1920s flapper great gatsby costume guide

I loved this 1920s themed dress, wig and headband! The look works for anything Roaring 20s themed; flapper looks and Great Gatsby parties.

Art Deco Flapper Costume Dress

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I tried on several dresses before going with this one. I chose it because it looks and feels like a nice dress, not a cheap costume piece.

The fit matches the size chart, and the dress is lined so it is comfortable. It says it is a “frequently returned item,” but I don’t know why. I really liked it. And it comes in several different colors.

Because of that, Amazon wouldn’t let me create a link to this same dress, so click here to see a similar dress by the same company. They have a lot of very pretty dresses and the quality and fit should be similar.

Candy Keane wearing flapper dress roaring 20s
1920s Flapper Dress

Flapper Fashion

The 1920s flapper style is a vibrant reflection of the cultural shifts of the decade, characterized by a sense of liberation and rebellion against traditional norms.

Flappers were young women who embraced a lifestyle of independence, often symbolized by their fashion choices. They favored loose-fitting dresses that allowed for freedom of movement, often adorned with fringes, beads, and patterns that embodied the Art Deco aesthetic.

The dress I chose is a little more form fitting than a true flapper dress, but it is spot-on for the Art-Deco aesthetic, sparkle and fringe!

The hemlines of their dresses rose to knee-length, a radical change from the previous styles that celebrated modesty. This daring departure from convention was emblematic of the women’s suffrage movement and the changing social dynamics of the era.

Flapper Hairstyle

Flapper hairstyles are a striking representation of the cultural revolution that characterized the 1920s. During this vibrant era, young women opted for short, chic hairstyles that reflected their newfound freedom and independence.

The iconic bob, with its sleek lines and daring lengths, became synonymous with the flapper movement, embodying the spirit of rebellion and modernity.

1920s blond flapper wig platinum bob
1920s bob wig

These hairstyles often featured soft waves or straight locks, frequently accessorized with headbands, feathers, and cloche hats, adding to the allure of the look. The flapper bob was not just a hairstyle; it signified a departure from the constraints of the past and embraced a bold, confident femininity.

My hair is past shoulder length, and I wanted a short flapper bob, so I went with a platinum wig. This wig would work great for a Daisy Buchanan costume, or anyone associated with the Great Gatsby.

After trying on several wigs, I once again chose something that is frequently returned. I really liked how this one fit and the way it curled. I did use bobby pins to hold some of the curls into place.

Here is the link to a wig on the same page: blond flapper wig. You can find the exact wig I’m wearing in the first spot on the page.

short blond flapper wig

Roaring 20s Accessories

Your flapper ensemble isn’t complete without the accessories! Feathered headbands and cloche hats are the most popular options.

I went with a rhinestone headband with feathers and a jeweled design. I felt like the headband was a little tight, and I knew it would end up bugging me later in the night, so I pinned it so it could be worn across the top of my head instead of my forehead.

This one I can actually link to, so apparently it is a popular choice! Click here for the feathered headband.

flapper feathered hair piece

To truly complete your flapper look, consider incorporating various accessories beyond hairstyles. Long strands of pearls are a classic choice, adding an elegant touch evocative of the Jazz Age.

Opt for pearls in multiple layers to create that opulent, glamorous vibe. Additionally, sparkly items—such as sequined purses or embellished gloves—can enhance your outfit’s shine and reflect the Art Deco aesthetic.

A long cigarette holder is another iconic accessory associated with the flapper era, providing a chic and playful element to your ensemble. Whether you’re accessorizing for a Great Gatsby party or a Roaring 20s themed event, these finishing touches will elevate your overall look and help you embody the spirit of the 1920s.

Bold Makeup

Flapper makeup was a striking extension of the daring style embraced by the modern woman of the 1920s. The look was characterized by a focus on bold features, particularly the eyes and lips.

Women typically used dark eyeliner to create an exaggerated almond shape and combined it with heavy mascara for a captivating gaze. The lips were often painted in deep shades of red or plum, emphasizing a sultry pout that exuded confidence and allure.

I also added false eyelashes to complete the dramatic look.

flapper 1920s makeup
Flapper makeup

Another hallmark of flapper makeup was the use of face powder to achieve a pale complexion, which was a sharp contrast to the vibrant colors used elsewhere. This porcelain-like finish symbolized sophistication and was often accompanied by a touch of rouge on the cheeks to add a hint of color.

Additionally, the use of eyebrow pencil to create thin, arched brows was a trend that defined the era, giving a dramatic effect that enhanced the overall flapper aesthetic.

Complete the look with a touch of shimmer on the eyelids or cheekbones for that desired Art Deco sparkle, and you’ll perfectly embody the spirited essence of the flapper era.


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One response to “1920s Great Gatsby Flapper Costume Guide”

  1. […] parties are designed around specific themes, such as the elegance of a 1920s Gatsby-inspired gathering or the futuristic allure of a space-age event. These themes allow attendees to experiment with […]

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