Great Gatsby Outfits: How To Dress For A Gatsby-Inspired Party
As a teenager, one of my favorite books was F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. I was absolutely captivated by the opulence and the drama. But the thing that really got me obsessed with the book was the fashion of the Roaring Twenties. So, when I received an invite to a Great Gatsby-themed party, you can imagine how excited I was. However, this also meant I needed to find something appropriate to wear. I realllly wanted to capture the elegance and the charm of the era perfectly. So, I dug deep for inspiration. If you’ve also been invited to a […]
As a teenager, one of my favorite books was F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. I was absolutely captivated by the opulence and the drama. But the thing that really got me obsessed with the book was the fashion of the Roaring Twenties. So, when I received an invite to a Great Gatsby-themed party, you can imagine how excited I was. However, this also meant I needed to find something appropriate to wear. I realllly wanted to capture the elegance and the charm of the era perfectly. So, I dug deep for inspiration. If you’ve also been invited to a party, or you simply love the timeless appeal of 1920s fashion, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about the fashion of this era, as well as show you some gorgeous Great Gatsby outfits for inspo.
Jay Gatsby, played by Leonardo Di Caprio
Who Is The Great Gatsby? Unveiling the Iconic Character
SPOILERS AHEAD! The Great Gatsby is a novel written in 1925 by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. In this story, we are introduced to the magnificent and mysterious Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby. Renowned for his lavish parties and unwavering love for his long-lost beloved, Daisy Buchanan, Gatsby is a self-made millionaire. Born James Gatz, he rebuilt himself to live the American Dream from modest origins. Fitzgerald delves into issues of love, ambition, and the often-illusory American Dream through Gatsby’s story. Gatsby is among the most intriguing and moving characters in literature, since his tragic end emphasizes the emptiness that may lurk under a surface of luxury.
The Great Gatsby is a classic novel
Exploring Life in the 1920s: A Glimpse Into a Transformative Decade
Often called the Roaring Twenties, the 1920s underwent considerable social and cultural change. According to The Smithsonian Institution, throughout this time, there was a revolution in social norms, a boom of new technologies, and growth in the economy. Jazz music, flapper culture, and speakeasies became emblems of the era. They represented the just-discovered freedom and rebellion against traditional thinking. Mass production and advertising sped up the spread of consumerism, which changed people’s daily lives by making things like cars, radios, and home appliances more affordable for the typical American. There was an upsurge in women’s participation in public and political life after the 19th Amendment granted them the right to vote. This energetic decade paved the way for modern American society, combining invention with a feeling of exuberance and change.
The 1920s were a revolutionary time
Roaring 20s Attire: Fashion Trends That Defined an Era
The daring and creative fashion trends of the Roaring Twenties are well-known for shattering the conformity of earlier decades. According to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), the flapper dress, with its knee-length hem, loose fit, and sparkly sequins and fringe accents, revolutionized the way women dressed in the 1920s. This style embodied the attitude of rebellion and independence that was prevalent during that era. Men’s fashion developed as well, with the popularity of Oxford bags and raccoon fur coats ushering in more relaxed styles. Both genders wore era-defining accessories, such as cloche hats for women and fedora hats for men. Reflecting the grandeur and modernism of the time, this era also saw a boom in the use of luxury materials and Art Deco designs. These trends all highlighted the decade’s embrace of liberty, inventiveness, and luxury.
Carrey Mulligan as Gatsby’s beloved, Daisy Buchanan, dressed in a typical flapper dress
Signature Great Gatsby Outfits: Iconic Styles From The Roaring Twenties
However, this revolutionary style change was not merely a quest for comfort – it was also a rebellion against the suffocating limitations imposed on women at the time. Members of the fairer sex wanted the whole world to know that they were a fully functional part of society, earned top dollar, and could dress however they saw fit. In turn, society responded by giving them the name flappers, meaning bright and independent, but flaky and hedonistic young women. There is no definitive explanation how the term “flapper” came to be, but some believe it had to do with a type of loose fitting rain boots, which were a fad among teenage girls, and “flapped” when worn.
