The ’20s Roar Again! Glamor & Decadence in Sophisticated Outfits

An economic upturn in the 1920s brought with it an extravagant lifestyle that has gone down in history as legendary. And the ’20s are still roaring today as a symbol of careless, indulgent joie de vivre. Excess was the modus operandi of the times, as embodied by fashion icons Marelene Dietrich and Coco Chanel. The upper classes were known for extending the debauchery into the wee small hours of the morning. The dancing was fanatical. Flapper girls and dandies did the Charleston with verve and busted a move to swing and jazz bands all night long.

Everyone knows parties can emerge when and where they will, but there’s no shame in throwing one with a super-class dress code. After all, it’s fun! If you’re looking for a theme for your next party or want an excessively extravagant New Year’s Eve, let loose in roaring ’20s style – chic and sinful. You can be as seductive to your fellow party goers as your glass of absinthe is to your senses. Here are some suggestions we’ve put together for a roaring good time:

Women Took the ’20s with a Roar

In the 1920s women made progress in leaps and bounds. They became sexier, sassier, more stylish and overall more emancipated. The style at the time tended toward the youthful and the provocative. Just think of Josephine Baker in that unforgettable (and super mini) banana skirt. For the less daring among us, however, a Charleston or Jazz Dress or a Flapper Girl outfit still have more than enough disgrace in them to intrigue while being true to style. Those in the bohemian sisterhood of the time wore black fishnets and backseam pantyhose, long, elegant gloves and a pillbox hat for headwear.

During these wild and fancy free years between the two world wars, accessories were the be-all and end-all of any successful look. Feather boas, pearls galore and false eyelashes give a coquettish flair. The obligatory cigarette holder and sensational make-up with dark red lips against a fair complexion make the look complete. With freedom in the air, women undid their conservative buns, let their hair down and cropped it, sporting defiant bob and pageboy styles.

The Classic ’20s Gentleman

In contrast to their liberated lady counterparts, men in the legendary era between 1924 and 1929 were a bit more conservative. The dandy look was popular at evening soirées, complete with all the accouterments: smoking paraphernalia, top hats, bow ties, gloves, and walking sticks. Such classic styling complimented the masculine figure. Men doused their hair generously in pomade and combed it back or parted it on the side. At more casual events, knickerbockers and straw hats eventually made their way into the festivities.

There’s still plenty of time til New Year’s, so grab your sassy gal or dapper gent, throw a jazzy record on and get to practicing your shimmy!

Yours in revelry,

The crew @ maskworld.com