As the Roaring Twenties swirled with lavish parties, wild jazz music and the spirit of rebellion, the beauty and fashion of the era shone brightly. Defying the norms with daring makeup looks that evoked drama and sensuality, the iconic makeup of the Jazz Age still stands out as a defining feature of the time. From bold lips to signature smokey eyes, we take a look back at the glamour and flair that defined this incredible era.
1. Dazzling the Dance Floor: The Allure of Roaring Twenties Glam
High energy jazz, a little glitter, a hint of flapper-style fashion, and a whole lot of glamour; these are just a few ingredients that make the Roaring Twenties shine. This iconic era was a time of exciting culture, flashy style, and a sense of freedom that demanded attention on the urban dance floors of the early 20th century.
Bringing a unique flavour of allure and seduction back to the dance hall, the Roaring Twenties served up extravagant evenings, adorned with glitz and glamour. Music inspired by the artistic boom of the era calculatedly sashayed its way across the floor, setting the tone for a night of mystery and decadence.
The Captivating Glamour Of Jazz
The relentless thump and clang of jazz music provides the necessary atmosphere for an alluring night of revelry. Horns blaring, saxophones skittering, and a violin punctuating each movement of feet, the Roaring Twenties jazz scene had a remarkable ability to entrance even the greatest of sophisticates.
- The electrifying sounds of jazz captivating listeners in the flurry of the clubs.
- The identity of flapper fashion bursting with excitement.
- Young adults, aspiring for a sense of freedom with every step taken.
The timeless appeal of the music, fashion, and culture from the Roaring Twenties still delivers an adrenaline rush like no other. Why not add a hint of glamour and mystery to your next event, and witness the wonder of the Roaring Twenties on the dance floor?
2. Crafting a Signature Look: The Tools and Tutorials of the Jazz Age
During the Jazz Age, people crafted their own signature look from head to toe. Here are the tools and tutorials to help you craft your own look.
- Makeup
Cosmetics were a huge part of getting dressed in the 1920s – rouge for the cheeks, and dark eyeshadow and long eyelashes were all the rage. Though not approved by some of the more conservative members of society, makeup was a must to achieve the sought-after look. Getting the perfect makeup look took precision and skill, with precise lines defining the eyes.
- Clothing
The Jazz Age saw the introduction of many new fashion concepts, such as the drop waist dress, chemise dress, and the bob cut hairstyle. Women flocked to these styles, wearing them proudly, and standing out from the crowd. Additionally, accessories, such as long jewelry and feathered hats, were common and added to the overall aesthetic.
- Hairstyles
One of the defining features of the Jazz Age was the hairstyles. Whether it was the iconic Marcel Wave or a glossy bob, hairstyles were carefully manicured to perfection and achieved with a lot of effort. Hot curling irons and pincurls were especially popular, and women would put in extra effort to make sure their hair looked sleek and shiny.
3. Living Decadently: Reimagining the Vintage Makeup of the 1920’s
The 1920s was a decade of glamour and opulence never seen before in the modern age. The makeup trends of the era, often referred to as “vintage makeup” left behind a lasting legacy for future beauty trends that still resonate today. But the old ways of applying makeup can certainly be reinvented.
Shimmer, Glitter, and Shine
A key element of vintage makeup is the use of shimmer, glitter, and shine. This can be brought up to date with modern products and techniques, such as utilizing highlighter and other light reflecting products to give the face a dewy glow. Alternatively, a more subtle look can be achieved with a sheer layer of color-infused powder.
Violet Tones and Reds
- Try incorporating dark purple and red tones to the look to give more depth.
- Apply a primer before applying deeper tones to create more intensity and keep the color looking vibrant.
Winged Liner
- The famously iconic cat-eye is something that is timeless, and can be worn in a more modern way with thicker and bolder lines.
- Try using felt tip liner or pigmented pencil for a more dramatic effect.
These small tweaks to vintage makeup from the 1920s can give it a more contemporary feel, allowing you to recreate a classic look for any occasion.
