Flapper Costume
Bring the Roaring '20s to life with fringe, feathers, and pearls.
The flapper is the ultimate symbol of 1920s rebellion, jazz, and glamour. People choose this look for its fun, dance-ready fringe, elegant accessories, and timeless vintage appeal. A classic flapper costume consists of a fringed drop-waist dress, a feathered headband, long pearl strands, and dramatic retro makeup.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $30–80
Try it on
See yourself as Flapper
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a Flapper costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Flapper costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Fringed or beaded dress
A sleeveless, knee-length drop-waist dress in black, gold, or emerald green, covered in rows of swinging fringe.
DIY: Add rows of fabric fringe to a basic sleeveless shift dress.
Feathered headband
A sequined elastic band worn horizontally across the forehead, featuring a single upright feather and a vintage brooch.
DIY: Glue a faux feather and a vintage-style rhinestone brooch to a sequined elastic band.
Long pearl necklace
A 40-to-60-inch strand of faux white pearls, typically worn knotted in the middle.
DIY: Loop and knot multiple strands of cheap plastic pearl beads.
Cigarette holder
A long, slender black prop holder with a white tip.
DIY: Paint a thin wooden dowel black with a white tip.
Fishnet tights
Classic black or nude fishnet stockings to wear under the dress.
DIY: Use sheer black pantyhose instead.
T-strap heels
Low-heeled Mary Janes or T-strap character shoes in black or metallic tones.
DIY: Wear any comfortable black pumps or flats.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Flapper costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the fishnet tights and slip into the fringed drop-waist dress.
- 2
Style your hair into a sleek 1920s bob, or tuck longer hair up into a faux bob before putting on the feathered headband.
- 3
Layer the long pearl necklace around your neck, tying a loose knot in the middle for authentic 1920s styling.
- 4
Apply dramatic 1920s makeup, focusing on dark smokey eyes and a bold cupid's bow lip.
- 5
Put on your T-strap heels or comfortable character shoes.
- 6
Grab your long cigarette holder prop and drape a feather boa over your shoulders to complete the look.
Makeup & hair
Style hair into a sleek finger-wave bob or pin long hair up into a faux bob. Apply dark, smokey eyeshadow, thin downward-slanted eyebrows, and a deep plum or red lipstick styled into a distinct cupid's bow shape.
Flapper for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a partner dressed as a 1920s gangster in a pinstripe suit or a Great Gatsby-style dapper gentleman in a tuxedo.
- group
- Gather a group of friends as a jazz band, bootleggers, and a troupe of flappers for a full Prohibition-era speakeasy theme.
- kids
- A knee-length fringed dress with a soft, glittery headband is a comfortable and adorable option for kids.
- Plus size
- Look for drop-waist dresses with vertical sequin patterns and generous stretch, which offer a comfortable, authentic, and flattering 1920s silhouette.
- pet
- Dress your dog in a small sequined collar with a tiny feather attachment to match your jazz-age aesthetic.
Tips
- Fringe can shed easily, so shake out your dress outdoors before wearing it to remove loose threads.
- Opt for low, sturdy T-strap heels or character shoes if you plan on dancing or walking a lot.
- Keep a small hairbrush or bobby pins handy to keep your bob or faux bob secure throughout the night.
- If using a feather boa, be prepared for some shedding; a faux fur stole is a cleaner, less messy alternative.
Flapper costume FAQ
- What did real 1920s flappers wear?
- Real flappers wore loose, drop-waist dresses that fell just below the knee, sheer stockings, T-strap heels, and bobbed hair, often accessorized with long pearl necklaces and headbands.
- How do you do flapper hair if you have long hair?
- You can create a 'faux bob' by curling your hair, looping it under itself at the nape of your neck, and securing it tightly with bobby pins and hairspray.
- What is the best makeup for a flapper costume?
- Focus on a dramatic 1920s look: dark, smoky eyeshadow, thin and slightly downturned eyebrows, and dark red or plum lipstick applied to emphasize the cupid's bow of your lips.
Did you know? The term 'flapper' may have originated from young birds flapping their wings while learning to fly, symbolizing the newfound independence of young women in the 1920s.