With the release of the film “Gatsby” there has been a consistent interest and fascination with all things related to that stretch of time. “The Roaring Twenties” as it was nicknamed, were emblematic of a period of change in the world at large.  WWI was over and a new and giddy prosperity seemed to be available to everyone rich and poor. Women earned the right to vote, as well as the right to ditch the Victorian fashions that their mothers wore. The modern girl opted for more fluid dropped-waist dresses and shorter hemlines that made it easy to dance the night away to the latest in “jazz-age” music, which was reaching un- paralleled heights of fame. For the first time ever, popular culture as promoted by film and print media made celebrities out of sports heroes and movie stars. That’s why this era is so important not only in history, but in fashion circles as well. Art Deco was an architecture and design style that flourished during this time and held influence worldwide. Geometric shapes characterize this particular period in fashion, along with over-the-top embellishment, rich fabrics and colors.  I’ve heard many people are holding “Gatsby” parties this spring and summer, to coincide with the film and the current mood of the style scene. Let’s look at the design elements that you should look for so you can recreate this fast-paced epoch for yourself.

For the men, you’ll need a well-fitted three-piece suit. If you can’t find all three pieces you could opt for a vest, tie, and slacks. Accessories are a must, even for the gentlemen. A pocket watch would look marvelous peeking out of your vest pocket, and a pair of two-tone oxford shoes will seal the deal. You’ll score extra points if you wear a newsboy cap, which was also known at the time as the “Gatsby cap.”  You may not look like Leonardo DiCaprio, but you’ll be able to hold your own just fine.

For the women, it’s important to find a dress that has a dropped waist, or a close approximation thereof. This is a low horizontal waistline that sits just at the top of the hips, not at the natural waist. Though loosely fitted, this style was thought to create a visual impression of height by balancing the upper and the lower part of the body in addition to lengthening the torso. Ruffles, beading, fringe, and any sort of adornment on the dress will be a plus. The use of chiffon and handkerchief-style uneven hemlines will definitely create the look you’re going for. The accessories for her might be long evening gloves, long necklaces made of pearls or other glamorous materials, and the all-important headband. The headband was the epitome of many of the 1920’s most popular looks. It held the hair away from the face while you were dancing, and it added some sparkle and glamour to boot. They were often made of velvet, silk, and even leather adorned with precious gems and precious metals.

I encourage all of you readers who are fascinated by this era, and those who may be attending a party, to see what you can find to deck yourself out at your local Goodwill Store and Donation Center. You never know what you’re going to find, and besides you don’t want to look like you just went to a costume shop!  Fashion is all about history; so now that you know the basics for 1920’s style glamour, start putting your own look together for a lot less, all while supporting local community programs. Now that’s something to party about!