Here’s a look at what the fashion trends were for spring 1926 as featured in Woman’s Home Companion. There were no glossy multi page fashion spreads with models back then. But the illustrations were beautiful!
The dropped waist silhouette was still popular, as were handkerchief hems, cloche hats, bobbed hair, capes and chiffon prints.
The 1920s was the first decade where young people started to really influence fashion. From an article called “Where Do Styles Start?” in the editorial section, here is a quote referring to this new phenomenon.
“With a bow in the direction of our fashion editors, at home and in Paris, we must concede much truth to a recent comment in the commercial news about style. It is that no designer can create a style trend. The only thing to do is to watch the young people.”
Chiffon print dresses 1926
Above is an illustration by John La Gatta that features flower print chiffon dresses. The one on left has a skirt with fluttery pleated fans and jabots. The one on the right actually has a circular skirt.
Katherine Sturgis design
A frock and fabric design called “Camillias” by Katharine Sturgis.
Dress with capes-1926
Dresses with matching capes sold at Neiman Marcus.
The one on left in black dragon satin. On right printed red, yellow, black and white crepe de chine.
1926 cape coats
Another trend was a coat with attached cape. From the article.
“It’s a silhouette for youth and swagger, for vivid novelty fabrics of the
tweed school.”
The one on the left is very interesting with it’s striped top and checkered bottom.
Chiffon dresses with handkerchief hems
I love the band and tied collar attached above the V neckline on dress at left and the shoulder bow
with long sash on right.
Dresses from the Bella Hess Catalog
I am completely smitten with these dresses from the Spring/Summer Bellas Hess Catalog!
It was one of the first of the big mail order companies and was based out of Greenwich Village
in New York.
Molyneux red and black crepe dress
An actual photograph of model wearing a red and black crepe dress by famous designer Edward Molyneux, who opened his own couture house in 1919. Known for his elegant, streamlined creations and exquisite fabrics, he was a favorite of film stars and the high society set, including the Duchess of Windsor. Photograph by Paul O’Doye, Paris.
Hats in felt and taffeta
Felt cloche hats and an adorable taffeta hat with upturned front brim by Rollé.
These Jazz Era looks were chic, feminine and timeless. Which ones would you consider wearing today?