Meanwhile, men’s fashion was also evolving. Brightly colored and boldly patterned accessories became increasingly popular, as did baggy trousers and sports sweaters. Hats and shoes, scarves, pocket handkerchiefs, ties and trouser suspenders became available in a mind-boggling variety of colors and styles, helping each youth find an original look, that underlined their individuality.
Three dapper gents sporting 1920s attire
How To Dress For A Gatsby-Inspired Party
Although there are numerous sites which offer Great Gatsby outfits and party costumes, many are either overpriced or not very authentic. But fear not – recreating the glamorous roaring 20s style at home is, in fact, a lot easier than it sounds! For ladies, the key is having suitable hairdos, make-up and accessories. But how do you get them just right? Well, we have a comprehensive, 4 step process to get you started:
- First of all, you need to style your hair in a chic 1920s do. Although the iconic hairstyle associated with the era is the bob, you don’t necessarily need to cut your hair. Here is a nifty tutorial, explaining how to create a fake “finger wave” bob:
And it’s easy enough to do at home!
2. Now it’s time to do your make up! Remember: red lipstick, bold blush, and dark eyeshadows are a must!
How to get that gorgeous (and historically accurate) flapper make up:
3. Once your hair and make up are ready, it’s time to choose suitable attire. Any free-flowing, sleeveless midi or mini dress, decorated with fringed details, lace, embroidery or sequins will do. Strappy, slip-style models and LBDs also acceptable. As for the shoes – Mary Janes with straps, or t-bar shoes are most appropriate, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can also go for regular high heels or sandals.
4. Finally, the most important touch – the accessories! To get the best results, you should get a flapper headband and an oversized knotted pearl necklace. Luckily, they are available at very affordable prices in most party and costumes stores, and shouldn’t cost you more than $20.
Voila! Your Gatsby-inspired outfit is ready!
Great Gatsby Outfit Ideas For Men
Gents going to a 1920s themed event can either choose the classic dandy look, or go for something a little edgier, like a vintage gangster costume. In both cases, a quality three-piece-suit is a must. As with ladies, hair and accessories should not be underestimated. Those wishing to look as polished and refined as Gatsby, should opt for a slicked-back hairstyle, combined with a tie and a pocket handkerchief in bright, playful colors. The look can be completed with brogue shoes, and a straw flattop hat in summer. Those who wish to attend dressed as vintage gangsters, on the other hand, should generally try to stick to darker colors, and accessorize with a Peaky Blinders-style cap or a fedora.
Stylish 1920s gangsters – Tommy Shelby and his posse, from BBC’s Peaky Blinders
Anabelle Wallis in a stunning embroidered 1920s gown
Great Gatsby Outfits Perfect For a Party
In 2013 Baz Luhrmann’s eponymous adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby hit theaters, reviving the public’s appetite for everything associated with the roaring 20s. Now, years later, Gatsby-themed parties are as popular as ever. There are 1920s style weddings, birthday celebrations, and even corporate parties. No matter what type of event you are going to, you should go in style. Here are plenty of ideas you can use for inspiration.
It’s hard not to love this indulgent, vintage glam!
A flapper bride? Why not!
Chic vintage preppy outfit for guys
Stylish, charming and energetic – the quintessential flapper
Vintage photo inspiration
A gorgeous, and authentic-looking costume like this, can cost you $100 or more! (It’s totally worth it though!)
If you’re looking for flawless 1920s style inspiration, re-watch Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby (2013)
The ladies of Peaky Blinders
1920s Hair and Make Up Ideas
How gorgeous is this cheery red lipstick?
Her majesty the flapper!
Creative Suggestions for Couples’ Costumes
Vintage charm in white
Travel Back In Time: 1920s – An Age of Wild Parties and Glamour
Authentic vintage flapper dresses
Now THAT’S what you call dancing skills!
Ready to party!
Designer fashion inspired by the 1920s
Great Gatsby outfits don’t get any cooler than this
We hope you’ve found our tips useful! For more awesome style ideas, check out our fashion section. We have a great article on vintage wedding dresses, as well as lots of info on 50s, 80s and 90s clothing!