So you finally got that gorgeous 1920s dress you've been eyeing. It arrived at your doorstep, and you're super excited to wear it. But now comes the big question: how do you put together the whole look? Don't worry, styling a 1920s outfit isn't as hard as you might think. Once you know a few simple tricks, you'll look like you stepped right out of the Jazz Age.
1920s Look
Before we jump into styling tips, let's talk about what made 1920s fashion so special. Women in the twenties were breaking free from old fashion rules. They cut their hair short, raised their hemlines, and wore looser clothes that let them dance the Charleston all night long. The whole vibe was about having fun and feeling free.
When you're putting together your outfit, keep this spirit in mind. The 1920s look isn't supposed to be stuffy or uncomfortable. It should make you feel confident and ready to have a great time.
Start with the Right Undergarments
This might sound boring, but trust me, what you wear underneath matters a lot. The 1920s silhouette was pretty different from what we wear today. Women back then wanted a straight, boyish figure instead of an hourglass shape.
You don't need anything fancy here. A simple slip or chemise works great under most 1920s dresses. If your dress is see-through or made of thin fabric like chiffon, definitely wear something underneath. A nude or cream colored slip usually works best because it won't show through lighter colored dresses.
For shoes, think Mary Janes or T-strap heels. These were super popular in the twenties. If you're going to be on your feet a lot, low heels are totally fine. The flappers themselves often wore shoes you could actually dance in. Nobody wants sore feet ruining their fun.
Hair and Headpieces Make All the Difference
Here's where things get really fun. Your hair can completely change your whole look. The most iconic 1920s hairstyle is the bob, but don't panic if you have long hair. You can fake a bob by pinning your hair up and under.
Finger waves were huge in the twenties too. They look complicated but there are tons of tutorials online that break it down step by step. If you're not great with hair styling, that's okay. A simple side part with some waves or curls pinned back works beautifully.
Now let's talk about headpieces because this is where you can really shine. A beaded headband or headpiece instantly screams 1920s. You can find simple ones or go all out with feathers and jewels. Here's my advice: if your dress is simple, go for a fancier headpiece. If your dress already has lots of details, keep the headpiece more simple so you don't look too busy.
Cloche hats are another great option, especially for daytime events. These close fitting hats were everywhere in the twenties. They look super cute and they're practical too if you're going to be outside.
Accessories that Complete the Look
The right accessories can take your outfit from good to amazing. Let's start with jewelry. Long pearl necklaces are classic 1920s. You can wear them long and loose, tie them in a knot, or wrap them around a few times. Multiple strands look even better.
Art Deco jewelry with geometric shapes fits the era perfectly. Think rectangles, triangles, and zigzag patterns. Don't be afraid to go bold with your jewelry. The flappers loved statement pieces.
A small clutch or beaded purse is perfect for carrying your stuff. Look for ones with fringe, beads, or sequins. They don't need to be big. Just enough room for your phone, lipstick, and keys.
Gloves can add an elegant touch, especially for evening events. Long satin gloves that go past your elbows look incredibly glamorous. For daytime or more casual events, shorter gloves work great too.
Makeup Tips for the Twenties Look
The 1920s makeup look is pretty distinctive. Women wore dark, smoky eyes and deep red lips. The eyebrows were thin and shaped. While you don't have to copy this exactly, a few touches can really help complete your look.
Start with a matte foundation. The twenties weren't about glowy, dewy skin. They wanted that porcelain doll look. Use a darker eyeshadow on your lids and blend it out. Black eyeliner on your upper lash line and lots of mascara will give you those big, dramatic eyes.
For lips, go bold. Deep reds, burgundies, and even dark plums were popular. The lip shape was different too. Instead of following your natural lip line, they made their lips look smaller and more like a cupid's bow shape. You can try this or just rock your natural lip shape with a bold color.
Don't forget a little blush on the apples of your cheeks. Rouge was very popular in the twenties. And here's a fun trick: some women even wore blush on their knees when wearing shorter dresses. You don't have to go that far, but it's a fun bit of history.
Putting It All Together for Different Events
Now that we've covered all the pieces, let's talk about how to put them together for different types of events.
For a Gatsby Party or Formal Evening Event
Go all out here. Wear your fanciest dress with lots of beading or sequins. Pair it with a statement headpiece, long gloves, and your best jewelry. Higher heels are perfect for this setting. Do the full makeup look with dramatic eyes and bold lips. Carry a small beaded clutch and you're ready to party like it's 1925.
For a Tea Party or Daytime Event
Choose a lighter colored dress in a softer fabric like chiffon or cotton. A cloche hat works wonderfully for daytime. Keep your jewelry simpler and your makeup a bit more natural. Lower heels or even flats are totally appropriate. You want to look elegant but comfortable.
For a Themed Wedding
Think romantic and elegant. Soft colors like blush, cream, or pastels look beautiful. You don't want to outshine the bride, so avoid anything too flashy. A simple headband or small hair flowers are perfect. Keep your jewelry classic and timeless.
For a Theater Production or Performance
If you're performing, you need to think about movement and stage lights. Make sure your dress isn't too tight to move in. Your makeup needs to be more dramatic since stage lights wash you out. Everything should be secure so nothing falls off while you're moving around.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me save you from some common styling mistakes I've seen. First, don't mix eras. If you're going for 1920s, stick with 1920s. Don't throw in a 1950s petticoat or 1940s victory rolls. It confuses the whole look.
Second, don't go overboard with everything. If you're wearing a heavily beaded dress, you don't need a heavily beaded headpiece AND a ton of jewelry. Pick one or two statement pieces and keep the rest simple.
Third, make sure everything fits properly. A dress that's too tight or too loose won't look good no matter how you style it. Take the time to get the right size or have things altered if needed.
Finally, don't forget about comfort. You're going to be wearing this outfit for hours. If your shoes hurt, if your headpiece is too tight, or if your dress is scratchy, you won't have fun. And having fun is what the 1920s were all about.
Final Thoughts
Styling a 1920s outfit is really about having fun and expressing yourself. Yes, there are guidelines and historical accuracy matters if that's important to you. But at the end of the day, wear what makes you feel great.
Try different combinations. Take photos and see what you like. Ask friends for their opinions. The more you play around with different looks, the more you'll develop your own 1920s style.
Remember that the women of the 1920s were rebels and rule breakers. They wore what they wanted and didn't care what anyone thought. Channel that confidence when you put on your outfit. Stand tall, smile big, and get ready to have an amazing time.
Whether you're going to a Gatsby party, a vintage festival, or just want to dress up for fun, you now have all the tools you need to create a stunning 1920s look. The hardest part is picking which combination to try first.
Ready to find the perfect 1920s dress to style? Visit laviedelight and discover our handmade collection of authentic flapper dresses, day dresses, and accessories. Each piece is crafted with love and attention to detail, just waiting to become part of your vintage wardrobe. Start creating your dream 1920s look today.