Women's Hats Through the Years

1920s

The 'Clouche' style dominated the 20s, this deep-crown hat comes down low over the eyes and has either a thin brim or no brim at all.  Brims were usually utilised only on summer hats, where the brim acted as a visor from the sun's rays. 

1940s

Th wartime 40's saw a huge variety of hats that were suitable for any face shape, hairstyle or personal preference. There was explosions of decorations such as feathers, veiling and artificial flowers on the hats. The 'Doll' hat, a very small hat that perched on the very front of the forehead, revived Victorian styles. 

1950s

Many women chose not to wear hats on a regular basis in this era so the millinery industry set about creating variety and extravagance. The hats remained small and close to the head. They were now touted as the essential accessory to complete the ensemble. The 'Pancake' or 'Cart wheel' hats sat flat atop the head reviving turn of the century styles. The 'Lampshade' hat fashioned by Audrey Hepburn in 1957's Funny face features a medium-to-tall round crown, and a brim that flares outwards over the ears. 

1960s 

In the 60s the hair was bigger and it was the era of the mod, so small, round pill box made iconic by Jackie O were in fashion. 

1970s

Big floppy hat became a staple of the 70s when style icon Faye Dunaway and Bridget bardot beegan wearing them . Floppy hats were adorned with silk flowers and paired floral cotton dresses for garden parties or wide bands of ribbons and subtle hints of tulle gave a classy look to it.

For all the hats you want for your fancy dress, drop into our store or online: 

Checklist for the 1920s Flapper Look

The 1920s are remembered as the decade of the Flappers because after the constraint of the first world war, women became financially independent, went out to work, went out to parties and enjoyed themselves. To create the fun 1920s flapper look, we have put together a checklist of all the things you'll need:

 Dresses

The dresses of the 20s were long, drop waist, loose fitting, usually sleeveless or a v-shaped back and front. Many of the dresses were covered in beads or beaded fringe so that the movement of the fringe would swish and jingle while dancing the Charleston.  Here are some of the ranges of dresses in our store and online:

(1) 1920's Fringed Flapper Costume (2) Fever Flapper Hotty Costume (3)1920's Coco Flapper Costume (4) Flapper Costume Silver (5) Flapper Shimmy Costume (6) Flapper Costume, all at funnfrolic.co.uk 

Accessories played a key role in defining the 1920s look because without it, the dress would be simply a dress. The right accessories can make your look stand out from the crowd at any party or event.

Hats

The 1920's hats were all about the 'cloche', a hat shaped like a bell that is meant to be pulled completely over the head and down to the eyebrows.

Headbands 

Headbands are great to recreate the 1920s flapper look. Tie a thin scarf or satin belt around your head above your browline and knot it at the back or tuck in and add a feather if you like.

 Hairstyle

The hairstyle that reigned supreme in the 1920s were the bob hairstyle and the big decision many women faced of their hair was 'to bob or not to bob'. If you already have a bob hairstyle then you are half way done, however if you want to try a bob hairstyle without cutting it off then try a wig for that authentic 1920s look, we have a few ranges of bob hair and wavy flapper hair wig available.

If your hair is long and you don't fancy a wig then try a chignon. This means creating a low ponytail at the nape of the neck and twisting the hair into a bun shape that you can pin in place. Get all the information on how to create a 1920s hairstyle at howtohairgirl website.

 Shoes 

The shoes were sturdy with round closed toes and medium chunky heel. Kitten heels or stilettos were not invented yet. Go for a shoe with round closed toe and a t-bar strap or buckle for authenticity.

Illustration of 1920s shoes

 Jewellery 

Pearl necklace was a big thing, long strands of them wrapped in any length around the neck.

 Make up

source: Vintage Dancer 

 Handbags

Clutch purse was popular in the era as they used to only carry lipstick, powder and a small amount of cash. Materials for handbags were all sort of leathers and also steel mesh and metal boxes. Shoulder straps wasn't prevalent during those times.

Vintage ad on handbags 

So, if you want to dress up as a flapper for a fancy dress or any event, then get yourself down to Fun 'N' Frolic or you can browse all our ranges online:

Summer Party Theme: Under the Sea

The sun might be out in UK for now but that doesn't mean we have to stop partying. Throw a 'Under the Sea' party so you can corporate the rain to your fun.

Invitations

Get creative. We absolutely love this quirky party invite inside a bottle from the little-irish blog.

Decorations 

Think 'Little Mermaid', blue backdrops, coral reefs, fishes, crustaceans. There are plenty of ideas you can do to create a fun venue.

Here are some balloon ideas you might like to try out. Blow up white balloons to create a backdrop of bubbles or go one step further and get someone to create a seahorse or octopus made up of balloons. If you want things to be way simpler then get a fish or fish shaped balloon stand.

   

Apart from balloons, you can get your hands on inflatables and hang them up from a ceiling if you don't want it to pop at the end of the day.

There's lot more you can do with the decor, jellyfish can be created using a simple paper lantern, get the DIY information here. 

Don't want the hassle of creating your own decor, then there are pre-made backdrops available at most party store. Our store has few ranges in stock if you are thinking of throwing 'under the sea' party.

Food

The theme calls for fish shaped food as seen below. Get all the information on how to create them from chickabug blog,

Costumes

What's a party without fancy dress theme to it? Dress up as mermaids, mermen, fishes, octopus, jellyfish and other sea life. Its all about creativity in this theme. Here are some cute mermaid outfits that your little ones would love: 

or try your hands out on this jellyfish costume from acasarella.net to stand out from the crowd.

Enjoy getting creative for this theme. Have fun! 

If you are planning an event and you want balloon decorations, then give us a call: 0800 294 1130 and speak to our friendly staff. We do balloon arches, stand and even create a seahorse if you want us to. For more information visit our site: www.berkshire-balloons.co.uk

Eyeglasses Through the Years

1920s

The 1920s eyewear is characterised by their round shape. They were made in gold, silver or with celluloid covering the rims and sometimes the temples. 

1950s 

Plastic eyeglasses began to take a more prominent role. Cat eyes, with their upswept design became a staple for women and were worn by icons Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. These glasses were sometimes adorned with artful designs and rhinestones. 

1960s 

Eyeglasses in 1960s were dominated by huge, bue-eyed, oversized sunglasses with iconic women like first lady Jacqueline Kennedy and actress Brigitte Bardot sporting them while the men sported wayfarer style glasses worn by the likes of Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol. 

1970s 

The disco era of 1970s brought about sunglasses in big size with plastic, wire and rimless frames. The lens were varied in different colours. John Lennon round glasses were loved by everyone.

1980s

The fashion of the 1980s brought about colourful, plastic stand-out frames in glasses and the "Top Gun" aviator sunglasses saw a sale jump of 40% in Ray-Ban aviators. 

1990s 

Wired round glasses were popular for women in the 1990s as sported by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen

whereas Sporty-looking glasses were popular for the guys such as the one sported by Will Smith in Men in Black.

If you need glasses with your fancy dress, then drop into our store or shop online: