In the Edwardian era, evenings were the big part of the day. First class women would change into formal wear for dinner every evening, whether there were guests or not. People say Queen Mary (Who was married to King George V at the time) used to dine in full formal wear, dress, Order of the Garter sash (which is the highest order a person can receive), and of course: diamonds. Lots of diamonds.

As a substitute to the conservative daywear, drop, loose dresses took over. The hemline in the evening dresses didn't necessarily go up, as it would be common to wear both longer dresses or ankle-length dresses. They were both fashionable at the time, although older women usually stuck with the longer ones, and some even kept the pre-war style. The dresses became more daring, to the point shoulders could be seen, and the neckline went a bit lower. The fabrics were usually silk, lace, velvet and other expensive luxury fabrics. Whatever do you mean, minimal? The Twenties were everything but minimal in the evenings. The ladies' necks would be adorned with lo-o-ong pearl or diamond necklaces. Some even layered several, or mixed both. Pearls were a must, even during the day. It was considered a suited jewel for a lady, for properly brought up women. Detailed headbands would be worn at the forehead, or tiaras, if a Duke, Earl, or member of the royal family was present. Earrings could either be long and elaborate, or short and discrete, as a way to draw attention to either the dress or perhps to compliment another jewerly piece, such as the tiara. Of course people had their personal preferences and would mix and match acessories and switch between dress lenghts.