How to dress in Gatsby style for a party: images and ideas

History of the style

The work takes place in the 1920s, during which the US economy was rapidly developing after the First World War.
At the same time, the country had a “prohibition” law, which was regularly violated by bootleggers who made millions of dollars by smuggling alcoholic beverages. America in the 1920s was all about jazz, gangsters and decaying morality. People were tired of the hardships and horrors of difficult wartime and began to think about the fact that each day could be their last.

They lived by spending huge amounts of money on art, beautiful costumes that were unavailable for a long time, and luxurious parties. It was at such social parties of millionaires that a certain dress code was born, and the flowering of the pompous, pretentious and eccentric Art Deco style.

Girls strongly emphasized their femininity with revealing cutouts on the back, dresses embroidered with beads, fringe, rhinestones and gold threads. The makeup was no less flashy: pale skin, bright red lips, emphasized eyebrows and dark shadows. Multiple accessories, hats and a haircut a la “Garconne” - there was plenty of room for imagination! And this eclecticism, like nothing else, perfectly reflected the spirit of that time.

History of the style

If you look deeper into history, it will immediately become clear that Gatsby’s style is a well-forgotten old thing. It came to us from the beginning of the last century, when the people of America were just beginning to recover from the First World War. Tired of the harsh everyday life of war, people tried with all their might to bring joy and fun back into their lives. It was this desire that gave birth to a bright and catchy style, which was perfectly reflected by a. At that time, fortunes were spent on pompous entertainment and flashy outfits.

Until 2013, this style had a different name - art deco. For a long time he was not very popular, but the film adaptation of Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby” changed everything. The Hollywood film became a cult classic and revived the interest of fashionistas in the bygone era of incessant parties, fatal passions and eternal celebration.

Basic elements of style in women's clothing

• A characteristic feature of the Art Deco style is women's haircuts, an excellent example of which is the hairstyle of the main character in the film "The Great Gatsby". Ruthless getting rid of long hair a la Garconne was the fashion of the 20s. This hairstyle gives not only boyish enthusiasm, but sexuality and liberation. This is a symbolic element of women's emancipation and independence.
• Gatsby-style hats are a must-have. Not a single ensemble was complete without an ostrich feather, hoop, lace or embroidered ribbon. The more original the headdress, the greater the correspondence with the Art Deco style.
• Accessories are an equally important detail in the Gatsby style. A long string of pearls was especially popular, but there was also an abundance of brooches, rings, bracelets and pendants. A special highlight were the fur boas and long gloves.
• Dresses of that time had a special cut: low waistline, straight cut, knee length with an asymmetrical hem. The hallmark of that time was a slit in the back or a deep neckline.
• Gatsby's style is primarily calm and neutral tones: white, black, brown and nude.

Grand era

It is not for nothing that this period in US history has become so bright and memorable. The First World War had just ended, and, exhausted by constant stress and hardship, life began to return to normal.

But women no longer have the energy and time for complex styles, numerous skirts and tight corsets. And few people already had a maid who would help them put on chic outfits in the morning.

Vivid images of the era

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The rhythm of life has accelerated significantly and demanded convenience. More forced than by choice, a whole era of emancipation began, when women mastered male professions, education and lifestyle. Dresses were simplified to the extreme, giving fashionistas the much-desired freedom.

The fashion trend of those years was called “Art Deco” or “Art Deco”. Clear geometric lines combined with luxury and pretentiousness are characteristic features of style not only in clothing, but also in architecture and interior design.

Now at the height of fashion there is the most basic cut in the form of a rectangle, a pleated skirt, front fasteners or lack thereof and a low waist. These details became the hallmarks of the fashion trend of the 20s of the 20th century.

But it was not yet possible to completely move away from the toilets of pre-war times, and the length of the skirt remained at least slightly above the knee. And the favorite colors rather spoke of elegance rather than a revolutionary mood - black, brown, pastel and silver tones.

But the restless post-war period, perhaps foreshadowing new misfortunes, demanded a holiday every day! Fringe, shiny rhinestones, embroidery, beads, feathers, a deep neckline in the front or a bare back are mandatory attributes of stylish outfits from the era of F. S. Fitzgerald's novel.

Daisy's costumes from the movie

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Compilation rules

Modern Great Gatsby-style clothing for women includes knee-length cocktail dresses in soft colors with a cutout back and a low or no waistline. Their distinctive feature is the absence of sleeves. But some women's outfits may have short sleeves. Finishing in the form of fringe, beaded embroidery, feathers, satin or silk ribbons, lace and fur inserts is welcome.

