Fashion
The age of the 1920’s during the Harlem Renaissance brought out a new wave of flamboyancy
and formality in attire that was never before seen in the U.S. For many men, the norm in dress
consisted of various suits all of which would be tailored to the wearer for maximum comfort.
Many of such suits would have long tails resembling that of tuxedos; the newest fashion of the
time was the rise of the snazzy zoot suit. The zoot suit creatively put an innovative twist on
the normal suit as it would contain a purposely long jacket with baggy loose pants. Each zoot
suit would be accommodated with a hat and a brightly colored feather to fit any type of formal
occasion. These were the most complex and in style of any suit at the time. Most men would
also accommodate their suits with pocket watches sporting long chains and handkerchiefs which
matched each suit; both accessories would add extra glitz and elegance. Women of the Harlem
Renaissance dressed as appropriately elegant as the men with added emphasis on extravagance.
They typical in style fashion consisted of large ballroom gowns and cocktail dresses often sewn
themselves and decorated with sparkling stones and glitter. The mode of dress exemplified the
need for comfortable yet fashionable attire fit for style of dancing. Along with their dresses and
gowns, women chose to accessorize a variety of ways. Some would wear silk gloves fitted with a ring, high heeled shoes, and coats and shawls made of fur; the most highly sought and beautiful gem to have worn would be pearls. Pearl jewelry marked beauty and the acquisition of such only highlighted the refined attire that Harlem Renaissance women took pleasure in.
and formality in attire that was never before seen in the U.S. For many men, the norm in dress
consisted of various suits all of which would be tailored to the wearer for maximum comfort.
Many of such suits would have long tails resembling that of tuxedos; the newest fashion of the
time was the rise of the snazzy zoot suit. The zoot suit creatively put an innovative twist on
the normal suit as it would contain a purposely long jacket with baggy loose pants. Each zoot
suit would be accommodated with a hat and a brightly colored feather to fit any type of formal
occasion. These were the most complex and in style of any suit at the time. Most men would
also accommodate their suits with pocket watches sporting long chains and handkerchiefs which
matched each suit; both accessories would add extra glitz and elegance. Women of the Harlem
Renaissance dressed as appropriately elegant as the men with added emphasis on extravagance.
They typical in style fashion consisted of large ballroom gowns and cocktail dresses often sewn
themselves and decorated with sparkling stones and glitter. The mode of dress exemplified the
need for comfortable yet fashionable attire fit for style of dancing. Along with their dresses and
gowns, women chose to accessorize a variety of ways. Some would wear silk gloves fitted with a ring, high heeled shoes, and coats and shawls made of fur; the most highly sought and beautiful gem to have worn would be pearls. Pearl jewelry marked beauty and the acquisition of such only highlighted the refined attire that Harlem Renaissance women took pleasure in.
Page Created By: Nic Cervantes