Best Roaring 20s Outfit Ideas
by Karen
Parties are great opportunities to play dress up. One of the most popular themes is the Roaring Twenties or Great Gatsby parties.
What is the dress code for a Great Gatsby party?
Reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel which took place during the 1920s, it was an era when people began embracing more liberal views in politics, economics, and fashion. As men went off to join World War I, women learned to cherish their independence in all aspects, including fashion.
The 20s style witnessed many notable trends which were evident in 1920s outfits. Female flapper dresses were one of the most unforgettable styles that people still try to emulate today. If you love the sassy and eye-catching looks of this decade, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll tell you more about Roaring 20's outfits and suggest ideas on how to achieve this flamboyant style.
What Was the Fashion Style in the 1920s?
Let’s start with flappers — a straight-line chemise that flattened the bust line to make it look flattering on every body shape and size. It was likely started by Coco Chanel who was one of the first women to put on a man’s work shirt. The trend was a welcome change from the multi-layered restrictive clothing imposed on women back then.
With every passing year, women got to experiment with new dress lengths. Hems went as high as the knees but they also got longer until they almost touched the ground. So, while the 20s was a time for shorter hems, we also saw a lot of gorgeous evening dresses that were richly embellished with beads, sequins, and embroidery.
Of course, these styles weren’t the only tour de force.
The decade also witnessed the “robe de style,” a feminine dress that required hooks and panniers. It had a drop waist like a flapper, but its skirt was long and wide.
Most of these dresses were loud and dramatic — until the Art Deco style made an appearance at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts), the world’s fair in Paris in October 1925. Styles did a complete 180, emphasizing the beauty of simplicity. Its sleek and stylized form is considered timeless and remains influential to this day.
What Dress Colors Were Popular in the 1920s?
The focus was on light, airy clothes with dreamy hues like soft pink, off-white, cream, and yellow. Women could also be seen wearing blue, green, and black frocks. Men, on the other hand, rocked navy, gray, and army green shades.
What Did Parties Look Like in the 1920s?
As disposable incomes rose, men and women wanted to get all glitzy and glamorous, especially when attending social events. Meanwhile, art deco designs found their footing with bold combinations of simple and bold elements.
As women were no longer held to strict Victorian standards, they began dating men without chaperones, often going on the dancefloor with them.
How To Get a 1920s Look
The 20’s fashion was all about opulence. As women began entering the workforce due to World War I, the status quo shifted and the popular fashions reflected this newfound independence. Fashion designs went from subtle to loud and often included sparkles, sequins, and everything in between.
If you’re looking to recreate this style, here are the best 20s outfit ideas for a roaring good celebration:
Age of Love Jackie
Give your wardrobe a masculine touch without letting go of your femininity with this loose and flattering style that features a drop waist. The celebrated Jackie will keep things sweet and subtle. You can complete the look with a 1920s net fascinator and Glinda 1920s-inspired T-bars heels.
Art Deco Flapper Dress
The Art Deco is a sleeveless, knee-length 1920s women’s fashion flapper dress inspired by the Art Deco movement. The result? A breathtaking design that makes you feel like the most beautiful woman in the room — with some help from Zella 1940S sandals, Gatsby-style beaded peacock headband, and Lady Mary lace wrist gloves!
Ethel Maxi Fringe Gown
If you want to stay lowkey but still make an impression, the Ethel gown is what you’re looking for. It has a simple and subtle design that’s modestly brought together by a boat neckline. Wear it with Victorian-style pearl round button earrings and Montpellier 1920s-style heels to take your outfit to the next level.
Flapper Style Fringe Party Dress
This flapper-style fringe dress will bring out the Daisy Buchanan in you.
This party dress in antique gold has fringe, embellishments, beads, and everything in between. Its scalloped cap sleeves give it a romantic look few can resist. Bring it all together with the Channel Hand Embellished Fringe Bucket Bag and Eliza Flapper Headband and you’re all set to revive the 1920s!
Jade Art Deco Fringe Dress
This knee-length, fun, and flirty dress with Art Deco-inspired patterns and sparkling silver embellishments will grab eyeballs wherever you go. Complete your look with vintage-style black lace wrist gloves and a pair of black shoes like these stunning Abigail lace wedding heels. You can thank us later.
1920s Inspired Evening Maxi Dress
The 20s was an inclusive era for all sizes. This sultry 1920s-inspired maxi dress embodies just that. It comes to life on a bed of black, cream, or plum fabric that’s adorned with pearls, sequins, and tiered fringe, giving everyone who sees you The roaring 20s fashion inspiration for the day.
Pair it with a Gatsby-style leather headband and Marilyn 1940s pumps for a look that will take you back to the flapper age.
Visit the WardrobeShop for the Best Roaring 20’s Outfits
Whether you’re looking for a simple outfit in a neutral color or want to go all out with a bold style that’s brimming with fringes, sequins, beads, and accessories, we’ve got it all, and then some.
You can browse through our collection of 1920s-inspired dresses to find the perfect outfit that will help you relive an unforgettable and iconic decade.
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