Great Gatsby Party: Celebrating Freedom

Gatsby's clothing style

This style gained popularity after the release of the film The Great Gatsby. The clothes are suitable for creating retro looks, visiting a restaurant or themed parties. The Gatsby style for girls dates back to the 20s and 30s and is the choice of many people to this day:

the clothing should be as follows: it could be a delicate-colored cocktail dress down to the knee, in some cases there are elongated versions;
the cut often does not include a waist (or it is lowered to hip level);
the sleeves are short or not at all, since the look is often complemented by long gloves;
clothes are trimmed with fringe, beads, feathers;
popular shades - pink, milky, peach, black, nude;
the silhouette is either simple or with a full skirt;
if it's cold, you can throw on a shawl;
The shoes that complement Gatsby's style are similar to men's in style. Oxford shoes are often used. The laces are replaced with silk ribbons;
a handbag is mainly a clutch or an envelope;
if a man wants to dress in this style, he should wear a vest and a shirt with a golf collar, perhaps a tuxedo. Following the rules of the time, the image was completed with a cane.

Gatsby's clothing style

Gatsby style dress

When choosing a dress in the Great Gatsby style, certain points are taken into account:

it is important to choose the right fabric: it should be silk, velvet, lace, chiffon;
pastel colors, although black is also allowed;
a dress of this style will suit almost any girl, regardless of her figure;
the use of a rectangular style allows you to hide body defects: remove the belly, do not focus on the waist, do not show the difference between the chest and hips;
In addition, the dress will emphasize the existing advantages of the figure. You can choose an option with both a large neckline and a modest one, decorating this area with a boa;
any girl who puts on a dress really changes: she becomes several times more beautiful and tender, and the image turns out to be very feminine;
the dress is often complemented with earrings with rhinestones or feathers, brooches, massive rings;
many girls love threads with pearls, boas with feathers and a small handbag;
Shoes must be closed, with a round toe and lace-up. Models decorated with bows are suitable. Heel height is allowed up to 7 cm.

Gatsby style costume

A men's suit involves the use of a tuxedo or vest. The most popular accessory is a straw hat. The suit is complemented mainly with oxfords, and the number of colors in the wardrobe is limited. All shades are restrained and do not catch the eye, although the ties and bow ties were chosen in a variety of colors. A women's costume in the Gatsby style consists of a dress, boa or cape, and original accessories. The look is suitable both for visiting a restaurant and for walking - admiring glances are guaranteed.

World of holidays

The glamor and decadence of the 1920s made them an ever-popular party theme, and a surge in 20s themed parties is planned for the 2020s. There are plenty of options for events celebrating this opulent decade, but starting the planning process can feel daunting. You'll need to do more than hire a '20s-themed jazz band to make a Great Gatsby themed party a success.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous main character, Jay Gatsby, is known for his huge, extravagant parties. It didn't end well for him, but his West Egg mansion is full of inspiration if you're throwing your own 1920s Great Gatsby-themed party Here are some tips on how to throw a Roaring '20s themed bash.

Plan a party for the evening

The Great Gatsby party will be the most atmospheric night. In the 1920s, parties were often planned late in the evening until the early morning. Start the party in the evening, for example at 8 or 9 o'clock. Expect that guests will be late, well, this is the custom at glamorous parties. And then, if you throw a party late in the evening, you will have time to prepare all day.

Decor

Jay Gatsby's main goal was to impress his lost love Daisy Buchanan. Without decadence, Gatsby would not have been able to attract much of the elite of New York and Long Island to the party. Art Deco style is synonymous with the 1920s and would have been a major theme in Jay Gatsby's fictional mansion. This modern graphic style, often using luxurious materials, was generally available only to the wealthy until it began to be mass-produced in the 1930s. Basically, all that glitters is the Great Gatsby party style .

Hang gold ribbons. Take silver candlesticks and gold balls. Use antique dinnerware (you can borrow it from someone) to go with the theme. Decorate the room with rich fabrics, gold Art Deco details, chrome and (if your guests don't have hay fever) lots of flowers. Black, gold, silver and white were frequently used colors and are easy to incorporate into any decor.

Strings of pearls, ostrich feathers, vintage and mercury glass are other ways to integrate glitzy '20s style into your party decor.

