What to Wear? What to Wear?

Wondering what to wear to the Gala?

If you're anything like me, the first thing l wondered about after buying my gala tickets was what i was going to wear.  There are certainly the obvious 1920s-era choices - flapper, gangster - but I wanted to know more so I did a little research.

While the dress styles of the early part of the century are far from risqué by today's standards, they were quite a departure from the constricting corsets and full, floor-length skirts of the preceding decades. There were several reasons the ‘20s were “roaring”. The war had ended, the stock market was soaring and women were entering the workforce in record numbers. All of these factors lent to a spirit of freedom and a more relaxed social attitude that become evident in the way people dressed. For the first time, hemlines rose to reveal women's legs and menswear took on a distinctly more casual, even athletic, look than ever before.For women, the fashion revolution reflected their changing roles in society. As they gained more financial freedom and independence, their clothes became less restrictive and the silhouette became more masculine. Skirts became shorter with pleats, gathers or slits to allow movement which accommodated the dances of the time. The waistlines dropped and became more fitted. Undergarments evolved to flatten breasts and hips. Short bobbed hair was very popular and often adorned with a cloche hat.

Makeup of the time became very pronounced with Kohl-lined eyes (think today’s smoky eye) and exaggerated lip lines. This more heavily made up look was in reaction to many things including the need for women to look their best as they competed with men for jobs. To attain the appearance of darker, thinker lashes, women used to mix petroleum jelly with soot or coal dust and apply it with a fine brush. Yikes!

Men’s suits changed over the decade and ultimately moved from the more formal long coat and tail coat to a shorter sports jacket. In fact, the style of men’s suits have not changed much since this era. Later in the decade a double breasted vest worn with a single breasted jacket was very fashionable. Men of the time also wore hats, with their class determining the type. Top hats for the upper class, fedoras for the middle class and newsboy caps or no hat at all for the working class. A casual option for the middle and upper class during the summer was a straw boater.

So whatever glad rags you choose for the Gala on the 14^th, just come embodying the spirit of the time. Hop in your jalopy with your favorite daddy or doll, get an edge (buzz) and throw down some jack (money) for Pilgrim, the cat’s meow of preschools. It’s gonna be the bees knees. See you there!

Ready to go all out? Head on over to Chicago Costume. They will give Pilgrim a 15% discount off costume rental if they come in and say they are going our event. Costume rental can come to $50 and included dress, gloves, and hair accessory (headband with a feather). They have a pretty good selection.


Chicago Costume
1120 W. Fullerton
Chicago, IL 60614
773-528-1264
www.chicagocostume.com