We all remember the famous Hollywood movie Chicago where the main heroines appear in seductive and bright images. Each woman has chosen a certain element of the image for herself. Bright makeup, interesting hats, dresses, or lingerie items. After all, the heroines’ images in the movie were so attractive that it was just impossible to ignore them and forget about them. The so-called “Chicago” or gangster style is still relevant today, and representatives of the fairer sex continue to reproduce it. More at chicagoka.
Luxury, Glamour and Beauty
The birthplace of this style is considered to be America, at a time when the fashion and beauty industry was just beginning to emerge. It was during this period that the traditional image of a lady in modest and restrained attire was destroyed. A new era of democratic self-expression began. Women sought freedom in their self-expression, so it is not surprising that they actively began to get rid of long dresses with tight corsets. In their place, they chose short skirts, dresses made of almost weightless fabrics with deep necklines, short sleeves or thin straps. Women of that time acquired a new desire, to be free, seductive and alluring. Moreover, such images of women were no longer perceived in society as a sign of bad upbringing. It was also important to consider that fashion dictated its terms, so one had to stay in the style of that time. The famous Coco Chanel even spoke about this style. She said that the “Chicago” style in women’s fashion was not just about accessories, high heels, or dresses, but a manifestation of an entire era.
A trip down memory lane
During the 1920s and 1930s, parties in Chicago were a very popular event and were highly successful among the locals. They were a special occasion to dress up and go out, moreover, such parties had a particular ambiance. Guests could play games of chance, drink alcoholic beverages and cocktails, smoke cigars and socialize. Of course, such parties were filled with loud music and dancing. Many girls dreamed of attending such a party to experience the full flavor of life.
The classic “Chicago” style had a certain theatricality to it. It awakened fantasies in men and tempted them. Those who loved luxurious clothing fell in love with this style immediately and forever.
Features of women’s clothing in the “Chicago” style
First and foremost, there was a certain difference in dresses. The daily dress had a knee-length hem, while the evening gown was ankle-length. A lowered waistline was an important element of the dress, which allowed women to show off their figures in all their beauty. Often, such dresses had a bareback and a deep neckline. This was truly a breakthrough in the history of American fashion. Therefore, such dresses looked better on slender girls. Of course, the multi-layered nature of the clothing cannot be overlooked. For example, fringes, embroidery, or asymmetrical hemlines of the dress accentuated the fluidity of movements in dance and walking. To add brightness and sparkle, gems, rhinestones and beads were used. It was crucial to highlight not only the beauty of the waistline but also the shoulders, so dresses of this style often had short sleeves or thin straps. Clothing for the “Chicago” style was made from light and natural fabrics. Designers tried to make their models visually as light as possible. Silk, velvet, satin, and chiffon were used for sewing. The trendiest colors were considered black, white, burgundy, brown, blue and delicate beige.
The headwear was no less important accessory. Chicago fashionistas wore small hats, headbands, or ribbons with flowers and feathers. Often, headwear was adorned with massive gemstones.
For an outfit with bare legs, i.e., a short dress, women chose comfortable shoes – pumps with small heels or English-style boots. Such footwear was quite practical and comfortable for long dances all night. Walking in such shoes was easy and confident, which is why Chicago girls always caught men’s admiring glances.
Other accessories that were carefully chosen for each dress also deserve separate attention. They complemented the image and added a unique touch, emphasizing luxury.
For example, girls loved to wear jewelry with gems and beads and often used long pearl and gold necklaces. Extended earrings and bracelets also complemented the image. Another accessory was lace gloves made of satin or velvet. They could be short or quite long, reaching the elbow, thus emphasizing the elegance of the hands. Chicago fashionistas also loved fishnet stockings, usually black or white. Some women used a cigarette holder to complete the image.
Stylish evolution
Many stylists from around the world still consider the “Chicago” style to be one of the most fashionable in the world and for many generations. But it should be noted that fashion has changed and made its own adjustments to the image of a Chicago fashionista.
Dresses in the style of the 1920s still maintain their tenderness and modesty, with long sleeves and almost no neckline. Outfits from those times are easily recognizable by their simple and straight silhouette and, of course, the lowered waistline is present.
Dresses in the style of the 1930s are already more liberated and seductive. Short sleeves, short skirts, deep cuts on the back and quite open necklines. By the way, this quite revealing style was revived in the 80s, that was when changes occurred. For example, the waistline rose higher to the hips and the length of the dress increased. However, even in the modern world, well-known designers often return to retro style. After all, it is quite versatile and suits girls and women with different body types, perfectly hides flaws and emphasizes appetizing parts of the body. Such striking images are often used for parties, celebrations or dance events. It is quite common to see brides who choose this style for their important celebrations and their wedding dresses are sewn according to the rules of the same gangster times.
Modern Chicago Style. Recommendations
Choosing clothes in the “Chicago” style is quite simple, and finding suitable accessories is also not a problem. This is exactly the style in which you can safely trust your imagination. However, stylists still advise taking into account the features of your figure when choosing an outfit. For example, slim girls are recommended to choose shortened dresses with a small neckline. Such dresses can be of different colors with an asymmetrical hem or you can choose an option with a straight hem. Also, the look can be complemented with bright contrasting jewelry.
Girls of a small height can visually lengthen it by using shortened dresses with a standard waistline. But it is necessary to give preference to shoes with high heels.
Dresses with a lowered waistline will help to emphasize the figure and hide a small belly. Girls who are overweight can choose long dresses with a cut from the 30s for their look. But if you need to cover the upper part of the body, a bolero can be used.
Glamorous and bright outfits in the “Chicago” style are still very popular among women all over the world. Some stylists say that this style is quite easy to experiment with, create spectacular images, and also helps to hide any flaws in the figure, if they exist. Many fans of this style believe that “Chicago” allows you to forget about dress codes and feel free.