Recommend dresses with flaps, pearls, feathers, elegant suits and silk scarves. Encourage your guests to wear their best Gatsby-themed outfits . No Gatsby party would be complete without feathers and pearls in the room. Drape feather boas over chairs and tables. Hang strings of pearls around your meeting place or at tables. You can then encourage your guests to wear a feather boa and string of pearls during the party. Gambling was an important part of the Great Gatsby's lifestyle. You can set up a green baize table by hiring a dealer or asking a friend to play the role of dealer.

Add some romantic crime

There were many rumors about where Jay Gatsby got his wealth. Some thought he was a bootlegger, others believed he was connected to the mafia, and there is even a story that Gatsby was a lucky bookmaker. In the 1920s, the wealthy classes liked to get close to criminals, but not too close. You can add an element of illegality to your party with mafia costumes, secret invitations and hidden underground stashes of illegal alcohol.

Just don't drink or drive like the characters often do, it obviously ends in disaster...

Gatsby Party Menu

Make a large spread (speculative difference in prices for scarce goods). Gatsby's party always included crates of fresh oranges, as well as many other extravagant ingredients. Gatsby's buffet included "brilliant appetizers, spiced baked hams set against harlequin-style salads, and deep-gold roasted pigs and turkeys." Your menu should be extensive, with lots of exotic tastes, colors and smells, all beautifully presented.

As with all parties, the menu depends on the type of event. For a cocktail party, popular items in the 1920s included appetizers such as shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, stuffed mushrooms, and cheese boards and sandwiches. When planning a tableside dinner, treat your guests to a salad or soup along with a main course of smoked ham or roast turkey. If your dinner is casual Speakeasy style, fried chicken is another option that's mentioned at Gatsby's Big Party . Serve deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, roasted nuts and olives on small handheld plates, 1920s style.

Great appetizers for a Gatsby theme party include oysters Rockefeller and salmon mousse on toast, which are still very popular today.

Beverages

Prohibition meant partygoers had to make do with whatever bootleggers could get, with gin and whiskey being the most readily available.

They serve as the base for some of the decade's most famous cocktails, including a Prohibition-era cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon juice and honey.

The famous gin rickey (gin with soda and lime), and the mint julep (bourbon, mint and syrup). Their presence on the drinks menu will leave an unforgettable impression on your party. Of course, no party is complete without champagne, and at Gatsby's party it was a must.

Champagne, associated with wealth and power, echoes the celebratory tone of this vibrant era. Distribute buckets of champagne and glasses throughout the room. Build a champagne tower that flows all night long.

Gatsby party dress code

It was a time when people were eager to show off how much money they had, and one of the best ways to do this was of course to show off the fashionable and stylish clothes of the time. It is no coincidence that Fitzgerald spent a lot of time describing the characters' costumes, giving them bright colors such as "gas blue", "blazing white", and yellow and gold are constantly used to demonstrate wealth. Whatever color you choose, make it rich and vibrant.

The flapper clothing style is perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of the Roaring '20s, and its carefree style and low-waist fringed dresses are one of the most interesting and recognizable. There are also more elegant Downton Abbey style dresses with beading.

A pinstripe suit is a common choice for men attending 1920s mafia themed parties. Of course, the Great Gatsby's party wasn't just about gangsters. A three-piece suit can create a more sophisticated look, while a bow tie and suspenders are perfect for a Gatsby-themed party . Simple accessories like hats, sparkly headbands and long gloves can be added to anything in your wardrobe to achieve a Jazz Age look.

Invite a 1920s style jazz band

Only jazz can start a Great Gatsby party . A good option is to hire a jazz band for a themed party, but this is understandably expensive. Then just cut up a Great Gatsby playlist that includes big band music, '20s jazz, and even the Great Gatsby soundtrack.

You can also include modern remixes of classic jazz music. Make your playlist sound energetic and upbeat. This will set the mood and tone of the party.

Gatsby style accessories

Accessories that complement the Great Gatsby style are very interesting and varied:

For example, a mandatory element of any female look is a removable fur collar or boa. They were thrown over the shoulders, covering the neck with them, giving their owner luxury.
Another characteristic accessory is a feather boa made of bright colors. Feathers can also be added to wardrobe items.
Various shawls or scarves are popular, which in some cases look even more impressive than a dress. The length of the accessory often reached half a meter.
A frequent element of the image that complements the Gatsby style is a bow, ribbon and other similar accessories.
The handbag primarily serves a decorative function, since its size is very small.
A distinctive feature is the cloche hat, which perfectly complements the look.
Costume jewelry is presented in the form of pearls strung on threads, bracelets similar to ancient ones, and large clip-on earrings. You can also complement the look with a wristwatch.

