapper girls had a variety of blush formulas at their disposal, including cream, powder, and liquid formulations. This choice allowed for personalization in achieving the desired rosy effect on the knee caps. The use of different formulas added versatility to the beauty ritual.
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Expression and Societal Norms: The act of rouging knees was not just a fashion statement; it was a form of expression that challenged societal norms. By drawing attention to a typically concealed area, flapper girls asserted their individuality and defiance against the conservative standards of the time.
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Healthy Glow and Unconventional Beauty: The article suggests that knee rouge not only created a "look at me" effect but also brought a healthy glow to an unusual area. This unconventional approach to beauty prompts the consideration of other body parts, such as elbows, that could benefit from similar rouging.
In conclusion, the trend of rouging knee caps among flapper girls in the twenties represents a fascinating intersection of fashion, beauty, and societal rebellion. The evidence of this beauty practice provides a glimpse into the creativity and boldness of the flapper generation, challenging traditional notions of modesty and self-expression.
