Poiret's flapper style caught on in the 1920s along with the swing and jazz movement.

1900s:

1920s:
Fashion designer Paul Poiret develops the flapper look. Its baggy dresses that expose arms and legs, lead to greater body consciousness. The flapper wears her hair short, or bobbed, and uses more make-up than women ever had before.

Tobacco companies like Virginia Slims and Lucky Strike target women, suggesting they smoke to control weight.

photo: miss america organization

Margaret Gormen of Washington D.C. was the first Miss America.

1920: American women win the right to vote in national elections.

Home scales are introduced.

1921: The first Miss America beauty pageant is held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.


1929: The Great Depression begins.