Fashion of the Roaring Twenties

Some links from this site lead to third parties who pay us a commission if you buy something.  This allows us to keep providing the information on this site free of charge! 


How to Dress Up in  Roaring Twenties Fashion!

Fashion Roaring Twenties, Roaring Twenties Costumes

Want to look the bee's knees in a ritzy flapper number?

Roaring twenties costumes are really not so hard to put together. Do you have a fancy dress party to go to?  Are friends having an Art Deco themed wedding? Need some advice.  You'll find some great tips here to help you achieve that genuine 1920s flapper look.

Flapper dresses were tube shaped shift dresses with a dropped waist line - around the hips.  They often had jagged hems, and drifted around the knees or even shorter.


Flappers Gossiping at a BarFlappers Gossiping at a Bar


Stockings would be worn rolled around the knees so when dancing a tantalising glimpse of a girls "gams" or legs could be seen.

Women were becoming so much more daring in the 20s, although flappers did have a fairly bad reputation, which they lived up to by staying out late, drinking lots of cocktails, smoking, and applying makeup in public.


Flapper Smoking 1927 by Lewis BaumerFlapper Smoking 1927 by Lewis Baumer

So start with a flapper dress  - have a look at the ones from Etsy.  Genuine 1920s examples are in short supply but you might find some there. The ones in good condition will be very expensive.  But there are lots of people still making them, as the style has never totally gone out of fashion.  I had a a similar styled dress in the 1980s I remember, which would have been a great roaring twenties costume.  


This book, based on the Sears Catalogues of the time, will give you some great ideas. 

Everyday Fashions of the 1920s Book CoverBuy Now


Accessorise your Roaring Twenties Outfit

1920s Gatsby Headpiece with Rhinestones and PearlsClick Here to Choose Flapper Headpieces

You need lots of accessories!  Long dangling flapper beads, a compact, lipstick and a headband or cloche hat.

You can easily make a headband by sewing a few beads or buttons on a plain hairband and sticking a feather into the rim, or adding a few tassels.

Click here for Flapper Accessories from Etsy

Get the Makeup Right!

Makeup was becoming very popular in the 1920s.  With the popularity of the silent movies everyone wanted to look like the latest stars like Clara Bow or Bela Lugosi with their dark rimmed eyes and deep red lipstick.  Find out more about 1920s Makeup here. 


Close up of Clara Bow's Makeup in 1927Clara Bow 1927 - Buy Print Now


1920s Shoes

Shoes are the finishing touch.  Mary Jane style shoes were worn throughout the 20s, they had a small heel and a strap over the foot, so that they would be comfortable to dance the night away without falling off!


Black Mary Jane Shoes
> > Fashion Roaring Twenties


Etsy has a surprisingly good range of Art Deco furniture, interior decor, art and prints, 1920s and 1930s fashion, accessories, jewellery and Bakelite.  Click the banner to explore.  



Join our Facebook Page so you never miss a thing!



Share this page:
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.


Like this Page
search engine by freefind