1920s Women’s Fashion Accessories: A Reflection of the Roaring Twenties

The 1920s, often referred to as the “Roaring Twenties,” was a decade of profound change, in society, culture, and fashion. Women’s fashion during this time was a bold departure from the previous eras, characterized by a spirit of liberation and modernity.

One of the most fascinating aspects of 1920s fashion was the accessories that women used to express their newfound freedom and style. The 1920s women’s fashion accessories were not just fashion statements; they were symbols of the changing roles and attitudes of women during this vibrant decade.

Hair Accessories

Cloche Hats: The Iconic Headwear

The cloche hat is perhaps the most iconic item for both men’s accessories as well for women of the 1920s. With its close-fitting, bell-shaped design, the cloche hat was both practical and stylish. It perfectly complemented the bobbed hairstyles that were all the rage at the time.

These hats were often adorned with ribbons, brooches, or other decorative elements, and they were worn low on the forehead, almost covering the eyes. The cloche hat became a symbol of the modern woman, confident and ready to embrace the future.

Hairpins with pearls

Pearl hairpins are a must-have accessory for pulling off an authentic 1920s style because of their enduring beauty. These hairpins encapsulate the grace of the time, whether you’re dressing as a flapper or just adding a dash of silver refinement to your hair.

Barrettes in Art Deco

Wear the exquisite elegance of art deco barrettes to adorn your locks. These accessories seamlessly bring the elegance of the 1920s into your look with a one-size-fits-all approach.

The geometric patterns give your hair a refined, sophisticated touch while flawlessly capturing the spirit of the time.

Beaded Handbags: The Perfect Evening Companion

Beaded handbags were a staple accessory for women in the 1920s, particularly for evening events. These bags were often intricately designed with beads, sequins, and embroidery, making them small yet luxurious.

 They were usually carried as a clutch or had a delicate chain strap. The beaded handbag was not just a practical item but also a piece of art that added a touch of glamour to any outfit.

Jewellery Accessories

Long Pearl Necklaces: A Nod to Elegance

Long pearl necklaces were another essential accessory of the 1920s women’s fashion accessories. Inspired by the Art Deco movement, these necklaces were often worn in layers or knotted at the front to create a more dramatic effect.

Pearls symbolized sophistication and were the perfect complement to the simple, straight lines of the flapper dresses that dominated women’s fashion during this time. The long strands of pearls also echoed the carefree and luxurious spirit of the era.

Art Deco Jewelry: Geometric and Glamorous

Art Deco, the predominant design style of the 1920s, had a significant influence on women’s jewelry. Art Deco jewelry was characterized by bold geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and the use of materials like platinum, diamonds, and emeralds.

 Women wore statement pieces like geometric brooches, cuff bracelets, and cocktail rings that reflected the era’s fascination with modernity and technology. These pieces were often worn with simple, sleek outfits, allowing the jewelry to take center stage.

Gemstone Jewellery

Gemstone jewelry of the 1920s was the art piece that often featured dramatic glossy black onyx and icy white diamonds. Some other gemstones like citrine, coral, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies also added a lot of color. Along with the ethereal rock crystal quartz, carved and cabochon stones were also in style.

Flapper Accessories

Feathered Headbands: The Flapper’s Favorite

For the daring flapper girls, feathered headbands were a must-have accessory. These headbands were often embellished with feathers, beads, and jewels, and they were worn across the forehead, sometimes paired with a bobbed hairstyle. Feathered headbands were typically reserved for evening wear, particularly at jazz clubs and speakeasies, where women danced the night away to the new rhythms of the time. This accessory symbolized the rebellious spirit of the flapper, who defied conventional norms and embraced a more liberated lifestyle.

 T-strap Shoes: The Dance Floor Essential

The 1920s saw the rise of dance crazes like the Charleston, and women’s footwear had to keep up with these energetic new styles. T-strap shoes, often with a small heel, became incredibly popular because they were both stylish and practical for dancing.

These shoes were typically made of leather or suede and often featured decorative elements like buckles or cutouts. The T-strap design provided extra support, making them the perfect choice for women who wanted to dance the night away.

Cigarette Holders: A Symbol of Independence

The 1920s was also a time when smoking became more socially acceptable for women and cigarette holders became a fashionable accessory.

These holders, often made of silver, ivory, or Bakelite, were used to hold a cigarette at a distance from the mouth, adding an air of sophistication to the act of smoking.

The cigarette holder became a symbol of the modern flapper woman’s independence and her willingness to break away from traditional gender roles.

Fur Stoles and Shawls: Luxurious Outerwear

Fur stoles and shawls were another popular flapper accessory in the 1920s, particularly for evening wear. These luxurious items were draped over the shoulders and provided warmth while adding an element of glamour to any outfit.

 Fox, mink, and ermine were among the most sought-after furs. Fur stoles and shawls were often fastened with a decorative brooch or clasp, and they were a status symbol for women who wanted to display their wealth and taste.

Conclusion

The fashion accessories of the 1920s were much more than mere adornments; they were expressions of a new era in women’s history. From the cloche hat to the cigarette holder, each accessory carried with it a sense of liberation, modernity, and a break from the past. The women of the 1920s used these accessories to assert their independence, embrace their individuality, and participate in the vibrant social changes of the time. Today, the accessories of the 1920s remain an enduring symbol of the decade’s style and spirit.