Gatsby-style clothes are made from light and flowing textiles: silk, velvet, satin, chiffon, lace fabric. At some point in history, knitwear joined them. The materials have calm tones. Against such a neutral background, decorative elements used to decorate dresses look more advantageous.

Typical Art Deco colors:

• pink;
• golden;
• peach;
• bodily;
• silver;
• lactic;
• extravagant black.

Clothes in the Gatsby style should look rich and artsy, so don’t be afraid to go overboard with decorative elements. The ideal outfits are those that you can look at for hours, finding new stylistic solutions for them. It is acceptable to use beads, precious or decorative stones, shiny sequins, rare fur collars, large brooches and even Swarovski rhinestones to decorate dresses.

The cut of Gatsby-style dresses is simple or complicated by the presence of a full skirt or pleated hem. Popular styles:

• rectangular - hides a protruding tummy and figure flaws;
• with boas or boas – visually increases the volume of the breasts;
• with multi-tiered fringe - reduces the volume of the hips.

Gatsby-style shoes are comfortable and practical. These can be miniature shoes with stable heels, sandals or oxfords. To make oxfords more feminine, replace the laces with silk ribbons.

Accessories play a huge role in creating a unique Gatsby look. This outfit must be accompanied by a handbag. A typical option is a clutch. But in a modern interpretation, it is permissible to replace it with a small envelope handbag. In autumn or spring, you can throw a bright cape decorated with decorative elements over your shoulders. Long gloves will help complement the image of a femme fatale.

Popular jewelry of the “crazy 20s” included pearl beads, chains of stringed beads and pendants that can be lowered not only in front, but also in the back – along the back.

As a headdress, you can use a bell hat, a floral scarf or a headband. Previously, feathers of various lengths were in demand, which were threaded into headbands with veils or flowers, or pinned to the hair with decorated hairpins.

To add a roaring '20s charm to your look, apply the right makeup. Lighten your skin with powder, highlight your cheekbones, apply a soft blush to your cheeks, and be sure to define your lips using bright scarlet lipstick. Be sure to tint your eyebrows, eyelashes and draw flirty arrows - this makeup element will make your look more sexy.

The main details of the wedding look

Given the laconicism of Gatsby's style, accessories are everything to create a modest wedding dress! Girls 100 years ago wore the best jewelry, the most interesting headdresses, and created new handbags. What innovations were the most common, and what can be introduced into a wedding dress?

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Shoes

The fashion of those years involved only shoes. If you strictly follow the specified style, it is better to choose closed models with a round toe and a small heel of about 5 cm. The decor may include straps, bows or lacing.

Hats

What variety! Girls of those years were not fond of complex hairstyles, which means their imagination moved to other elements. For an outdoor ceremony, hats are ideal - a Gatsby-style cloche, reminiscent of a deep bowler hat with a small brim. Under the roof, a headband decorated with feathers, rhinestones, embroidery and other shiny details can be used as a headdress, but a veil is practically not used.

Most of the images shown in the film belong to rich ladies from “high society”. This can be judged by the complex, exquisite decoration of the dresses.

Shoes and jewelry

Decorations

In addition to the fact that the Art Deco wedding dress itself is richly decorated, as if compensating for the laconic style, costume jewelry plays an important role in creating the look.

Some of the recognizable features of Art Deco were a string of pearls wound several times around the neck, or diamond jewelry. In the absence of such, you can wear a necklace, bracelets, beads, massive rings with semi-precious or precious stones.

Handbag and gloves

Small handbags from those years – clutches – are still very popular. Only then were they abundantly supplemented with fringe or shiny stripes. But the gloves were worn mainly by wealthy ladies and they were longer than the elbow. In a modern wedding look, this detail will emphasize the sophistication of the bride.

Charming bride

Capes

Neither in our country nor in the USA does summer last all year round, and outerwear is also necessary. True, in the style of Fitzgerald's novel it is often a decorative boa made of fur or feathers. Another, warmer option is a loose-fitting coat.

Bride's hair and makeup

Makeup from the beginning of the 20th century has characteristic features that may seem a little strange to us. First of all, these are completely different eyebrows, which were plucked to a high and thin semicircular line and shaded with a black pencil. Pale aristocratic facial skin was still valued, and women applied blush only to a small part of their cheekbones.

