Dressing for the 1920's

Prom is a big deal. For those of you who don't know about this, it's a tradition here in the US for high schools to hold a formal dance in the spring time just for the 11th and 12th graders, also known as the Juniors and Seniors. Though an underclassman can attend as a date, without this invitation, the dance is traditionally open only to the upperclassmen. The girls go all out, planning every step of what she and her guy will be wearing, and these days the two must match, at least in color, if not also in theme! It's like the Oscars for high school.

This week I got an email from a friend of a friend seeking a resource for a prom suitable 1920's sewing pattern. I gathered that the daughter was eager for the stereotypical dress style, as fringe was mentioned as part of the necessary details. It's true that a sheath dress with fringe is a great costumers quickie for conveying this time period, but is it really a major fashion detail? Opulence was in style for sure. Here's a photo of typical dresses from the 20's taken from a display at Indiana University.

So if you are looking at those dresses, or even one of those coats in the back and feel a tinge of envy, here's a great resource for true vintage patterns:  The Vintage Pattern Lending Library. These have been copied from the original source -  the instructions are also copied from the original. I have purchased patterns from this source, and the patterns are exactly as I expected them to be. The sizing is limited, but the styles are growing. I hope you'll take a moment to look around and find a great pattern to try. The next time you go out, you too can be dressing for the 1920's!