Almost 100 Years Later, These Outfits Still Look Amazing

The way we see it, it’s no surprise that fashion from the 1920s is still so rich and inspiring nearly a century later. After all, there’s a reason the decade got that Roaring ’20s nickname. And even a small peek at the ladies who championed the aesthetics of the era will serve up outfit ideas in spades, be it from the classic flapper look that favored less figure-defining shapes (and shameless amounts of pearls) or gender-norm-defying icons like Marlene Dietrich.

What’s most fascinating about the era is how its fashion didn’t seem to fit one mold—women of the 1920s could pile on the extras or opt for minimalism. And like so many of us today, they could use style to express and celebrate their identities. Now that we're in 2020 and a full century from the 1920s, these looks and the values they imbued are just as relevant today as they were 100 years ago. Scroll down to revisit some of our favorite looks from the 1920s.

Clara Bow, 1920

You have a lot to learn, 2020 statement sleeves.

Louise Brooks, 1925

More is more when patterns, ruffles, and bows come together in one ensemble.

Josephine Baker, 1925

This icon made a silky robe and fuzzy details feel so much more than boudoir-ready, and well before It girls of today wore the pajama-dressing trend.

Desiree Lubovska, 1925

Simple, straightened, and monochrome, this look is for the minimalists among us.

Bessie Love, 1925

The statement collar transforms the whole ensemble.

Marion Morehouse, 1926

Bring on the sequins in spades. But the pearls? Just one simple strand will do.

Greta Garbo, 1926

There’s so much glamour in this effortless ensemble.

Joan Clement, 1926

Art Deco FTW.

Marjorie Willis, 1926

This unconventional silhouette and skirt layering is one we can picture on 2020’s most creative dressers.

Gloria Swanson, 1928

Just a reminder to step up your hat game.

Joan Crawford, 1929

Don’t forget to pair your elegant tiers of ruffles with a wavy bob and a steely gaze.

Bettina Jones, 1929

This silky design is so shiny that it’s practically liquid.

Norma Shearer, 1929

What’s better than a one-shoulder design? One-shoulder dramatic draping.

Marlene Dietrich, 1929

Who’s to say what’s menswear and what’s not? Not Dietrich.

Shop These 1920s-Inspired Pieces

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated

Up next, I'm a vintage shop owner—these are the 9 trends I recommend buying secondhand.