The makeup accents were on the eyes and lips. Bright red lipstick is almost a must-have element of the era. And the abundance of dark shadows on the eyelids is now called “smoky ice”. Sometimes this makeup was replaced with black eyeliner and a lot of mascara.

Not everything from the fashion of the 20th century can be useful to the bride, because we are used to seeing a girl in her wedding look as gentle and sophisticated. The overall Art Deco style of makeup can be softened with pastel colors and can easily be paired with a white or cream dress.

As for hairstyles, there is no need to make any complex designs on your head. Most young ladies' haircuts were short, but you shouldn't run to the hairdresser either. So, any hair can be styled with a smooth cloth, neat waves or large curls. The main thing is that they are shiny and well-groomed.

Hair and makeup

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Where is it used?

A characteristic feature of Gatsby-style dresses is a loose fit, so such dresses are perfect for women with small breasts and problematic waistlines. They will hide figure imperfections, emphasizing the hips, and make the silhouette more graceful.

However, women who cannot boast of slender legs should remember that a low waist visually makes them even shorter. When choosing such a dress, you should give preference to midi and floor-length models.

But in general, 20s-style outfits are universal and will look good on any figure.

Dresses for plus size people in the Gatsby genre

Those with curvy shapes and sizes can also afford a Gatsby-style outfit. However, full ladies should carefully select the style. A good choice for them would be models made from combined materials in dark tones. The optimal length is ankle length. This outfit will help hide figure flaws and create a chic look.

Shoes should be chosen with stable heels - they will visually make your legs longer and slimmer. Good examples of such outfits:

Dresses in the Gatsby genre: styles and cuts

Gatsby's style gives fashionistas unlimited scope for imagination. There are a lot of models, and depending on personal preferences, each woman can choose the one that best emphasizes her individuality.

Dress with fringe

One of the most popular variations of retro dresses are dresses with fringe and threads. Such decorative elements not only act as decoration, but also help to visually hide figure defects - disguise excessively curvy shapes or, conversely, add volume where necessary. Often, fringe is used to trim the hem, which visually lengthens the dress, although in reality it may be short.

Long

Long floor-length dresses in the Gatsby style are not so popular, although they do occur. More often, preference is given to ankle-length outfits, with a deep cutout at the back and an emphasis on the waist. Sometimes the bottom of the dress is pleated, which does not limit freedom of movement and gives the image a femininity. Such dresses are perfect for a special occasion, especially if they are complemented with long gloves.

A short

A playful minidress to the knee or a little higher is the best option for young fans of retro style. It does not restrict movement, and its owner will be able to dance in it all night long. Such dresses are most often sewn without sleeves, the top has thin straps or a “T-shirt” neckline.

Midi

The most authentic option. Its distinctive feature is a low waist, straight cut, and often an asymmetrical hem. This outfit is elegant, and can be complemented with a wide belt on the hips. However, it should be remembered that the length below the knee visually shortens the legs, so shoes should be chosen with high heels.

With sleeve

Gatsby style dresses with sleeves are not that common. The exception is models designed for the cold season. In other cases, there are either no sleeves, or they are made small, in the form of light “wings”. To protect shoulders and arms from the evening cool, accessories are often used - gloves and capes.

Velvet

A velvet outfit in the style of the “crazy 20s” is truly luxurious. Royal fabric itself looks expensive and solemn, and decorated with beads, glass beads, beads or gold threads gives a real feeling of luxury and chic. However, it should be remembered that velvet is a dense and heavy material, so it is not suitable for summer models.

Putting together an outfit and look for a party

Recreating the look of the Roaring '20s for a themed party isn't hard. The main thing is to think through everything down to the smallest detail, choose the right jewelry and accessories, and, of course, pay special attention to makeup and hairstyle. Knowledge of the basic principles inherent in Gatsby's style will help with this. Examples of such ensembles:

Decorations

Choosing the “right” jewelry is an important step in creating a retro look. Long earrings, massive rings and brooches, as well as an abundance of bracelets fit perfectly into the Gatsby style. Pearl beads thrown back (that is, put on backwards) will help to effectively emphasize the neckline on the back. In general, pearl threads were one of the favorite decorations of women of that era. But they should be very long and hang down to the waist.

Hair jewelry should be catchy. An indispensable attribute is feathers, rhinestones, beads.

Shoes

Tastefully selected shoes are another important point. Preference should be given to shoes with small heels that taper towards the bottom. Height – 5-7 cm. Models with a closed round toe, with a jumper in the center, decorated with lacing or a bow look good. Rhinestones and beads are welcome.

