Shopping for vintage clothes can feel tricky sometimes. You see all these beautiful dresses online or at events, and you wonder which style will look best on you. The good news? The 1920s had so many different dress styles that there's something flattering for everyone.
Let me share what I've learned about finding your perfect match when it comes to these gorgeous vintage pieces.
Why the 1920s Was Amazing for Different Body Types
Here's something cool about the twenties. Unlike today where fashion magazines tell us there's one "ideal" body type, the 1920s actually celebrated different looks. Sure, the boyish figure was popular in magazines, but real women came in all shapes and sizes. And guess what? They all looked stunning in their era's fashion.
The dropped waist was actually a game changer. It didn't cinch at your natural waist like Victorian dresses did. Instead, it sat lower on the hips, which created a totally different silhouette that worked for more people.
If You Have an Hourglass Figure
You might think the straight silhouette of the twenties won't work for curves, but that's not true at all. The trick is choosing the right details.
Look for dresses with some draping or gathering at the hips. This adds dimension without hiding your shape completely. A dress with a slightly fitted bodice and then a looser skirt can work beautifully. The fabric matters too. Silk chiffon and soft materials will skim over curves instead of adding bulk.
Beaded dresses are your friend here. The weight of the beads helps the fabric hang nicely and creates movement. When you walk into a room, those beads catch the light and draw attention in the best way possible.
One more tip: don't be afraid of color. Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red look incredible on hourglass figures. They celebrate your shape instead of trying to hide it.
For Pear Shaped Bodies
If you carry more weight in your hips and thighs, the 1920s has some perfect options for you.
Dresses with embellished or detailed tops are your best choice. Think beading, sequins, or embroidery on the bodice and sleeves. This draws the eye upward and balances out your proportions naturally.
Tiered skirts work really well too. The layers add movement and interest without clinging to your lower half. Plus, when you're dancing (because who can resist dancing at a twenties party?), those tiers swing and sway in the most flattering way.
Stay away from dresses that are tight at the hips. Remember, the beauty of twenties fashion is the relaxed fit. The dress should hang from your shoulders and move with you, not squeeze you in anywhere.
Colors can help too. A darker skirt with a lighter or more decorated top creates a nice balance. You could go with a black skirt and a gold beaded top, for example.
If You're Petite
Being on the shorter side doesn't mean you can't rock a flapper dress. You just need to keep a few things in mind.
First, watch the length. The classic twenties dress hits right around the knee or just below. If you're petite, this length is actually perfect because it doesn't overwhelm your frame. But if a dress is too long, it can make you look even shorter.
The good news is that many shops, including quality ones that make custom pieces, can adjust the length for you. Don't settle for a dress that's too long. Getting it hemmed to the right spot makes all the difference.
Vertical details are your secret weapon. Dresses with long beaded fringe, vertical embroidery patterns, or long necklaces all create the illusion of height. Your eye naturally follows these lines up and down, which makes you appear taller.
Avoid dresses with too many horizontal tiers if you're really petite. While tiered dresses are beautiful, too many layers can cut your figure into sections and make you look shorter. One or two tiers? Perfect. Four or five? Maybe not the best choice.
For Athletic or Rectangular Body Types
If you have a straighter figure with not much difference between your bust, waist, and hips, guess what? The 1920s style was basically made for you.
The dropped waist silhouette looks incredible on athletic builds. You can pretty much wear any style and pull it off. But here are some ways to make it even better.
Add dimension with layers and fringe. A dress with lots of beaded fringe adds movement and creates the illusion of curves as you move. Tiered skirts do the same thing. They add volume in places that give you more shape.
Don't be afraid to show some skin. Sleeveless dresses or those with thin straps look fantastic on athletic shoulders. If you have toned arms, show them off. That's what the flappers did, and it was considered quite daring at the time.
Shorter hemlines work great too. If you're comfortable with it, go for a dress that hits just at the knee or even slightly above. This shows off your legs and creates a fun, authentic twenties vibe.
If You Have a Larger Bust
The twenties style can actually be really comfortable if you have a fuller bust, but you need the right foundation.
First, invest in a good bra that gives you support without adding extra volume. The twenties look was less about pushing everything up and more about a smoother line. You want support that feels comfortable for a full evening of wearing your dress.
Look for dresses with a more relaxed fit in the bust area. The beauty of the dropped waist is that it doesn't pull tight across your chest. The dress hangs from your shoulders, which is much more comfortable than something fitted.
Avoid dresses with lots of embellishment across the bust if you want a more streamlined look. Instead, choose dresses where the detail is lower down, around the dropped waist and skirt. This balances your proportions nicely.
V-necklines are your friend. They create a lengthening effect and are generally more flattering than high, straight necklines. Many twenties dresses featured V-necks or cowl necks, so you have plenty of authentic options.
Colors and Patterns That Flatter Everyone
Beyond the actual cut of the dress, the color and pattern you choose makes a big difference.
Solid colors are classic and timeless. Black is always elegant and slimming. Navy, burgundy, and forest green are rich choices that photograph beautifully. If you want something lighter, champagne, blush pink, or mint green are gorgeous options.
Patterns can be tricky. Small, all over patterns tend to be more forgiving than large, bold prints. Delicate floral prints, subtle geometric designs, or small art deco patterns work well on most body types.
If you're wearing a patterned dress, keep your accessories simpler. Let the dress be the star. On the other hand, if you choose a solid color dress, you can go bolder with your headpiece, jewelry, and shoes.
The Most Important Thing: Confidence
I've talked about all these different body types and what works for each one. But here's the real secret to looking amazing in a 1920s dress: wearing it with confidence.
The women of the twenties were revolutionaries. They cut their hair short when society said they shouldn't. They wore shorter skirts. They went out dancing. They lived life on their own terms. That confidence and joy is what made them beautiful, not just their clothes.
When you put on your dress, stand up straight. Walk with purpose. Smile. Dance. Have fun. That energy is what people notice, not whether every single detail of your dress is "perfect" for your body type.
I've seen women of all shapes and sizes look absolutely stunning at twenties events. The ones who look the best aren't necessarily wearing the most expensive dresses or the ones that follow all the "rules." They're the ones who are enjoying themselves and feeling good in what they're wearing.
Getting the Right Fit Makes All the Difference
One last piece of advice: if you can, get a dress that's made to measure or at least have it altered to fit you properly.
Off the rack dresses are made for an "average" body, but none of us are exactly average. We all have our own unique shape. A dress that's been adjusted to your measurements will always look and feel better than something that's close but not quite right.
Many quality vintage reproduction shops offer custom sizing. Yes, it might take a bit longer to receive your dress, but the wait is worth it. When you put on a dress that fits your body perfectly, you'll understand why.
If custom sizing isn't an option, find a good tailor. Hemming, taking in or letting out seams, and adjusting straps are all pretty simple alterations that can transform how a dress fits you.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Dress?
Finding the right 1920s dress for your body type doesn't have to be complicated. Focus on cuts and details that flatter your shape, choose colors that make you feel confident, and most importantly, wear it with joy.
The twenties were all about breaking rules and having fun. So don't stress too much about finding the "perfect" dress. Find one that makes you feel amazing, and you'll look amazing too.
Ready to discover your perfect 1920s look? Browse our handmade collection of authentic vintage inspired dresses at laviedelight and find the dress that was made for you.