ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

1920s in fashion

In the 1920s, people really started to change the way they dressed. Let's imagine you're playing dress-up and we're going back to that exciting time!

So, in the 1920s, there were two very important things that influenced the way people dressed: World War I and a new style called "the Flapper."

During the war, lots of changes happened. People had to be practical and efficient, so they started wearing different types of clothes. Uniforms became popular because they were easy to put on, and soldiers' clothes were also made to be comfortable and practical. When the war ended, people started to apply these ideas to everyday clothing.

Now, let's talk about the Flapper style. Imagine you have a friend who likes to dance a lot. She's energetic and likes to have fun. Well, that's what Flappers were like! They were young women who rebelled against traditional ideas of how a lady should dress and behave.

First, let's start with the dresses. The Flapper dress was shorter than before, reaching just about the knees. This was a big change because before this time, dresses were usually very long. Flapper dresses were also loose and not form-fitting, which means they didn't hug the body tightly. They were usually made with lightweight fabrics like silk or chiffon, so they were comfortable to wear while dancing.

Next, let's talk about accessories. Flappers loved to wear things that made noise, like necklaces made of strings with beads on them. These were called "pearl ropes" because they looked like ropes made of pearls. They also wore long gloves that went up to their elbows, which was very fashionable at the time.

Now, let's move on to the hair. Flapper girls had short haircuts called bobs. Instead of having long hair that they needed to take care of and style every day, they opted for a shorter and more practical look. They also liked to wear headbands or hair accessories with feathers or beads on them. Can you imagine wearing something like that in your hair?

Lastly, let's talk about shoes. Flappers loved to dance, so they needed shoes that were comfortable and allowed them to move easily. They wore something called "Mary Janes," which were low-heeled shoes with a strap across the top that kept the shoe in place while they danced.

So, to sum it all up, in the 1920s, people started wearing shorter, looser dresses that were more comfortable. Flappers rebelled against traditional fashion and wore clothes and accessories that allowed them to express their fun and energetic personalities. They had short haircuts, wore headbands with feathers or beads, and danced in comfortable shoes. It was a time of change and excitement in the world of fashion!
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