For some, the '20s conjure up images of Gatsby The Magnificent, with extravagant parties and daring outfits. While this is partly true, it's worth noting that the reality of the era is a little more complex than that. Today, we're going to look at one particular aspect of 1920s style: shoes.
The reality of the '20s
Before we dive into the world of shoes, let's take a clear look at what the 1920s were really like. Contrary to what many people may think, this decade was not a time of constant madness and outrageous parties. In fact, it was a time of great social and cultural change. Women were increasingly present on the public stage, and the old conservative Victorian fashions were giving way to freer, more relaxed styles.
It's against this backdrop that the shoe style of the '20s must be understood. Women of this era were looking for shoes that reflected their new spirit of independence and modernity.
The shoes of the time
So, what exactly did shoes look like in the 1920s? Well, for a start, they were flat. Yes, you read that right. High heels weren't exactly in vogue back then. This may seem surprising, especially if you consider the modern image of the 20s as a time of glamour and extravagance.
But in reality, the choice of flat shoes was largely a question of practicality. Women of the time led increasingly active lives, and flat shoes were simply more comfortable for walking and dancing.
On the other hand, shoes from the '20s were more often than not closed and equipped with straps. This strap fastening system was very popular at the time. The straps added a touch of sophisticated elegance to shoes and allowed a certain variety in design.
Common mistakes
Now that you've got an idea of what shoes looked like in the '20s, it's time to debunk a few myths. One of the biggest misunderstandings concerns the wearing of high-heeled shoes. As mentioned earlier, high-heeled shoes weren't exactly common back then. This may seem strange, especially if you consider the modern image of the '20s as a time of glamour and extravagance.
Another cliché to avoid is the idea that all women of the 20s wore fringed dresses with matching shoes. In reality, fringed dresses were a symbol of luxury and were not commonly worn by all women. Shoes, on the other hand, were generally simple and practical, reflecting the independent, modern spirit of the time.
Back to 1920!
The '20s were a time of change and modernity. Shoes of the era reflected this spirit with their simple, flat designs and elegant strap closures. So, the next time you attend a 20s-themed party, don't forget to leave the high heels at home and choose a pair of elegant flat shoes instead. After all, the devil is in the detail, and a pair of authentic shoes can really make the difference between a costume that holds up and one that merely perpetuates the clichés.
