Not everyone wants to be ghoulish and ghastly on Halloween. Some ladies prefer a classy and glamorous costume, and you can’t do better than a dress portraying the flapper era of the 1920s. I would avoid the fringed-type dresses and garish colors, but instead go for a sophisticated take on that look using pieces you could actually wear again! The Great Gatsby was my inspiration when I went Goodwill to find an entire outfit from the plethora of items our stores have in their Halloween section!  

Here’s what I bought and why:

• A great dress with beaded Art Deco bodice. This dress has more of an empire waist, but I loved the striped balloon skirt and the subtle colors of black and beige. For just $7.99 this dress could also work for any classy event you might go to later on for the holidays.
• Cropped coat in black is another item which could be worn later on either casually, or as illustrated here. It was also just $7.99.
• Instead of a feather boa, I found this black sheer scarf with fringe for $2.99.
• The Mary Jane-style shoes in black fabric are perfect for the Roaring Twenties look, and they’re also fashionable now! A huge score for $4.99.
• Long pearl-and-rhinestone necklace, which can be worn again by wrapping it a few times around the neck, or by leaving it long. Another dual purpose item for just $4.99.
• The long gloves add elegance, as well as a sense of the past. They were new for just $4.99.
• The item that really makes this costume work is the leading-lady wig in platinum for $14.99. When working with costume wigs it’s important not to brush them. Use your fingers, or a pick to gently separate and form the style you want. Use hairpins and bobby pins to secure the curls close to the head for a vintage look.

Total cost of the costume with wig: $43.94.

Total without the wig if you wanted to do your own hair instead: $28.95.

Looking like a movie star and making smart purchases you can wear later? Priceless!