Why Gatsby Costumes Are So Popular

One of the most popular themes for dress-up events is to dress up as a 1920s gangster or their female partners, often known as Molls. These types of 1920s costumes are commonly referred to as Gatsby costumes, after the novel by F Scott Fitzgerald and the movie of the same name.

It is a very romantic era as it comes after the devastation of the first world war and a time when women were beginning to step away from traditional roles just as homemakers, earn their own money and wear clothes that give them more freedom than they previously had when they wore costumes and stayed home doing embroidery.

The women of the 1920s are characterised by fun-loving socialites who loved freedom and free love, they were known as Flappers. The Flapper Dress is one that typically falls directly from the shoulder to the knee with no defined waistline. It often has sequins and tassels which draw attention and ‘flap’ when dancing (the common dance of that time was called the Charleston, which was very energetic and one that involved a lot of kicking).

In the Gatsby book and movie, the main character, Jay Gatsby was a bootlegger, who sold and transported illegal alcohol during the era where it was banned. It was a dangerous, well paying and glamorous gig. He wore a loose-fitting, longline pinstripe double-breasted suit which was a look popular in the 1920s. His girlfriend Daisy was a married woman and they were having an affair. She was a Flapper and therefore the Gatsby Costume is a popular choice for couples to dress up together to attend fancy dress parties.

These Gatsby costumes represent a time in American history that was exciting, dangerous, and where there was a lot of partying as there was a lot of money before the depression. The 1920s costumes represent freedom and hedonism. This time in history is also known as the Roaring 20s which was a celebration of life and fashions reflected this.

Other accessories that are associated with Gatsby is the cigarette holder, long beaded necklace or pearls, feathered headpiece, or ornate headband and elbow-length satin or mesh gloves. We also have a range of accessories for men such as a white tie, suspenders, and spats for your shoes, as well as trilby hats to complete the look.