Hairstyle

American women, who spent days and nights in an atmosphere of eternal celebration, considered a bob haircut the best way to emphasize their femininity. Modern fashionistas, of course, do not necessarily have to cut their hair short for a themed party. The hair can be pinned up and the front strands styled in characteristic waves. Pomp and volume are not needed in this case. Complete the look with sparkly jewelry, feathers, or a silk scarf. For example:

Manicure

When creating a Gatsby-style look, give preference to nail polish in rich colors. Scarlet, cherry, crimson - the brighter the better. Remember that the distinctive feature of the style is pomp and catchiness. There is no need to be modest!

Makeup

Make-up in retro style implies a double emphasis - on the lips and on the eyes. The face should be given an aristocratic pallor - foundation and powder will help with this. Be sure to line your eyes with a pencil and dark shadows, highlight and tint your eyebrows, giving them an arch shape. Choose rich tones of lipstick - your lips should stand out and attract attention. You need to complete your makeup with blush, applying it to the apples of your cheeks with a fluffy brush.

Accessories for the dress

Accessories will help complete the look. A good choice would be long gloves, fur boas, and cloche hats. A small bag made of fabric with a drawstring will fit well into retro style. An interesting solution is a long mouthpiece. Of course, smoking is not at all necessary, but simply holding it in your hands is quite possible. This detail will fit perfectly into the “theme” of the evening.

Which color should I choose?

To recreate the style of the 20s, you should take a responsible approach to choosing the color scheme of your outfit. The most interesting, in the opinion of pro-platje.ru, are:

1. Black color is the most universal. This dress will decorate any wardrobe, as it will suit both graceful skinny girls and plump girls. Its length can vary from mini to maxi.
2. Red is the ideal choice for women who want to “try on” the image of a fatal temptress. The choice of shades depends on the desire of the fashionista. It can be scarlet, cherry, wine, or deep burgundy.
3. The gold color was a favorite among American women at the beginning of the last century, as it perfectly suited the lifestyle of that time. A golden dress can make its owner a real star. The main thing is not to overdo it with decorations in the image.
4. A white outfit looks very feminine and romantic. This color is appropriate to use for creating retro-style cocktail dresses and chic evening looks. A woman dressed in white will always attract the attention of others.

Wedding Dresses

Quite often, brides who are walking down the aisle “in an interesting position” choose a retro look. The Gatsby style “denies” wearing a corset, so the expectant mother will feel confident and comfortable in a spacious dress with a low waist.

Dresses with deep necklines and a fitted silhouette, as well as wedding models with frills made of light flowing fabrics, are very popular among modern fans of the Gatsby style. But classic retro dresses don’t look so formal. Photo examples:

What is Gatsby Style

The era of elegance, luxury, and splendor among representatives of the cream company left its mark on the history of the United States. The 1920s are remembered for parties with rivers of illegal alcohol, cars, fireworks, and dancing to live jazz. The popularity of the romantic period was added by Fitzgerald’s book “The Great Gatsby”, on which the film of the same name was based. The director of the film spent weeks and months thinking about all the details of the sets and costumes in order to accurately convey the intricacies of the “Jazz Age”. The result, which was shown in 2013, impressed film critics.

The film won top awards, including Oscars for Best Costume Design and Production Design. The brilliant performance of the entire cast, coupled with the atmosphere of the bourgeois sweet life, revelry, pleasure, and tragic love, captivated connoisseurs of good films. The American dream became a source of inspiration for designers who embodied the image of Gatsby in their collections. Famous fashion houses such as Prada, Miu Miu, Brook Brothers helped set the mood for the film.

History of origin

The author of the novel captured on the pages the period of the struggle of the American authorities against the illegal trade in alcohol along with a detective love story. The story of a successful young businessman takes place on Long Island after World War I. Then the young officer, who has mysteriously become rich, throws parties in his palace house to attract the attention of his beloved on the other side of the bay, on which the “golden coast” is located.

The cinematic entertainment, which featured Gatsby-themed women's clothing in all its glory, started a cult trend. Fancy headdresses, bows, deep necklines for girls, sequins on all elements of clothing, even fluff on shoes - all this immediately after the premiere of the film appeared on the catwalks. You should not expect Catherine Martin (the costume designer for the legendary film) to accurately reproduce the fashion of the 1920s, but all stylistic canons were followed in an interpretation close to our time.

