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1920s Fancy Dress

1920s fancy dress is pure glamour: beaded flapper dresses, sharp pinstripe suits and the kind of feathered headbands that make you want to learn the Charleston. This collection brings together flapper costumes, Gatsby and gangster looks and 1920s accessories, with prices from around £10.

Fancy a different era? Browse all our decades fancy dress, or check the size guide first, as sequinned outfits and fitted suits don’t have much stretch at all.

Buying guide ↓ Decades Fancy Dress 70s Fancy Dress 80s Fancy Dress 90s Fancy Dress Fancy Dress Hats
Woman in a 1920s flapper dress with feather boa
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Buying guide

Choosing your 1920s fancy dress look

The roaring 20s saw the start of the jazz age, a decade of speakeasies and big nights out despite (or maybe because of) America’s Prohibition laws. Most 1920s costumes fall into two camps: the glitzy flapper and the dapper gentleman or gangster. Both are easy to pull off with adult 1920s costumes from brands like Smiffys, and a good accessory set does a lot of the work.

1920s lookKey piecesBest forHonest tip
FlapperDrop-waist fringed or sequin dress, headband, pearlsGatsby parties and dancingFringe can shed and tangle, so store it flat
Gatsby gentSuit or waistcoat, bow tie, slicked hairWeddings and black-tie themesBudget suits are thin, so add your own white shirt
GangsterPinstripes, braces, fedora or flat capMurder mysteries and stag dosPeaky-style caps often run small, so measure your head
Accessories onlyFeather boa, long gloves, cigarette holderLast-minute or office partiesPair with a plain black dress or dark suit you already own

Flapper costumes and dresses

The flapper dress is the star of 1920s fancy dress for women. Look for a straight, drop-waist cut with fringe or sequins that moves when you dance. Most come in black, gold, red or silver, and some include a matching headband. Cheaper versions can be see-through, so a slip underneath is a smart move. Add flapper accessories like a long string of pearls, a feather boa from our fancy dress accessories range and a sleek bob from our fancy dress wigs.

Gatsby costumes and gangster fancy dress for men

Men’s 1920s costumes are all about tailoring. A Gatsby look calls for a smart suit, bow tie and polished shoes, while gangster fancy dress leans on pinstripes, braces and a fedora, inspired by Al Capone and the glamorous lifestyles of the era’s mobsters. Flat caps and trilbies from our fancy dress hats make a big difference, and a toy pistol or pocket watch from our fancy dress props finishes it off.

Planning a roaring 20s party

A roaring 20s theme celebrates glamour, so it’s brilliant for birthdays, anniversaries and hen and stag fancy dress. For guests who want to keep things simple, a masquerade mask adds a touch of mystery. Our collection is focused on adult 1920s costumes, but you’ll find more for adults and kids in women’s fancy dress and men’s fancy dress. Want to mix eras? 70s fancy dress and 80s fancy dress are popular picks for decades parties, or you can shop by theme for more inspiration.

In this guide

  1. Choosing your 1920s fancy dress look
  2. Flapper costumes and dresses
  3. Gatsby costumes and gangster fancy dress for men
  4. Planning a roaring 20s party
  5. Questions people ask

Shop related

Not sure on size?

Costumes often run small. Check our guide before you order.

Size guide →

Questions people ask

Quick answers about 1920s fancy dress: sizing, quality and what to buy. Still unsure? Our size guide and theme pages have more help.

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What do you wear to a 1920s themed party?

Women usually go for a flapper dress with a feathered headband, pearls and long gloves. Men wear a suit or waistcoat with braces, a bow tie and a flat cap or fedora. Even a simple black outfit works with the right 1920s accessories.

What is the difference between Gatsby and Peaky Blinders style?

Gatsby costumes are glossy American glamour: light suits, bow ties and lots of sparkle. Peaky Blinders style is grittier and British, with tweed, waistcoats, flat caps and long coats. Both work brilliantly for 1920s fancy dress.

Do flapper dresses come up small?

Many do, as sequinned and beaded fabrics have little stretch. Check the bust and hip measurements rather than just the dress size, and size up if you’re between sizes. Our size guide can help.

Are there plus size 1920s costumes?

Yes, many flapper dresses and men’s gangster costumes come in larger sizes, though choice is smaller. A loose drop-waist cut is naturally forgiving, which makes it a good option for most body shapes.

What accessories make a 1920s costume?

For women, a feathered headband, pearls, long gloves and a feather boa. For men, braces, a bow tie, a pocket watch and a flat cap or fedora. Accessory kits are great value if you already have a base outfit.

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