Roaring Twenties

Wear a Flapper Dress Costume to your Next 1920s Party!

A flapper dress costume is the perfect costume to wear to your next 1920s party. The 1920s saw the emergence of a group of women collectively known as flappers. These women defied traditional women’s roles and social norms. They advocated the womens’ rights, including the right to vote. During the period of Prohibition they ignored the law by drinking and smoking. They drove automobiles and bicycles. They engaged in casual sex and even attended “petting parties” which were parties devoted to hugging and kissing. They used fashion to express themselves. The most popular look of all was the flapper dress. The flapper dress was popularized by Coco Chanel.

A flapper dress costume would consist of a sleeveless dress that was straight up and down, loose-fitting, with a waistline at the hips. A traditional flapper dress was neutral in color. Flapper costumes are readily available at costume stores and on the internet. You may be able to find a genuine flapper dress that is still in good condition at some vintage fashion stores but it is not recommended to wear this as your flapper dress costume as it would likely be too delicate. Your best bet would be vintage reproduction wear or buying a flapper dress pattern and making your own.

Flapper fashion indicates you accessorize your flapper dress costume with heavy make-up, high heels, and beige-color silk or rayon stockings held up by garters. Horn-rimmed glasses were popular. Popular styles of hats included the Cloche hat and the Newsboy cap. As far as jewellery for your flapper look, brooches, rings and pins were considered stylish as were multiple layers of beaded necklaces. If you plan to go all out in your flapper look, your hairstyle should be cropped short, most often in a bob style. Curves are out so if you are big-busted consider wearing a bra or corset that flattens your chest. If you have a slender waist or particularly curvaceous hips, a corset that extends to your hips will give you that boyish-look that flapper fashion strived to achieve.

During the flapper era, dances such as the Charleston, the Shimmy, the Black Bottom and the Bunny Hug were developed. So if you plan to act the part of a flapper, these dances (which were considered shocking in the 1920s) are a must. Flappers also had their own slang. Use the phrases “the bee’s knees” or “the cat’s meow” to show you approve of something. Refer to a man as a “snuggle-pup” (a man who attends petting-parties). Ask someone where you can find some “hooch” (liquor) and tell someone “baloney” when you think they are making no sense. Using these phrases will really get you into your role as a flapper.

Whether you are attending a roaring 20s party or a generic costume party, a flapper costume is a great choice. It is easily identifiable, reproduced and accessorized.  Flapper women had a care-free attitude and knew how to have fun! Sounds like the perfect costume in which to enjoy yourself at any party!