Gatsby style jewelry

Gatsby style jewelry is extremely popular. No image would be complete without the following additions:

large brooch;
shiny flowers and petals;
patterns made from ribbons;
bracelets decorated with diamonds, sapphires and pearls;
ring earrings, pendants with large stones.

It is best to choose those jewelry that come with the set - their style should be approximately the same. It is recommended to give preference to floral and plant themes and stars. The image should look pompous and magnificent, the girl should attract attention with her unusualness.

Gatsby style headband

If a girl doesn’t like hats, which often complement this look, you can choose an option like a Gatsby-style headband. This accessory will add unusualness and piquancy to your appearance. This decorative detail is decorated with stones, rhinestones and flowers. An alternative accessory is a floral headband with feathers.

What accessories are used in retro looks?

If the event has a dress code in the spirit of the revolutionary times of the 20s, then it is better to think through retro looks completely. In addition to clothing, you should also choose appropriate shoes. Usually these are shoes with a small heel with a slightly pointed toe, a Kitten Hill heel or any other stable heel.

The styling shoes will resemble dance shoes, as it was popular for the era to dance at parties. Fur capes, feather boas, silk gloves or fine mesh, all quickly spread throughout the world from Parisian houses. Small handbags should have a wallet-type clasp. If possible, you can also find a handbag with a built-in mirror that allows you to correct your makeup.

You can complement the look with laconic earrings or, conversely, large ones, and tie your head with an exotic turban.

Gatsby hairstyle

Girls in those days tended to cut their hair short. Long curls were replaced by a boyish haircut “a la garçon”, which turned out to be very impressive:

Proper styling in the Gatsby style will help draw attention to the girl’s beautiful neck, while the image itself looks sophisticated and elegant. This haircut looks very beautiful when paired with a hat.
If you don’t want to cut your hair short, there is an alternative: you can curl your long hair and fix it with hairspray. Hair should be neatly combed on the forehead and temples. The bob can be rolled from below and smoothed near the roots.
Another option that accompanies the Gatsby style is a bun with a backcomb (suitable for long hair or medium-length strands).

Gatsby-style hairstyles for long hair

Girls can look chic and glamorous if they embody the Gatsby style with long hair:

The styling can be chosen to suit any face type, since there are a lot of options. The main thing is that the girl is brave and decisive, not afraid of the views of others.
The hairstyle does not involve bangs, so it is covered with a lowered wave or a wide bandage (if the girl does not want to get rid of her bangs).
As for color, the hair colors that look best are: bright blond, deep black, dark chestnut and fiery red.
The styling is complemented by liquid crystals.
A common hairstyle that characterizes the Gatsby style is cold waves. You can also make soft curls. Any hairstyle is complemented with beautiful accessories.

Gatsby hairstyle for medium hair

A win-win solution would be a Gatsby-style hairstyle for medium hair:

The most interesting option is styling done on wet strands.
You can curl your curls by styling your hair almost the same way as long hair.
Any hairstyle should be firmly fixed with varnish so as not to become disheveled at the wrong moment.
Rhinestones, crystals, headbands, headbands or feathers are used for decoration.

Gatsby style - short hairstyles

Hairstyles for short hair are the best option, which expresses the Gatsby style for women, since initially girls strived for “boyish” haircuts:

This could be a pixie, garcon, or bubikopf haircut. Although the hair is very short, the styling is feminine and adds beauty to the image.
Short haircuts combined with soft waves or curls look very interesting. Bangs and side parting are popular.
As in previous cases, the hairstyle, reflecting the Great Gatsby style, was complemented by headbands, headbands, feathers and other accessories that gave the image an outrageous look.

Lifehack for photographers

When communicating with a client, try to get as much information as possible, and not just general phrases about what kind of photographs they expect from you. Ask as many leading and clarifying questions as possible already at the stage of meeting and discussing the photo shoot. For example, ask about what films he watched recently, what books excite him the most. Ask if, as a child, he had a dream to be like some famous character or superhero? Does your interlocutor have a page on a social network? Look, what kind of music does he like, what places does he go to? Which modern or past stars does your client like? Remember: all these seemingly idle questions will give you much more information than you can sometimes get out of a person in the process of formal communication about his wishes for shooting. Be minimally formal. . By the way, ask them a great personal question: “If you could choose an era you would like to live in, what era would it be?” Sometimes you need to narrow the search field to find that very answer and catch inspiration by the tail. Appetite comes with eating.

