Women's fashions of the 1920s are a large part of the Jazz Age identity. New technology and the end of the horrors brought about by World War I and the 1918 Flu Pandemic gave rise to a youthful exuberance personified by the flapper.
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| 1920s beauties from left to right: Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, and Jacqueline Gadsden |
Contrary to popular misconception, the short skirts and bold make up of the flapper did not rule the fashion of the day but were an iconic and memorable look. Fashion periods are usually distinguished by the female silhouette which presented a boyish figure with flattened breasts and loose clothing for most of the decade.
The drop waist shift dresses of the 1920s relieved women of the last vestiges of Edwardian formality. The widespread use of the automobile, radio, and increased educational opportunities encouraged young women to cut off their hair and kick up their heels.
Take a look at these fabulous photos of classic beauties who defined the 1920s women's fashion.
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| Adrienne Dore |
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| Alden Gay |
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| Ann Harding |
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| Betty Blythe |
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| Betty Compson |
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| Billie Dove |
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| Carmel Myers |
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| Clara Bow |
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| Doris Kenyon |
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| Dorothy Sebastian (l), Joan Crawford (c), and Anita Page (r) |
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| Eleanor Boardman |
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| Esther Ralston |
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| Florence Eldridge |
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| Florence Vidor |
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| Gloria Swanson |
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| Harriet Hoctor |
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| Hedda Hopper |
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| Isabel Jeans |
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| Jacqueline Gadsden |
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| Janet Gaynor |
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| Juliette Compton |
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| Leatrice Joy |
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| Lee Miller |
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| Lila Lee |
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| Lillian Stone |
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| Louise Brooks |
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| Mae Busch |
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| Marion Davies |
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| Mary Astor |
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| Mary Eaton |
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| Mrs. Margot Burke |
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| Nancy Carroll |
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| Norma Shearer |
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| Norma Talmadge |
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| Olive Ann Alcorn |
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| Pola Negri |
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| Raquel Torres |
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| Tala Birell |
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| The Sisters G |
Tilly Losch
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