Save your beaded dresses for the evening, ladies. Daytime events such as a 1920s tea party or garden party need lighter dresses. 1920s day dresses included everything from informal house dresses to lovely chiffon or lace frocks for semi-formal dinners, weddings, and afternoon parties. Mature women appreciate the longer sleeves, modest necklines, light jackets and simple loose silhouettes befitting of “not a flapper” ladies.
Read about the history of house dresses and afternoon (tea) dresses for inspiration.
1920s Day Dresses
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Use the 1920s menu at the top of the page to find hats, shoes, gloves and other 1920s accessories to complement your look.
Look here for casual pants or skirt ideas instead of dresses.
Natural waist, drop waist, and slip dresses were the norm for the entire decade, with hem lengths never going above the knee. White 20s dresses were popular in summer as well as pastels and rich jewel tones for winter. Daywear dresses and sports clothing were the casual attire of the decade, although by today’s standard they’re still very formal!
1920s non flapper dresses — especially those with sleeves and longer lengths — are harder to find than evening styles, but they are much more comfortable to wear and period appropriate. Mothers of the bride and wedding guests often choose these party dresses for the big day.
Mrs, mature, and old women — I know, terrible names — wore different clothes, but the the fashions for gracious ladies were more modest and simple compared to the bright young things. These dresses are better suited for the older woman than flapper dresses.