4. Representing a New Generation: Showcasing Flapper Flair Through Makeup
The 1920s are known for a great many things, but perhaps one of the most defining aspects by far is the advent of the iconic Flapper. As a newly liberating woman style, it’s no wonder this look is making a big comeback in the 21st century! Makeup is a crucial part of the Flapper look and there are some simple, effective ways to get it right:
- Achieve the signature porcelain complexion with light, bright foundation and gentle pink cheeks.
- Add a defining touch to the eyebrows for on-trend, low-key arched perfection.
- Finish with a rich red lipstick or choose an olive-green for a different take on the style.
Bring It All Together
Once the individual elements come together, the result is a sultry, ethereal nod to the fashion of the Jazz Age. Get creative and mix up the colors to customize your look, complete with classic winged eyeliner or a dramatic smokey eye. Whatever your statement, keep it subtle and feminine for an contemporary twist on a Flapper favorite.
5. Making It Modern: Bringing Roaring Twenties Glam to the 21st Century
The Roaring Twenties have always held a special place in our collective conscience. This era of art and culture was revolutionary, and its influence on fashion can be felt in the 21st Century. Here are five tips for bringing the glamor and style of the Roaring Twenties into modern times:
- Shift silhouettes. Fit-and-flare silhouettes, long skirts, and delicate straps create a historic look. Look for pieces that balance that historic shape with modern details, like a well-tailored jumpsuit or a midi skirt in structured fabric.
- Accessorize like Gatsby could. Accessories are what make the wardrobe. Look for headbands, long necklaces with big pendants, and drop earrings in glimmering metals and gems. Don’t be afraid to go big, Gatsby-style!
- Go for bold colors. The Roaring Twenties were rich in colors. Think beyond the traditional black and white, with deep jewel tones that are luxurious and vibrant. Look for clothes that give off a bright, sparkling vibes.
- Go for glitz & glitter. Sequin dresses, crocheted dresses, and satin trimmings will take any look to the next level. The twenties were all about glitz and glamour, so look for ways to add sparkle and shine to your wardrobe.
- Mix and match textiles. Texture is also key to creating a 20s-inspired look. Mix velvet, lace, and crochet- patterns and fabrics all work together to create a look that is both elegant and modern.
When it comes to fashion, the Roaring Twenties remain an important source of inspiration. With the tips above, you can bring the glamour and style of the era into the 21st Century and make your wardrobe look modern and timeless all at once.
6. Celebrating an Era of Style: Resurrecting the Glamour of the Jazz Age
Reviving the Roaring 20s
The 1920s was a time of decadence and flappers. Its influence on style can be seen in vintage clothing, inspired by classic silhouettes, and in the celebration of classic jazz and cabaret. With this resurgence, traditional practices such as wearing a bold lip and having a unified color theme for the occasion are now trends.
- Exciting New Styles: From fringe-covered dresses to pleated skirts and shimmering tops, the clothing of this decade is as diverse as it is iconic. Clothing stores and online retailers now offer a variety of styles that can give you the look and feel of this famous era.
- Hair and Makeup: Hair is kept short and can also reflects the styles of this time, such as the marcel wave or a 20s bob. Adding a few accessories can also help set the mood; flapper-style headbands, drop earrings, and tiaras all add a touch of sophistication.
- Legendary Music: Charming music of the jazz age immersed in heady romance can be captured in a soft saxophone or a smooth piano. Refresh your music library to create the perfect jazz playlist – one of the most important elements to any successful 20s themed party.
The glamour of the 1920s has been resurrected and is now more popular than ever. With the increasing demand for vintage-inspired styles, you can celebrate the era of style in many different ways. By exploring the past, the glamour of this legendary time has been embraced and, newly reborn, can live on in all types of events.
It’s plain to see that the Roaring Twenties weren’t just a time of lighthearted revelry—they were a era of fashion and beauty that still serves to inspire us to this day. From the perfectly panned lipstick to the showstopping headpieces, we can take notes from the glamorous trendsetters of the Jazz Age and use those notes to find our own glamorous style. Here’s to the Roaring Twenties and the exceptional looks they still keep us sharing!