How to Make a Really Good Flapper Costume

Flappers defied social norms with their behavior.

The term "flapper" was applied to women in the Roaring Twenties who flaunted their disdain for social norms by drinking, smoking, driving cars, wearing short skirts and engaging in casual sex. They frequented parties, listed to Jazz and danced; flappers basically did whatever they pleased, regardless of what society deemed proper for women. Flappers were considered a new breed of woman, and their attire reflected this. A really good flapper costume incorporates traditional elements of flapper style.

Things You'll Need

• Flapper dress, slip or nightgown
• Headband
• Cloche hat
• Ostrich feather
• Elbow-length gloves
• Strands of pearls
• Mary Jane shoes
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Go to a vintage store and look for a 1920s flapper dress for the most authentic look possible. If you are on a budget, look through your drawers (or your grandmother’s) to find a mid-calf-length slip or nightgown; sew a fringe to the bottom of the slip or nightgown on a sewing machine.

2. Find a simple black headband and glue sequins to it; you can also buy a premade sequined headband. The headband goes around your forehead, over top of your hair, for a traditional flapper look. Glue an ostrich feather to the inside ring of the headband so it sticks up straight when you wear the headband across your forehead. You can also wear a cloche hat, which was a popular flapper accessory.

3. Wear a pair of fishnet stockings that come up to your thigh and wear a garter at mid-thigh length. You can insert a small flask into the garter; flappers often carried flasks of liquor with them to parties, even though alcohol was illegal at the time due to Prohibition. You can carry a cigarette case in your purse, too. Slip on a pair of high-heeled Mary Janes. Wear a pair of silk gloves that reach your elbows. Put on a few strands of faux pearls and wear dangling earrings.

4. Curl your hair to create gentle waves, or style it into a faux bob. Wear pink rouge for a rosy glow and bright red lipstick. You can use eyeliner to create a beauty mark on your cheek or above your lip.

References

• "Dinner and a Murder"; Roaring Twenties Theme Party Ideas