The 1920’s are one of the most iconic decades in fashion. During this point of fashion history, women’s clothes were reflecting a growing freedom and increasing individuality among the ladies of this decade. Before the 1920’s, women’s clothes were typically fitted to form a very dramatic hourglass silhouette. Women typically wore corsets that produced the shape that they wanted. In the decade of the flapper, women were becoming more carefree, thanks to their newfound suffrage and driving rights, and their increasing roles outside the home.
The Roaring Twenties was a decade full of fun, decadence, and great jazz. One of the most iconic fashion staples during this dazzling decade is the flapper dress, which is perfect for a fun night of dancing, drinking, and partying a woman’s heart out. The Roaring Twenties was the time when women threw out their stifling corsets and heavy skirts in favor of loose clothing that will allow them to move freely, just like the social changes in their time that allowed them to think and act more freely than before.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is one of the most popular literary works that perfectly captures the wild, fun-loving, and glamorous era. One of the most recent adaptations of this novel is the movie of the same name, directed by Baz Luhrmann—a few minutes into the movie and you would see just how fabulous and fashionable the ladies during this time period were.
If you want to stand out in a costume party without putting too much effort on your outfit and tiring yourself out even before the party starts, the best way to do is to go as a flapper. Finding the perfect flapper dress might sound complicated—after all, the 1920’s was more than 90 years ago. Basically, a flapper dress is not unlike the sheath dress that we often see in boutiques these days—however, there are very distinct differences. The classic flapper dress is very flattering for many kinds of female body shapes, thanks to its dropped waist and loose fit—perfect for a night of merriment and lots of dancing. This type of dress is often sleeveless, but you can choose if you want thin (almost spaghetti-like) or wide (around an inch thick or so) straps. The bodice is often sheath-like, with the hem ending a couple of inches above the knee. Flapper dresses are often made with lightweight fabrics, that would allow the wearer’s body to breathe even after hours of dancing and moving around. If you are feeling more adventurous and flirty, you can opt to have the classic flapper silhouette brightened up by rows of lightweight fringes that would call attention to your body’s movements.
To complete your flapper look, put on a couple of long bead necklaces, a feather headdress, smoky eye make-up and a dramatic lipstick shade, and carry around a feather boa. Make sure to put on cute yet low-heeled shoes that will allow you to dance around the costume party like the true flapper of the Roaring Twenties.