Gatsby style makeup

The makeup is designed to harmoniously complement the Gatsby-style look:

It should be bold, bright and catchy. The eyebrows are clearly defined, the lips are painted with bright red or dark pink lipstick, the eyes are emphasized with arrows and decorated with long eyelashes.
A worthy addition to the image is pale skin. Often a girl uses a thick layer of powder, eye shadow and lipstick. Such makeup, reflecting the Great Gatsby style, is not suitable for every day - it is exclusively evening.

Gatsby style manicure

Manicure is also important to complement the Gatsby-style look:

Based on the overall picture of the image, you should give preference to bright, almost flashy tones - burgundy, red.
Drawings and ornaments are acceptable; golden stripes are common.
The final option should be selected from the clothes that a fashionista will wear. As for the shape of the nail plate, it should be oval or pointed.

Photo shoot in Gatsby style

Every person has wanted to take part in a photo shoot at least once. The Great Gatsby style for women is a good option for themed photographs. Having decided on this, you should be fully aware of what you want from the photo:

For a photo shoot, you can even choose clothes that are not very comfortable to wear, but look impressive or shocking. Hairstyles are maintained in the general style.
The main thing is to try to look as relaxed and catchy as possible. Dresses and suits look interesting in photographs; it is only important to choose the right angle.
Some even do family photo shoots in this style. There is room for creativity here - everyone can realize all their ideas.

Distinctive features and characteristics of the Great Gatsby style

The Great Gatsby style is distinguished not only by its innovative silhouettes, but also by new textures and materials. Modern textures for that era are offered. For the Great Gatsby style, Chinese and “black” motifs in clothing decor, music, and wardrobe elements become iconic. We will look at all this in more detail below.

Materials

For women of the 1920s, knitwear, previously used only by the poorer sections of society, became a real find. With its help, clothes become soft and streamlined in silhouette. The clothing style is frankly relaxed, comfortable and practical. Knitting is coming into fashion. Sweaters and pullovers replace jackets for men, and for women they become as much a part of the wardrobe as a dress.

Coco Chanel calls luxury primarily comfort and lack of restriction in movement. Among richer textures, velvet, silk, satin, various laces and fringes are fashionable. Also an integral part of the bohemian look are fur and embroidery.

Vintage stores and even flea markets will come to the rescue when looking for props for such an image. Don't worry if the product looks out of date (that's how it was intended). Take a closer look not only at the dresses available there, but especially at the accessories: small beaded bags with embroidery, various hairpins and brooches.

Colors

Natural colors and shades prevailed in clothes for girls of the 20s. As for casual wear, white, shades of brown and black were the most common color options. Green and burgundy, deep blue were also popular: specialized clothing was often made in these colors, and they quickly migrated to the women's wardrobe.

As for evening outings, colorful and bright clothes in yellow, pink and red colors were valued. In addition to snow-white and black dresses, one could find bright variations of violet and purple. Under the influence of Eastern culture, brightness and satiety with color are confidently coming into fashion.

Gatsby style wedding

An unusual marriage process will happen if the girl buys a Gatsby-style outfit:

The dress doesn’t have to look rich and be decorated with a lot of accessories; you can take a simple straight model with a low waist (or no accents on this part of the body at all), complementing the look with a headdress, bracelets, beads, headbands or feathers.
It is absolutely not necessary that the dress completely matches the style. Now there are models even with corsets. It is worth noting that most of these wedding dresses, especially those with a loose silhouette, are suitable for girls with a full body.
A man can also choose a suitable outfit; they often use a three-piece suit or tuxedo and shirt.

Gatsby style wedding dress

A Gatsby-style wedding look for women will be elegant and memorable. When choosing a dress for a wedding, you should focus on the following nuances:

silhouette – no waist, or maximum lowness;
length – below the knees or to the floor;
openness - deep cutout in front or back;
sleeves - straps or complete absence;
hem – asymmetrical or fringed.

The color is often pastel, the texture is lace, with the addition of fringe. They make gold or silver inserts to make the dress more impressive. The image is decorated with a fur boa or feathers. A bandage, veil or hair chain is put on the head. Shoes must have a round toe and a low heel, up to 6 cm. Shoes can be decorated with lacing made of silk ribbons or bows.

