The 1920s were one of the most iconic eras. This was the time when restrictive dress codes had become a thing of the past, so people started wearing more modern clothing pieces. This is the era of some incredibly astonishing outfits that were modern, glamorous and eye-catching.
The 1920’s are a time of glitz, jazz and flappers, when fashion was daring and beautiful, exactly the opposite of the restrictive trends in the past. This era was all about unique statement pieces like pearls and the breathtaking, sexy feather boas and headbands, so it’s no surprise people still love it.
The post-WWI liberation in the ’20s led to shorter hemlines and looser silhouettes in women’s clothing, and men embraced sharp tailoring consisting of pinstripes, waistcoats, and fedoras. This era is better known as The Great Gatsby, so it’s no surprise that it remains an inspiration for many party themes.
Key Elements to Look for in a 1920s Costume
Even though considered more modern and revealing, the 1920s clothing also featured subtle details and conservative cuts. And, today’s modern party 1920s costume designs successfully showcase the era’s most recognisable features.
Nowadays, there’s a large selection of roaring 20’s costumes available on the market, where the 1920s gangster costumes and the breathtaking Gatsby costumes are among the most popular because of their glamorous look and exaggerated sparkle.
The key elements of every 1920s woman’s costume consist of the stunning and sexy iconic drop waist, the glamorous fabrics (velvet, satin), accessories, and styling. On the other hand, men predominantly wore a three-piece suit with high waist and wide-leg trousers, and a fitted waistcoat.
Aside from the clothing pieces, the elements that make these outfits one-of-a-kind are the amazing accessories. A dress, no matter how plain or not, can look fabulous when combined with the right pearls, a headband with a feather, and satin gloves. On the other hand, men can accentuate their suit even more by pairing it with a fancy feather fedora, suspenders, a cane with a knob and a puff cigar (it could be a fake one if you don’t smoke).
What Do You Wear to a 1920’S Party?
Women’s Costume Ideas
Flapper Dress
A ’20s costume party cannot pass without at least one woman dressed in the amazingly looking flapper dress, as this is one of the most iconic looks of the Great Gatsby era. This dress became popular, especially among the rebels of the time who wanted to break free from the rules and have some fun. The flapper dress is known for its light materials (chiffon or silk), loose and knee-length hemline with fringe details and beading.
The best thing about this dress is that it doesn’t restrict the freedom of movement, unlike some other models. If you decide to wear one to the party, feel free to add some accessories like long gloves, a cigarette holder and a stylish headband.
Sheath Dress
If you are really into The Great Gatsby vibe, then you should certainly consider wearing a sheath dress. The secret behind the popularity of this dress lies in its versatility. It features intricate lacing and beading details, so it looks equally stunning with or without additional accessories.
Unlike the flapper dress, this one is available in a selection of fabrics and colours, and it has a close-fitting silhouette. Accessorising it is also possible, and this can be done by wearing longer gloves, pearl long necklaces and headbands.
Sequin Dress
If you don’t mind wearing sparkly and shiny things, you would probably love the idea of rocking a sequin dress at the party. The shine and sparkliness of a dress like this will only add a touch of elegance and glamour to your look. Aside from the sequins stitched into infinite patterns and designs, these dresses can also be embellished with beading and fringing.
Men’s Costume Ideas
Classic Pinstripe Suit
The Great Gatsby’s men’s fashion era was all about elegance and confidence, and one of the most authentic outfits in the time was the pinstripe suit. They were mainly popular among the stylish men of the time, as they were made from wool with some elegant details and a minimalistic pinstripe design.
Back in the time, these suits were mainly worn as part of formal and business attire, and they were considered a symbol of wealth and success. Shortly after this, these striped suits were a thing among bankers, performers, vocalists and actors. So, if you want to rock the party and dress properly for it, you should certainly choose the pinstripe suit.
A Silk Shirt
Another thing that you can wear to the party is a silk shirt. During this period, silk shirts were also popular because of their appearance and shine. They were considered a luxurious and sophisticated clothing piece that was mainly worn at business and social events. They were and still are quite expensive because of the high fabric’s higher price.
These shirts were available in a selection of colours and designs, and were mainly paired with suits, ties, and dress shoes for a more polished look. Given the fact that you need one for a costume party, you can always choose from the selection of polyester shirts that can look almost the same as real silk shirts.