Here’s an idea for a 1920s costume for women for a Halloween, costume or theme party – the Flapper.

Flappers were young Western women in the Roaring Twenties who dressed and behaved differently from previously accepted norms.

They drank, they smoke, they danced – some of their clothes were intended to be worn for the more exuberant form of dancing that became popular with jazz music – and they generally tried to have a good time, however much they scandalised the older generation.

For a costume party, dressing like a partygoing Flapper, rather than in the also popular sportswear, is the best idea.

Start with the Head

For the Flapper, their hair was cut much shorter than previously. It was often bobbed, or cut in more masculine styles. The Cloche hat was a typical type of hat that was worn, although this would be more often seen when out and about. For dancing, headwear included things such as a beaded headband, which would be perhaps worn with a feather in it.

The Clothes to Wear

The dress most associated with the Flapper is a straight, up and down dress, with a hemline above the knee, that frequently left the arms bare. This would be accompanied with stockings on the legs. Fringes on the dress would also move around whilst dancing, making the dance look more lively.

Jewellery

Jewellery was a popular accessory for the Flapper look. Art deco, which went for geometric shapes and repeated patterns, and predominately costume, jewellery was the most common, with items such as brooches, pins and beaded necklaces, with the latter often consisting of multiple strings.

Accessories to Complete your Costume

With the Flapper smoking more and in public, holding the cigarette in a suitably elegant manner was necessary. This was done with a cigarette holder – although, these days, you often wouldn’t want a genuine cigarette in it.

Drinking was also very popular – even during Prohibition in the United States – so an appropriate glass, such as a Martini glass or champagne flute is another suitable accessory.

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