Whether you're hosting a 1920s party or have been invited to a Great Gatsby party, you need an outfit that fits the look! In this post, we'll help you figure out exactly what to wear to a 1920s party.
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The roaring 20's party theme is so popular! It's easily one of the classiest dress-up party themes for adults out there and everyone always looks absolutely amazing.
Because this party theme is so popular, you'll want to think ahead about the venue and setting. If you're attending a 1920s New Year's Eve party, you may need to add a few layers to stay warm through the night. Meanwhile, a summer-time roaring 20s party may be too warm to don fake fur and zoot suits.
Check the dress code, check the weather, and most importantly, have fun with it!
1920s Costumes for Women
Easily the most iconic part of 1920s fashion, flapper dresses are a must! They come in any color, but rich jewel tones or black and gold are some of the most popular. Expect lots of swinging beads and a whole lot of sparkle!
Great Gatsby Style Flapper Dresses
The most popular dress for 1920s parties is a classic flapper swing dress. These colorful dresses can be any length, cut, or color. They are known for their decorative beadwork and the strings of delicate beads that flap around as you dance (hence the name).
Sleek Art Deco Gowns
Class up the flapper girl look with a metallic form-fitting mermaid dress with geometric beading. These dresses ooze glamour and sophistication.
This look is perfect for a formal occasion, like a 1920s NYE party!
Shapeless dresses
In the 1920s, women were rejecting the rigidity of women's fashion of the past. Instead of form-fitting corsets and petticoats, they wanted sleek, shapeless dresses that downplayed their curves.
Think straight lines with dropped waistlines; look for dresses that tie at the hips instead of your natural waist.
Women's Accessories
Cloche hats
These fashionable hats fit on the head like a bell. They are iconic 1920s style and wear perfectly with shapeless dresses for a more casual look.
Feather boa
To make a big impact, add a feather boa to your flapper costume! They are so showy and come in a million different colors to suit your look.
Long pearl necklaces
Perfect for swinging around while you dance the Charleston, a long pearl necklace is a must-have accessory for your 1920s party!
Flapper headband
To fancy up their minimalist and sleek hairstyles, women of the 1920s played with headbands made of ribbons, beads, feathers, and bows.
Women's Hairstyles
In the 1920s, women were abandoning the highly feminine, conservative style of previous generations. Many women wore bobs with short hair trimmed close to the head. You'll also notice a lot of defined waves and buns.
Straight hair bob
Whether you have short or long hair, replicate a 1920s bob with a sharp part. Smooth your hair down as flat as possible. If you have long hair, tie it up in a bun towards the base of your head to mimic the look of shorter hair.
Wavy bob
Wear your short hair down and take extra effort to define those waves and curls. Feel free to add a headband for a little extra flair, too.
Buns and chignons
If you have longer hair, feel free to wear it down and play up any natural curls or waves. However, in the 1920s, many women held their hair back in a variety of buns. Be sure to add some dimension like loose curls near your face or swooping, dramatic bangs.
1920s Style Women's Shoes
High heels
Opt for a lower, thicker heel that makes it comfortable to dance the night away. Feel free to choose a shoe with a pattern or design to add a little flair.
Mary Janes
For a more casual event like a garden party, feel free to don a pair of retro Mary Janes.
1920s Fashion for Men
3-Piece Suits
This is a popular look for men to wear at 1920s parties because it's such a sophisticated, timeless look. If you've ever seen Peaky Blinders, you're probably familiar with the style. A three-piece suit includes trousers, a vest, and a jacket. Don't forget the pocket watch!
Double Breasted Suits
This style is so much fun to wear and definitely evokes images of mobsters like Al Capone. Wear a pinstripe suit with a tie for a truly vintage look.
Tuxedo
For a really formal Great Gatsy party, consider wearing a traditional tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie. This look is classy and sophisticated.
Or make a statement with a colorful vintage tuxedo.
Men's Accessories
Vintage Hat Options
Men often wore hats in the 1920s. Complete your hat with the right look for the occasion.
Try a boater hat for a garden party or casual outing, choose a bowler hat for semi-formal events, and pair a fedora with your outfit at any type of 1920s party.
Pocket Watch
The dangling chain from a pocket watch is the perfect detail to add a little authenticity to your costume. Try this look with a three-piece suit.
Pocket squares
This is your chance to add a little color and texture to your outfit. Have some fun with it and try your hand at one of these many pocket square folds.
Bow ties
In the 1920s, men wore both ties and bow ties. It's more traditional for a man to wear a tie with a double-breasted suit. Bow ties can also be worn with three-piece suits and tuxedos, too.
Men's Shoes
Oxfords
Oxford shoes are a timeless style and fit perfectly with the 1920s look. Try adding wingtip oxfords for even more color and texture. We're partial to cap-toe oxfords for their high-end look.
Leather lace-up boots
If you're dressing up as a 1920s working man, try pairing leather lace-up boots with your three-piece suit.
Since the 1920s party is such a popular theme, there are so many costume ideas available online or even in your local thrift store. Plus, many modern styles can be adapted to fit the look by adding the right accessories or hairstyle.
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