The best Great Gatsby fancy dress outfits

Throwing a 1920s fancy dress party? Here's the only guide you need...

great-gatsby-fancy-dress

by Lily Anderson |
Updated on

We're currently in our roaring twenties era, which means it's time to get on your best Great Gatsby fancy dress outfits and have yourself a Gatsby-inspired party. Throwing it back to one of the most glamorous decades in history, the twenties was an era filled with cocktail parties, scandals and lots of sequins.

When we think of the 1920s, we're reminded of flappers, movies, nightclubs and, most importantly, jazz. There’s no better party to have than one that incorporates all these things. Whether you're attending a dazzling black tie event or you're throwing your very own New Year's Eve bash, you need the right outfit for your fancy affair.

So, that you can focus more on the party planning, we’ve put together a guide to the best 1920s Great Gatsby fancy dress. From glittering gowns to sophisticated suits, get on your glad rags and your dancing shoes. Here's the best fancy dress outfits inspired by the roaring twenties, old sport.

SHOP: The best Great Gatsby fancy dress outfits

This 1920s Flapper Feather Headpiece from Amazon is the perfect accessory for your Great Gatsby fancy dress outfit. There's loads of variations to choose from. A glittering black headband is set off with pearls and feathers, nailing the glamour of the era.

This Ro Rox Gloria Flapper Dress is spot on. We love this black and gold dress that looks like it could be spotted in The Great Gatsby. There's different colours to choose from, whether it's black and silver, champagne, red or blue. You'll look like a million dollars in this dress.

Flapper Costume in Teal GreenSmiffys

You can't go wrong with Smiffys when it comes to fancy dress, and there are tonnes of 1920s costumes you can browse. This Flapper Costume in Teal Green is an easy wear, and it comes with accessories. It comes with gloves and a headpiece to complete the look.

Already got a dress in mind but just needing the accessories to match? Enter the JaosWish 1920s Flapper Accessories Set from Amazon, a total lifesaver for a last minute party outfit idea. There's accessories of all different colours and variations, so there's no question that this set will definitely have what you need.

1920s Fringed Flapper CostumeSmiffys

Embrace the roaring twenties with this 1920s Fringed Flapper Costume from Smiffys. This costume includes a dress with lace front and beaded fringing for that unmistakable flapper look. The fringed skirt will give plenty of movement when you're off out dancing the night away.

JISEN 1920s Flapper HeadpieceAmazon
Price: $9.99

For another set of flapper headpieces, there's plenty of styles to browse with JISEN's 1920s Flapper Headpieces on Amazon. Adjustable headband and art deco details make the perfect accessory for your Gatsby-themed party. This white and silver one is perfect for wearing with a white dress with sequins.

If you're looking for something effortless to wear, the Deluxe Flapper Dress pretty much has everything you need. From the fringe dress down to the pearls and the headband. All you'll need to do is give your hair and makeup a 1920s makeover, throw on a pair of vintage heels and you're good to go.

Another full set, the FEPITO 1920s V Neck Sequin Beaded Fringed Dress with Accessories is essentially a full costume. You won't have to worry about buying all the extra bits and pieces. It comes with a dress, headpiece, gloves, jewellery and stockings. Select from black and gold, green, red or blue.

If costume isn't really your thing, there's always the Sequin Tassel Fringe Mini Dress from Apricot that looks oh-so classy. It comes in black and green, set off with fringe details and sequin embellishments galore. We can't get enough of this dress that really gives the 1920s vibe.

If a suit is more your thing, why not pair up this Black Pinstripe Waistcoat from Quiz with the matching Black Pinstripe Palazzo Trousers for a chic suit that you can wear afterwards too? Style with accessories for the ultimate mob wife look or wear on it's own for a more subtle nod to the Gatsby theme.

BABEYOND 1920s Mens Gatsby Gangster AccessoriesAmazon
Price: $23.99

So you wanna be a gangster? The BABEYOND 1920s Mens Gatsby Gangster Accessories set will add to your suit just right. From prop cigar and pocket watch to suspenders, bow ties and trilby hats, this accessories set has everything you need to look like a real gangster.

