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Washington, D.C., circa 1925. "Ashdown, Mrs. Raymond." June is just around the corner, down the stairs. Harris & Ewing glass negative. View full size.
It is so easy for subsequent generations to make snide comments about the fashions of an earlier one. In the 1920's I'm certain these young women were considered the height of fashion wearing their knee-length dresses and silk stockings -- and people, women wore picture hats back then. Just because it isn't a style that's worn today, it doesn't necessarily mean that it was hideous to the beholder back in the day.
It looks like the Matron of Honor is the only one of the attendants (except the Flower Girl, of course, whose headpiece looks like a headgear contraption), who doesn't have to wear the hideous bow under the ear. In my humble female opinion, except for the ridiculous headwear, the dresses and shoes are rather pretty. I'd love to see this one in color!
You must realize that it was in the flapper era where fashion sense was totally different from today. This was perfectly in sync with the times, and anyway, we should not criticize a joyous bride's choices for her happy event. Sad to realize though, that these smiling girls have all lived out their lives and likely have passed on long ago.
The homemade hats kind of spoil the picture!
Of egregiously hideous bridesmaid dresses took hold, apparently. These maidens seem actually to be more pleasantly attired than the bride herself.
The flower girl, with her fetching smile, appears quite excited to be participating in such a glamorous and adult event.
Are they deliberately dressed to look silly in order to accentuate the beauteousness of the bride? I have always suspected this is the reason for ridiculous hats and outrageous colors, and I would certainly appreciate confirmation from our women commenters.
Re comment by lbpc (above): to avoid giving the wrong impression, all I meant was that -- whether then or now -- bridesmaids always seemed to be dressed to look not their greatest, to ensure that the bride looks hers.
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