Flapper Costume
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The flapper was the rebel of the 1920s. Young women cut their hair short, raised their hemlines to the knee, danced the Charleston and generally made their parents nervous. A century later, it’s still one of the easiest costumes to pull off and one of the easiest to get slightly wrong.
What Makes It Work
The dress matters, but it’s not the whole story. A real 1920s silhouette hangs straight with a dropped waist sitting down around the hips, not cinched at your natural waist. Hemlines landed around the knee. Get that shape right and you’re 80% there.
Then the head. A bobbed hairstyle (or a bob wig if your hair’s long) does more for this look than anything else you’ll buy. Add a sequined headband with a feather for a night-out look, or a cloche hat if you’re going for daytime.
Finish with a long strand of pearls, T-strap or Mary Jane heels, and dark lipstick. Long gloves and a cigarette holder are optional extras.
What People Get Wrong
Fringe. Costume stores love fringe dresses, but beading and sequins were far more common in the actual 1920s. Fringe isn’t wrong for a party, but if you want it to look authentic, go beaded. The other common miss is a fitted, tight dress. Flapper fashion was loose and boxy. That was the whole point.
Buy It or Build It?
Boxed costume kits usually run about $30 to $70 and include the dress and headband. Building your own from separate pieces costs a bit more but looks a lot less like it came out of a bag. Your call. If you’re going to a themed party where everyone’s dressed up, build it.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Headbands, pearls, bob wigs, gloves | Shop on Amazon |
Everything in the Kit
FAQ
What's the difference between a flapper costume and a Gatsby costume?
Mostly marketing. Stores use both names for the same 1920s look. “Gatsby” tends to mean a dressier evening version with more sequins.
Can I do a flapper costume with long hair?
Yes. Pin it up and under in a faux bob, or just wear a bob wig. Even a headband over long hair works if it’s styled sleek.
What shoes go with a flapper costume?
T-strap heels or Mary Janes with a low, chunky heel. Anything that buckles across the foot looks right.
Is there a men's version?
The male equivalent is the 1920s gangster or “dapper” look, with a pinstripe suit, suspenders and a fedora.
Next up: 1920s Gangster Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.