Forest Sequin Fringe Hem Flapper DressRoman
Price: £79 (was 90)

www.roman.co.uk

The Forest Sequin Fringe Hem Flapper Dress from Roman is the ideal dress to wear to an event. Make a grand entrance this party season with this gorgeous sequin fringe dress. Embellished with art deco vintage inspired beadwork, this occasion dress was made to dazzle on the dance floor.

Adrianna Papell Beaded Mini DressJohn Lewis
Price: £99.50 (was £199)

www.johnlewis.com

Adrianna Papell is one to look at when it comes to 1920s inspired gowns, and this Beaded Mini Dress has a nod to the era while still being modern. A stunning piece that'll have you turning heads, accessorise with a glamorous headpiece and beaded bag to really nail the look.

Miss Selfridge Premium Embellished Maxi Dress in Black and GoldASOS
Price: £149.99

www.asos.com

Miss Selfridge's Premium Embellished Maxi Dress In Black And Gold will definitely turn heads. It's a popular choice on ASOS at the moment, and it's selling fast. It features all-over embellishment with a semi-sheer skirt and plunging neckline, a real showstopper.

Halter Neck Beaded And Embellished Fringe Woven Mini DressKaren Millen
Price: £183.20 (was £229)

www.karenmillen.com

Karen Millen's Halter Neck Beaded And Embellished Fringe Woven Mini Dress has the 1920s look down. It features stunning beading and embellished details with a flirty fringe skirt at the bottom. Add a touch of Old Hollywood glamour to your partywear repertoire with this dazzling fringed mini dress.

If you're after something with sleeves, this gorgeous beaded Batwing Midi Dress from Coast is a fab one for you. It's getting a lot of attention at the moment, and it's no wonder. It's art deco beaded details are so unique. Style with a gold headpiece and a vampy dark lip for the ultimate Gatsby outfit.

Topshop Premium Embellished Fringe and Beaded Mix Midi DressASOS

Talk about a fancy affair. Topshop's Premium Embellished Fringe And Beaded Mix Midi Dress has us well and truly in love. Made with intricate fringed beaded details, it's a modern take on the flapper dress. It has a daring plunge neck and cross straps in the back, so it's perfect for party season.

What are the best 1920s fancy dress outfit ideas?

If you're wanting to dress 1920s, a dress with sequin or bead embellishments is definitely the right choice. Dresses tended to be calf to ankle length, as believe it or not, this era meant dresses got shorter and a bit more daring. However, if a suit is more your thing, a three-piece suit with a waistcoat might be the way to go.

In terms of accessories, flappers wore headpieces with feathers and lots of pearl jewellery. They often wore gloves that went over the elbow and carried fans or cigarette holders. They tended to wear T-bar heels that were on the shorter side. Alternatively, if you're wearing a suit, you might want to style it with a trilby hat and a pair of spats shoes.

Finally, there's hair and makeup. Both women and men in the 1920s sported finger waves in their hair that can be achieved with a mermaid waver, alligator clips and a lot of hairspray. In terms of makeup, a thin eyebrow, smoky eye and dark red lip is the way to go.

Where to find the best Gatsby dresses?

If you're going for a cheaper costume, Amazon or Smiffys is by far your best bet, search terms like 'flapper dress', 'Gatsby dress' or '1920s dress'. However if you're wanting to go all out glam, try ASOS, Coast, John Lewis, Karen Millen or Monsoon. Search for terms like 'beaded dress', 'embellished dress', 'fringe dress' or 'tassel dress.' These are best for black tie events, especially when you're not wanting to look like you're wearing a novelty costume.

Lily Anderson is a contributing writer to Closer. When she isn’t trying out the latest kitchen appliances, garden furniture and home essentials, Lily is pushing forward health products for women, educational toys and the latest fashion collaborations.

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