Downton Abbey 1920's Fashion

As many of you know, Downton Abbey recently began their third season. I find it especially thrilling because they are now entering into an entirely different decade. The roaring twenties is the time frame in which we will see the Crawley family and their staff experience life in a entirely different way.

One of the other reasons that I personally find it thrilling is because it gives me an opportunity to learn more about this decade as well as visualize what life could have been like during that time. I love learning about people and how they lived-don't you!

An important aspect of any time in history is what the people wore. In the 20th Century especially for women, we have witnessed each decade bringing forth new and inventive ways of expression through clothing, accessories, hair, and makeup.

Here is a glimpse to the fashions have already popped up at the Downton Abbey estate-circa 1920:

Headdress has always been important in women's fashions. Unfortunately, not so much today especially with common, everyday folks. Hats shifted and changed but they were still very stylish. Cloche hats became incredibly popular in the 1920's and they went so well with the also popular bob hair cut and finger waves.

Women began to leave behind the tight laced corsets and embraced dresses with a lower waistline, as well as showing a bit of their calves which was a huge deal! Women also began to wear trousers (oh the scandal!) and sportswear. Rayon was used to make stockings and metal hooks and eyes replaced buttons and lacing. Such an exciting time for fashion (and for women!!).

If you are looking for authentic pieces of 1920's clothing to wear yourself, look no further because Etsy has loads of amazing pieces. Be aware that unfortunately many pieces are expensive because of the age and delicate nature of the garments. 

Here an outfit I put together-I just love the colors! I wish I could have found a better hat to match though!

All pieces are authentically 1920's: One, Two, and Three

For those of you who are big fans of "Downton Abbey" like I am, we have been with the Crawley family and their staff since 1912. For them it is now 1920 and so many changes have already occurred and so many more to come! It is exciting to see characters change with the time or fight against it, hoping to hold on to the traditions of the past. Both are beautiful and neither way of being is wrong.

As a women, I am grateful that we have made so much progress, not just in the way we are able to express ourselves with dress but also in how many opportunities we have as well. Thank you to the turn of the century suffragettes and the flappers of the 1920's. So many more decades to cover , my hope is that "Downton Abbey" stays with us for many years to come!

xox