Want to master the stylish allure of the 1920s? Whether you’re gearing up for a themed event or simply love the fashion from The Great Gatsby, it can be tricky to recreate the look perfectly. But you’re not alone—many people face the same challenge.
I’m here to help you achieve this iconic style with confidence. From flapper dresses to sharp suits, I’ll guide you through the essential elements of 1920s fashion:
- Flapper dresses and dapper suits
- Footwear and grooming tips
- Key accessories
Follow these steps, and you’ll be set to shine in classic 1920s elegance.
Ready to get started and transform your look?
1. Great Gatsby: Flapper Dresses
Flapper dresses from the 1920s Jazz Age symbolized the style and freedom of the era, often connected with the world portrayed in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. These dresses had straight, loose-fitting shapes that allowed for easier movement, reflecting the changing roles of women at the time.
Hemlines were shorter, rising just below the knee, which was a bold departure from the longer skirts of earlier years.
Made from luxurious fabrics like silk, chiffon, or velvet, the dresses featured intricate beadwork, sequins, fringe, and embroidery that sparkled in the lights of jazz clubs and parties. Their modern designs included deep V-necks, drop-waist styles, and sleeveless cuts.
Fringe and tassels added dynamic movement during dances like the Charleston, while Art Deco-inspired patterns highlighted the design trends of the period.
Flapper dresses represented a cultural shift, symbolizing freedom, fun, and a break from old traditions. They remain an iconic representation of 1920s fashion and style.
2. Great Gatsby: Dapper Suits
Men’s fashion in the 1920s, influenced by The Great Gatsby, focused on sharp and elegant style. Three-piece suits were a popular choice, consisting of matching trousers, a vest, and a jacket. These suits were often made in light colors like cream, gray, or tan, with patterns such as pinstripes or checks for added style.
Comfortable fabrics like linen and wool were commonly used. Double-breasted jackets were a classic choice for formal events. Shirts were typically crisp and white, featuring wingtip or spread collars.
Accessories completed the look, with wide lapels, silk ties, and pocket squares adding color or patterns for extra flair. This timeless style reflects the sophistication of 1920s fashion, particularly 1920s Italian fashion, known for its exquisite tailoring.
See Also Western Cocktail Attire
3. Great Gatsby: Footwear Styles
Women’s Footwear: For women in the 1920s, footwear was all about elegance. T-strap heels and Mary Jane shoes were popular, often decorated with beads or rhinestones to add sparkle.
Men’s Footwear: Men’s footwear focused on classic style. Leather dress shoes, including patent leather Oxfords, were common for formal occasions. Two-tone Oxfords or polished leather shoes were often worn to complete a sharp and stylish look.
4. Great Gatsby: Hairstyles and Makeup
Women’s Hairstyles and Makeup: In the 1920s, women’s beauty styles were a key part of Gatsby’s fashion. Popular hairstyles included short bobs or pinned-up curls, often styled with finger waves and decorated with jeweled clips or headbands.
Makeup featured smoky eyes, dark red lips, and defined brows for a bold look. The bob haircut and dramatic makeup stood out from the natural styles of earlier years.
Men’s Grooming: Men’s grooming in the Gatsby era focused on a clean and polished look. Hair was usually slicked back with a side part, and men were mostly clean-shaven or had neatly groomed mustaches. The short, slicked-back hairstyle became a common choice for a sharp and sophisticated appearance.
See Also Court Attire
5. Great Gatsby: Iconic Accessories
Women’s Accessories: Accessories were important to complete the Gatsby look. Popular headpieces included beaded headbands, feathered fascinators, and tiaras. Jewelry like long pearl necklaces, chandelier earrings, and sparkling bracelets added extra shine.
Satin or lace elbow-length gloves gave an elegant touch, and small beaded or metallic clutch bags finished the outfit. Women also often wore cloche hats that matched their short hairstyles and dresses.
Men’s Accessories: Men’s accessories added style to their outfits. Ties and bowties were often in bold patterns or fancy fabrics, and pocket watches were a key part of the look. Fedoras or boater hats completed the style. Additional items like cufflinks, tie pins, and pocket watches gave a polished look.
Great Gatsby Attire: A Recap
Great Gatsby dress blends elegance and 1920s glamour. For a Great Gatsby theme party, women wear flapper dresses, bold makeup, and stylish accessories, while men opt for sharp suits, polished shoes, and neat hairstyles. These Great Gatsby costumes reflect the sophistication of the Jazz Age.
The right fabrics and accessories complete the look. Women add jewelry, headbands, and clutch bags, while men accessorize with pocket watches, cufflinks, and ties.
At a Great Gatsby theme party, guests dressed in Gatsby dresses and outfits bring the charm and fashion of the 1920s to life. With the right Great Gatsby outfits, you can capture the era’s timeless style, making it perfect for any occasion that calls for sophistication and flair.
