What did non-flappers wear in the 1920s?

Everyday women wore drop-waist day dresses made of cotton or wool that fell below the calf, often paired with cloche hats, while men wore tweed suits, sweaters, and flat newsboy caps.

How do I make a quick DIY 1920s outfit?

For a quick look, wear a simple black dress, add a long pearl necklace, and wrap a sparkly ribbon around your head with a feather tucked in. For men, wear black trousers, suspenders, a white shirt, and a slicked-back hairstyle.

What shoes are best for a 1920s costume?

Women should wear low, chunky-heeled T-strap shoes or Mary Janes. Men should wear classic leather oxfords, brogues, or two-tone spectator shoes.

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1920s

Step into the Jazz Age with glamorous flapper and gangster styles.

The 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age, is a classic costume choice defined by dramatic shifts in fashion, music, and social freedom. Whether you choose the iconic fringed flapper look or a sharp pinstriped gangster suit, this era is all about glamour, movement, and sophistication. This guide covers how to assemble both classic styles using modern wardrobe staples and key accessories.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $25–85

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40 1920s costume ideas

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What you need for a 1920s costume

Fringed Flapper Dress
A knee-length shift dress featuring layers of fringe, sequins, or beadwork in black, gold, or silver.
DIY: Take a simple straight-cut tank dress and fabric-glue rows of black fringe trim horizontally along the skirt.
Amazon
Feather Headband
An elastic or sequined headband worn horizontally across the forehead, adorned with a tall upright feather or jewel.
DIY: Hot-glue a black ostrich feather and a vintage brooch onto a thick black elastic band.
Amazon
Long Pearl Necklace
A long strand of faux white pearls, typically worn knotted once in the middle of the chest.
DIY: Loop multiple cheap plastic pearl necklaces together to create one extra-long knotted strand.
Amazon
Pinstripe Suit or Vest
A sharp double-breasted suit jacket or a button-up vest in dark grey, black, or navy with thin white stripes.
DIY: Wear a plain black vest over a white button-down shirt and add a dark tie.
Amazon
Fedora or Newsboy Cap
A structured felt fedora for a gangster look, or a wool newsboy cap for a working-class vintage style.
DIY: Use any dark, structured wide-brimmed hat you already own.
Amazon
Suspenders and Bow Tie
Y-back elastic suspenders in black or white, paired with a matching pre-tied bow tie.
DIY: Clip standard black suspenders to dark trousers and wear a simple black necktie.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Choose your base style: either a straight-cut fringed flapper dress or a sharp pinstriped vest and trousers combo.
2
If going for the flapper look, layer on a long faux-pearl necklace, tying a loose knot in the center.
3
Slide the sequined feather headband horizontally over your hair, positioning the feather detail just above one ear.
4
If going for the gangster look, button up your vest over a crisp white collared shirt, clip on suspenders, and adjust your bow tie.
5
Add a structured felt fedora tilted slightly forward, or a wool newsboy cap.
6
Finish the look with classic footwear: low-heeled T-strap Mary Janes for the flapper, or leather oxford shoes for the gangster.

Makeup & hair

For flappers, style hair into a faux bob or finger waves, paired with dark smoky eyeshadow, thin downward-sloping eyebrows, and a deep plum or red 'cupid's bow' lip. For gangsters, keep hair slicked back with high-shine pomade.

1920s for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair a glamorous fringed flapper with a sharp-dressed bootlegger or gangster in a pinstripe suit.
group: Create a Great Gatsby party theme with guests dressed as flappers, jazz musicians with brass instruments, and dapper high-society gentlemen.
kids: Dress girls in drop-waist tinsel dresses with mini headbands, and boys in newsboy caps, suspenders, and bow ties.
Plus size: A loose-fitting, drop-waist shift dress with vertical sequin patterns provides a comfortable, authentic, and flattering 1920s silhouette.
pet: A small black dog collar adorned with a white satin bow tie, or a tiny pet-sized felt fedora.

Tips

Flapper dresses are designed to be loose and boxy; avoid tight bodycon fits to keep the silhouette historically accurate.
If you plan on dancing, secure your feather headband with bobby pins so it doesn't slip down your forehead.
For outdoor events, layer a faux-fur stole or a long trench coat over your outfit to stay warm without ruining the vintage aesthetic.

1920s costume FAQ

What did non-flappers wear in the 1920s?: Everyday women wore drop-waist day dresses made of cotton or wool that fell below the calf, often paired with cloche hats, while men wore tweed suits, sweaters, and flat newsboy caps.
How do I make a quick DIY 1920s outfit?: For a quick look, wear a simple black dress, add a long pearl necklace, and wrap a sparkly ribbon around your head with a feather tucked in. For men, wear black trousers, suspenders, a white shirt, and a slicked-back hairstyle.
What shoes are best for a 1920s costume?: Women should wear low, chunky-heeled T-strap shoes or Mary Janes. Men should wear classic leather oxfords, brogues, or two-tone spectator shoes.

Did you know? The iconic 'flapper' style was a rebellious statement of independence, as women rejected restrictive corsets in favor of loose, comfortable clothing that allowed them to dance the Charleston.