As you know, all new is well forgotten old. Most designers create their collections, inspired by the fashion of past years. One of the most popular trends that are being revived today is Chicago-style dresses from the 30s.
Distinctive features
The 30s of the last century will always be associated with large-scale crisis in the economy. Banks went bankrupt, factories closed, people lost their jobs. It was the time of the Great Depression, when luxury became inaccessible to the vast majority of people, which immediately reflected in the women's wardrobe. The style of clothing has become more rational and concise, a combination of elegance and restraint has come into fashion, and instead of precious stones and many furs, they have begun to use intricate jewelry.
To distinguish dresses in the style of Chicago from other similar models, you can on several grounds:
- Short length allowing to demonstrate knees.
- Low waistline, almost reaching the hips.
- Slanting lines of cut.
- Thin straps.
- Asymmetry of the top line of the dress, giving playfulness (not vulgarity).
- An elongated shoulder line created with scarves, stoles, shoulder straps with wings or feathers, draperies.
Often, models have a rather deep neckline on their backs.
Compared to the dresses of the 1920s, more explicit outfits were used in the 1930s, fitted to emphasize the bends of the body; in addition, the sleeves and skirts became shorter, the neckline and back cut out more deeply. A simple cut was complemented by various draperies and luxurious accessories.
Dress in the style of Chicago 30s is suitable for dancing, informal retro parties and even classic events, as all models are free and elegant. The main thing is not to overdo it and not to make the image vulgar.
Material
The fabric used when sewing dresses should shine and shimmer. Most often, designers prefer:
- silk;
- atlas;
- lace;
- chiffon;
- velvet.
To make an inexpensive dress visually effective, it can be decorated with beads, sequins, fringe and other decorative elements. In this case, it will be difficult to overdo it with the decoration, since the style itself implies the redundancy of bright details. However, you should carefully consider the color combination of all elements, it should not be too contrasting.
Color
The color of the dress is very important, as it affects the impression made by the image as a whole. When dresses in the style of Chicago just appeared, they were associated with black and dark shades like wine, deep blue, raspberry. Over time, golden, peach, white and bright pink options came into fashion.
Those wishing to move away from the classic color scheme can choose muted red, dark purple, emerald or turquoise colors.
Dresses of pastel colors - beige, peach, white, emphasizing femininity, tenderness and sophistication became a novelty of the season.
Finishing and details should be combined with the leading color of the dress.
Who is going to?
Dresses in the style of Chicago look best on slender girls, but owners of curvaceous forms should not be upset, because you can try to choose the right model.
On a straight figure, concealing a lack of bends will help a hipster style. With broad shoulders, it is better to choose a fluffy skirt - it will balance the image. For a figure of the "triangle" type, an outfit with a decorated top is ideal, which will emphasize the shoulders.
Fringe
The most recognizable element in Chicago-style dresses of the 30s is fringe. Often it is located in several tiers and sways when moving, adding to the image of magic and sexuality. In modern models, fringe is even made from beads, leather and sewn from the neckline to the hem.
Styles will look elegantly, where all decorated elements correspond to the tone of the dress, this also applies to fringe. Contrast in this case is inappropriate.
Selection of accessories
Initially, dresses were worn exclusively with hats, but soon sophisticated hairstyles came to fashion, complemented by rims with rhinestones and stones. The short length forced the girls to wear stockings with delicate patterns, and to hide their naked hands in high satin, shiny gloves.
The best decoration for a dress with Chicago-style pendants will be thin long beads made of pearls or a chain in the form of pendants. Jewels will not be needed, because the 30s is the time of the Great Depression, when they were available only to a narrow, privileged circle of the rich. You can safely choose ordinary jewelry, since today their range is so huge that creating an unusual, memorable image will not be difficult.
So, for dresses in the style of Chicago, you should definitely pick up small accessories:
- luxurious boa;
- pearls;
- seductive stockings;
- graceful gloves;
- a cute hat;
- fur cape;
- long mouthpiece;
- feathers of exotic birds.
Large bags are not suitable for such an image; it is better to choose a small neat clutch. The mouthpiece will look unusual, daring and sexy, perfectly fitting into the Chicago style. Shoes are best chosen not only beautiful, but also comfortable: a steady heel, comfortable lifting and a wide strap.
Makeup and hairstyle
The outfit must be complemented by appropriate hair and makeup. At that time, short haircuts, curled and secured with ribbons, were popular. If you have long hair, you can curl them with waves and additionally decorate with a ribbon with feathers, for example.
In the 30s, aristocratic pallor was popular. The eyebrows are thin and let down, the shadows are dark, and the eyelashes are long and black, all together making the look more penetrating and deep. Lips should be made up with bright lipstick and have a clear contour, then they will look more sensual. A required element is a black fly (dot) near the eye or above the upper lip.
The images
Contrary to popular belief, a Chicago-style dress in Moscow or any other city can be worn not only at a theme party, but also at almost any holiday event.
1. Evening.
It is in evening toilets that form-fitting styles, bare backs and luxurious decor elements are most welcome, so the Chicago gown would be a great choice.
2. The wedding.
To make the main day of your life as bright and memorable as possible, you can arrange a thematic wedding in the style of the movie “The Great Gatsby”: girls in beautiful dresses, men in suits. Glitter, glamor, liters of champagne and fun. Low waist, flowing materials, feathers, rhinestones and shuttlecocks are welcome. The Chicago image may have white, black and red colors, and not just silver and gold, as is commonly thought.
3. On a date.
It is best to choose a dress in pastel shades for meeting with your lover, although bright colors are not forbidden, but the material must be thin and light.
4. For every day.
Everyday look should be composed of a simple but elegant dress, without too bright details and outright sexuality. The outfit should emphasize the natural beauty and femininity of its owner.
There is a dress has a cut, neckline and length in accordance with the requirements of the style, then the color should be different. Dark and saturated colors are not suitable for everyday life. The expressiveness of the dress is better to damp with the help of classic elements like a jacket, jacket or cardigan.
It is better for girls of strict professions, for example, working in the office, to choose pastel and powdery shades with drapery in the neckline, without a cutout on the back. But for an evening walk, you can choose a light dress with a fringe.
At one time, it was the jazz and gangster capital of America that became the trendsetter. She should be thanked, including for the modern hit - a dress in the style of Chicago of the 30s, demanded today by all fashionistas in the world. It first appeared during the economic crisis and was a worthy response to the general depressed mood. According to legend, the handbag that was attached to such dresses should be the size of a small gun.