Gatsby themed party

Themed parties are not a rare occurrence. Dressing for them is easy if you know the stylistic features:

Girls will suit this Great Gatsby style of clothing such as knee-length loose dresses, calm tones and straight cut. This item of clothing does not emphasize the waist, so the outfit is also suitable for curvy figures. The dress will hide figure flaws and present advantages in a favorable light. A man can wear a suit with a vest and an interesting-looking shirt.
Accessories for a Gatsby-themed party are a very important part of the look; sometimes they look even brighter than the dresses. Hats, headbands, headbands, feathers, fur boas - all this is possible and necessary. The image is complemented by a massive bracelet or ring, pearl beads, folded several times.
Shoes must have a round toe and low heels; oxfords are suitable for men.

Suits

Billionaire playboys and their gorgeous blondes. Journalists, students, censors, directors, actresses. Heirs, bosses, bandits and governors. Whatever you do, wherever you live, whether you are rich or poor.

Extravaganza of images! Chic costumes for a Gatsby-themed party have already been invented for us - pause, note the details, repeat . The choice is colossal!

It is advisable that the dress code be observed by all guests, and retro outfits from the 20s cannot be bought in the nearest store. Therefore, notify your friends in advance, at least a week before the holiday.

Girls first need to choose a dress: low waist, straight cut, shallow neckline. The colors are calm - all shades of sand and cream, gold, silver, black . In contrast to the laconic color and cut, the decoration was very elegant - lace elements, hand embroidery, rhinestones, beads.

The ideal length is just below the knees, to the palm of your hand. But judging by the film, a dress for a Gatsby-style party can be either floor-length or extremely short . If a T-shirt dress exposed legs, the neckline was rarely revealing - everything was too vulgar at once. But a deep cutout on the back is welcome. The hem in most cases is oblique, waves, “ragged” or with fringe, flirtatiously emphasizing the mischief and lightness of the image.

During an incendiary Charleston, an opportunity may arise with a dress of this style... In order not to change your style even in such a piquant situation, wear lace underwear, a beautiful garter belt, and the stockings themselves - sand, pinkish or black, in harmony with the dress.

Think through every detail - makeup, shoes and accessories for a Gatsby-themed party will highlight the elegant look of the 20s. The shoes were mostly closed, with a stable small heel, and a pointed toe . Such shoes will not fall off during dancing and will not risk spraining your ankle. Bright, elegant shoes were often decorated with embroidery, bows, and rhinestones.

Other “little things” without which the most elegant dress will not recreate the look in the Gatsby style:

head accessory, so-called "headband " Ribbon, hoop, narrow bandage, headband decorated with stones, embroidery or lace, beads, with a feather or a flirty bow. The choice is simply endless!

a necklace or a long string of pearls around the neck, you can tie it in a knot . Wide pearl bracelets, in several rows. Or sparkling diamonds? Slave bracelets connected by a chain with a large ring on the middle finger were in fashion.

a miniature handbag with a long strap, in harmony with other accessories and the dress . Fur boas, boas, and long gloves with decorated cuffs are appropriate.

recognizable hairstyle “La Garconne”, for a boy . You can style your hair in waves on your head, and gather the length with pins and disguise it with a bow or other head accessory.

Makeup is quite simple: dark shadows and eyeliner, fluffy eyelashes, red or cherry lipstick . The emphasis is more on the eyes - very deep shadows, maybe a little shine (the image of a fatal temptress). Lipstick is applied strictly along the contour, without carelessness. For a light dress, “naturel” makeup is appropriate.

Tanning became fashionable just in time for the '20s, so being pale isn't exactly Gatsby's style. Tanned skin, contrary to previous beliefs, suddenly began to be considered a sign of wealth, associating it with the opportunity to relax on yachts. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to use a light tone if it does not suit you.

A men's suit for a Gatsby-themed party is much easier to choose. This is a classic trio of calm shades, round-toed Oxford shoes with closed lacing (they are still popular today) plus a hat (you can have a straight-brimmed straw boater) . A long scarf that hangs loosely is appropriate.

In general, the men's look was restrained, with the exception of elegant ties and bow ties - any shades, stripes, checks, even polka dots. And also a scarf in your jacket pocket or a flower bud on your lapel. You can do both, but then it must be the same color. Add a couple of accessories that hint at wealth: a cane, a watch (by the 20s they were already worn on the wrist), “expensive” cufflinks.