1920s Outfit: The Gatsby Style Guide for 2025

The 1920s Outfit represents glamour, jazz, and the Roaring Twenties. Whether for a Gatsby party, a themed celebration, or a swing night – the style of the Roaring Twenties continues to fascinate. This guide shows you everything about the iconic look of this era.

The Roaring Twenties: A Fashion Revolution

What Defined 1920s Fashion

Element	Women	Men
Silhouette	Straight, androgynous, low waist	Elegant, slim, well-groomed
Lengths	Short skirts (knee-length was revolutionary!)	High-waisted trousers
Material	Silk, velvet, sequins, feathers	Wool, silk, fine fabrics
Accessories	Headbands, long necklaces, cigarette holder	Suspenders, bow tie, pocket watch

1920s Outfit for Women: The Flapper Look

The Classic Flapper Style

Key Pieces:

• Fringe dress or Charleston dress
• Headband with feather or pearls
• Long pearl necklace (wrapped multiple times)
• T-strap heels
• Cigarette holder (as an accessory)

Styling Tips:

• Straight silhouette is important
• Low waist
• Lots of fringe and sequins
• Bob haircut or finger waves
• Dark lips, smokey eyes

Color Palette: Black, gold, silver, champagne, burgundy

Flapper Dress Variations

The Fringe Dress:

• Characteristic of the 1920s
• Moves when dancing
• Knee-length or shorter
• Often black or metallic

The Pearl Dress:

• Embroidered with pearls
• Elegant look
• Often in nude or silver
• Heavy, flowing drape

The Art Deco Dress:

• Geometric patterns
• Typical 1920s aesthetic
• Gold and black dominant
• Often with sequins

1920s Outfit Ideas for Women

Look 1: Classic Flapper

• Black fringe dress
• Silver headband with feather
• Long pearl necklace
• Black T-strap heels
• Red lips

Look 2: Gold Glamour

• Golden sequin dress
• Golden headband
• Art Deco earrings
• Champagne-colored heels
• Dark smokey eyes

Look 3: Sophisticated Lady

• Burgundy velvet dress
• Black feather headband
• Black pearls
• Black heels
• Berry lips

1920s Outfit for Men: The Gatsby Look

The Classic Gentleman Style

Key Pieces:

• Three-piece suit
• Shirt with collar
• Bow tie or narrow tie
• Suspenders
• Two-tone Oxford shoes

Styling Tips:

• Suit with high-waisted trousers
• Vest is important
• Hair styled with pomade
• Mustache optional
• Pocket watch as a detail

Color Palette: Gray, navy, brown, cream, white

1920s Outfit Ideas for Men

Look 1: The Great Gatsby

• White or cream-colored suit
• Pink shirt
• Golden tie
• Brown Oxford shoes
• Pocket square in the lapel

Look 2: The Gangster

• Pinstripe suit
• White shirt
• Black bow tie
• Black patent leather shoes
• Fedora hat

Look 3: The Jazz Musician

• Brown three-piece suit
• Cream-colored shirt
• Suspenders visible
• Brown lace-up shoes
• Newsboy cap

1920s Accessories

Women’s Accessories

Headwear:

• Headbands with feathers
• Pearl headbands
• Cloche hats
• Hair bands with brooch

Jewelry:

• Long pearl necklaces (24-32 inches)
• Art Deco earrings (dangling)
• Bracelets (multiple)
• Brooch

Other:

• Cigarette holder
• Small handbag/clutch
• Feather boa
• Long gloves

Men’s Accessories

• Fedora or Homburg hat
• Bow tie or narrow tie
• Pocket watch with chain
• Suspenders
• Cufflinks
• Pocket square
• Walking stick (optional)

Hairstyles of the 1920s

Women’s Hairstyles

The Bob:

• Short, straight cut
• With or without bangs
• Styled with finger waves
• Shiny and smooth

Finger Waves:

• S-shaped waves
• Close to the head
• Fixed with gel/mousse
• Elegant and iconic

Marcel Waves:

• Larger, softer waves
• Possible for longer hair
• With curling iron or clamps
• Glamorous look

Men’s Hairstyles

• Slicked back with pomade
• Side parting
• Short on the sides
• Shiny and well-groomed

1920s Make-up

The Typical Flapper Look

Eyes:

• Strongly emphasized
• Dark eyeshadows (black, gray)
• Smokey eye effect
• Kohl liner
• Long eyelashes

Lips:

• Dark colors (red, burgundy, plum)
• Small, round shape (“bee-stung lips”)
• Overdraw with lip liner
• Matte finishes

Complexion:

• Light, flawless complexion
• Powdery finish
• Subtle blush
• No tan

Planning a 1920s Party

Decoration in 1920s Style

• Golden and black balloons
• Art Deco patterns
• Feather boas as decoration
• Pearl necklaces
• Jazz music
• Champagne tower

Drinks of the Era

• Champagne
• Gin Fizz
• French 75
• Mint Julep
• Sidecars

Where to Buy 1920s Fashion?

Online Shopping

Specialized Shops:

• 1920s Fashion Shops
• Vintage Online Stores
• Costume Shipping
• Etsy (handmade)

General Shops:

• ASOS (Gatsby Collection)
• Amazon (cheap options)
• Zalando (party dresses)

Offline

• Vintage stores
• Costume rentals
• Second-hand shops
• Theater stock

Budget Tips for 1920s Outfits

Cheap (under €50)

Women:

• Black dress + fringe application DIY
• Pearl necklace from the flea market
• Make your own headband
• Used heels

Men:

• Existing dark suit
• Buy suspenders + bow tie
• Style hair with gel
• Pocket watch imitation

Medium Budget (€50-150)

• Complete fringe dress
• Quality accessories
• Good shoes
• Professional styling

Investment

• Authentic vintage dress
• Tailored suit
• Original accessories
• Professional hair & make-up

Modern Interpretation of the 1920s

1920s Elements in Everyday Life

• Art Deco jewelry
• Fringe details
• Pearl necklaces
• Headbands as a trend
• T-strap shoes

Mix with Modern Style

• Fringe skirt with T-shirt
• Art Deco earrings daily
• Headband for a modern look
• Sequin details

1920s Outfit Dos and Don’ts

Do’s

• Research for authenticity
• Accessories make the look
• Adapt hairstyle and make-up
• Style appropriately for the event
• Have fun with the style

Don’ts

• Choose too modern a dress
• Forget accessories
• Leave hair unstyled
• Make-up too natural
• Completely ignore authenticity

AI Styling for 1920s Looks

Modern AI helps you create the perfect retro outfit:

• Authenticity Check – Does everything fit together?
• Shopping Help – Where do you find what?
• Combination Ideas – What do you already have?
• Budget Optimization – Maximum Gatsby, minimum Spend

Conclusion: Your Perfect 1920s Outfit

The perfect 1920s Outfit is:

• Authentic – Typical elements of the era
• Glamorous – Sequins, feathers, gold
• Fun – The Roaring Twenties live on!
• Personal – Your interpretation

Dive into the Roaring Twenties and let xlook help you find the perfect Gatsby look!

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Ready for your time travel to the 1920s? Let xlook AI help you put together the perfect outfit – free and glamorous.