A Year in Fashion: 1921: Etiquette

1921 Book of Etiquette

This website includes 11 chapters from a 1921 "Book of Etiquette," by Lillian Eichler. There is also an appendix containing foreign words in frequent social usage.

You may view the table of contents at no charge. To VIEW the excerpts of this book, you need a Library subscription from The Costume Gallery's Library. IF you do not have a subscription, please click HERE.

THE BRIDE'S OUTFIT Click HERE to read the entire chapter or read sections by clicking below.
Origin of the Trousseau	The Bride's Veil
The Trousseau of To-Day (1921)	Wedding Flowers
About the Linens	Dress of the Maid of Honor
For the Bride	Marrying in Traveling Dress

THE BUSINESS WOMAN Click HERE to read the entire chapter or read sections by clicking below.
Woman in the Business World	Gaudy Attraction
Self-Confidence	The Business Suit
The Slattern	The Business Dress and Coat
Following the Fashions	An Appeal to Business Women

DANCING Click HERE to read the entire chapter or read sections by clicking below.
Dancing as a Healthful Art	Dancing Positions
Dance-Giving No Longer a Luxury	When the Guest Does Not Dance
The Debut Dance	Public Dances
Costume Balls	A Plea For Dancing
Subscription Dances	The Charm of Dress in Dancing
The Ballroom	At the Afternoon Dance
Music at the Dance	Gentlemen at the Dance
Dance Programs	Dress for the Ball
Dinner Dances	Dress of the Debutante
Dressing Rooms	Wraps at the Ball
The Dance	Ball Dress for Men
When the Lady is Asked to Dance	For the Simple Country Dance
"Cutting In"

DRESS Click HERE to read the entire chapter or read sections by clicking below.
The First Impression	The Eccentric Dresser
Men's Dress	If One is Not Average
Women's Dress	Tall and Short People
The Story of Dress	The Well-Dressed Woman
The Dawn of Fashion	Not a Slave to Fashion
The Fashion of To-Day (1921)	The Well-Dressed Man
Harmony in Dress	The Charm of Old Age
Importance of Color	The Elderly Woman
The Charm of Personality	Imitation and Over-Dressing
Gaudiness Versus Good Taste	The Older Gentleman
"Extravagance: The Greatest Vulgarity"	A Trip to the South
Inappropriateness in Clothes	For the Gentleman in the South

FUNERALS Click HERE to read the entire chapter or read sections by clicking below.
Funeral Customs	Order of Precedence
The Funeral of To-Day (1921)	The House Funeral
When Death Enters the Family	A Point of Importance
Taking Charge	Removing Signs of Grief
Announcing the Death	Seclusion During Mourning
Some Necessary Preparations	Dress at Funerals
The Ladies of the Family	Interment and Cremation
The Pall-Bearers	Mourning Dress
Duties of the Pall-Bearers	Mourning Dress for Men
The Church Funeral	Mourning Stationary

GAMES AND SPORTS Click HERE to read the entire chapter or read sections by clicking below.
Why the World Plays	Golf
Fair Play	Some Important Rules About Golf
Indoor Games	Football
Chess	Automobile Etiquette
Bridge	Automobile Parties
Billiards and Croquet	Horse-back Riding
Outdoor Games	Bathing /Swimming
Lawn Tennis	Sports Clothes in General

MUSICALES AND PRIVATE THEATRICALS Click HERE to read the entire chapter or read sections by clicking below.
Preparations for the Musicale	Dress at the Musicale
The Afternoon Musicale	Arranging Private Theatricals
The Evening Musicale	The Players
Card Parties at the Musicale	The Guests
Duties of Guests at Musicale	Host and Hostess

SERVANTS Click HERE to read the entire chapter or read sections by clicking below.
The Servant in the Household	The Second Man
A Word to the Mistress	The Chauffeur
A Word to the Servant	Duties of the Chauffeur
How to Address Servants	The Valet
The Child and the Servant	The Page
The Invisible Barrier	The Maid-Servants
When the Servant Speaks	Lady's Maid
The Servants of a Big House	The Nurse-Maid
The Butler	Duties of House-Maid
Correct Dress for the Butler	In Conclusion

ON THE STREET Click HERE to read the entire chapter or read sections by clicking below.
The True Etiquette	Accepting Courtesies from Strangers
Poise in Public	Raising the Hat
The Charm of Courtesy	How to Raise the Hat
Ladies and Gentlemen	In the Street Car
When to Bow in Public	Entering the Car
Walking in Public	In the Taxicab
Stopping for a Chat	Some Social Errors
When Accidents Happen

TEAS AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENTS Click HERE to read the entire chapter or read sections by clicking below.
Evolution of the Afternoon Tea	Woman's Garden Costume
The Simpler Tea	The Man at the Garden Party
The Formal Tea	House Parties
The Tea-Table	Sending the Invitation
Dress at Tea Time	When the Guests Arrive
The Garden Party	Entertaining at the House Party
Receiving the Guests	Hostess and Guests at the House Party
On the Lawn	"Tipping" The Servants
Dress for Garden Parties and Lawn Festivals

AT THE THEATER AND THE OPERA Click HERE to read the entire chapter or read sections by clicking below.
Dress at the Theater and Opera	When the Curtain is Drawn
Entering the Theater	During the Performance
Arriving Late	The Offending Hat
About Wraps	Applause
Order of Precedence	During Intermission
Before the Play	Leaving the Theater

APPENDIX: FOREIGN WORDS IN FREQUENT SOCIAL USAGE

Website Bibliographical Information:

Eichler, Lillian. Book of Etiquette, New York: Garden City, Nelson Doubleday, Inc. Publishing, 1921, Vol. 1-2.

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Disclaimer: This article is being presented as an educational resource of fashions during this era. The Costume Gallery, or its owner, Penny E. Dunlap Ladnier, does NOT sell or make sewing patterns. This publication's text is in its original format. Spelling or grammar may not appear to be correct, but were standard for the original publication date.

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