Characteristic features of the style

At the time the film is about us, people enjoyed life as if they expected every moment they lived to be their last. Men wore tuxedos, beautiful women wore fitted evening dresses with boas on their shoulders. Then there were times when gangsters and robbers were worth fearing, but everyone tried to flaunt all their wealth. The Art Deco trend in interiors was gaining momentum. Valued:

• varnished surfaces;
• velvet.
• pretentiousness;
• gems;
• rhinestones;
• security fee;
• excessive shine;
• exceeding every detail of decoration;

How the dresses were complemented

The floor-length black dress was complemented by black feathers in the hair or on the hat and agate earrings. Scarlet lipstick was applied to the lips, which emphasized the entire look. Bracelets with feathers to match the dress were put on their hands.

The scarlet dress will be complemented by a chain that should pass through the back from the right shoulder to the left hip. The back, of course, should be open so that everyone can see the elegant decoration. A long string of pearls around the neck and small earrings in the ears will gracefully highlight the look for the evening. A delicate white dress will not seem cold with the right selection of jewelry. Silver earrings with stones will go well with this dress. You can pick up a white clutch with rhinestones, which will complement the dress and earrings.

Features of the style

These outfits are made in retro style. They look very seductive and truly luxurious. Such products combine different styles. However, they always contain luxurious details.

During the time of the Great Gatsby, fur boas, fringe, and embroidery were popular. Often outfits were decorated with jewelry, stones, and feathers.

Attention! A dress in this style was cut out in the shape of a rectangle. It could be complemented by small darts, but the silhouette was always not fitted. In addition, this outfit is characterized by a very low waistline. A deep neckline was most often made on the back.

Long pearl beads were an obligatory part of the evening composition. Moreover, they were certainly tied in the form of a knot. An integral part of the bow were fairly long gloves. Another mandatory accessory for the look was a small handbag. Many fashionistas wore a bag in the form of a small pouch with a drawstring.

The characteristic features of this outfit include the following::

• Lack of a fitted silhouette . Even small darts maintain the rectangular shape of the upper part of the composition.

• French length . It can reach the knee or go down a little lower. Moreover, the outfit itself can be very short. It is slightly lengthened by a fringe sewn at the bottom.

• Cutout on the back or chest . After the end of the First World War, tensions subsided, but a premonition of a new disaster already appeared in the atmosphere. Perhaps this is due to the appearance of daring, revealing details in clothing. People tried to look bright and frank.

• The use of multi-tiered fringe . This detail served not only aesthetic functions. It has excellent practicality - it reduces volume where it is needed and adds centimeters in missing places.

• Pleated skirts . This is a popular detail in cut-out dresses. It provides complete freedom of movement, but at the same time allows you to maintain a straight silhouette.

• Dim colors . In most cases, dresses of that era were made in gray and black. It is not uncommon to see brown and beige tones.

• Decorative elements . Quite often, dresses in retro style were decorated with embroidery, beads, and rhinestones. Models with silver and gold threads look very stylish.

Modern interpretation

Now it’s worth focusing on the elegance of the image. Gone are the days when formal suits were considered fashionable. Young people want to look interesting. With the help of Gatsby style, you can skillfully combine formal suits and modern bright details. Images look especially relevant in a formal setting. It is not uncommon to see the groom at a wedding dressed in Gatsby style. It looks very romantic and festive. Loafers are comfortable shoes that can highlight other details of an image in a modern way.

Selection of accessories

It is considered mandatory to complement the appearance with accessories, which in the twenties of the last century was also a novelty for most men. Hats were used as the main accessories. Among them, straw models with ribbons occupy a special place, however, classic dark models can also be used to complete the look. Men often used a cigar to look more masculine and attractive. Nowadays it is rare to see a man's cane, but at that time it became a real hit and was often used, which gave men additional charm.

Accessories

Accessories are widely used to create this look. Feather boas, ribbon flowers, and fur collars are a fixture at any Great Gatsby party. Bows and bright decorative elements are used in almost every look. A cloche hat goes perfectly with your outfit. If you want to present the image in all its glory, such an element is simply necessary! In addition, supplements are used, both from natural and artificial materials.

A woman's bag in this look is more of a decorative rather than a functional element. Often it looks like a small clutch on a strap or chain.

Transforming into a stunning and stylish movie heroine is quite simple: just use a distinctive dress and a few accessories. To make the image winning, think it through to the smallest detail. Makeup and hairstyle will complete a bright and attractive picture. Headwear is required! The brighter and more expressive it is, the more your image will correspond to the art deco style.