Things You'll Need:
- Sleeveless nightgown or full slip
- Fringe or shag (you can find this at a fabric store)
- Glue gun or needle and thread
- Beaded necklaces or long pearls
- Sequined elastic headband
- Fishnet stockings
- Garter
- High-heeled Mary Janes
- Feather boa
- Elbow-length gloves (optional)
- Feathers (optional)
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Step 1
Pick out a sleeveless nightgown or slip to use as a base for the costume. Being a flapper was all about living a flashy lifestyle, so choose bold, rich colors. Black, reds, purples and golds are all good choices. Because the common depiction of a flapper today is often flashier than they might have been in the 1920s, a shiny black slip might be a good choice.
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Step 2
Pick out some fringe to attach to your gown. Some people prefer to layer the fringe to create a dress that moves when they do. If you don't have much time or don't want to be too flashy, just add fringe around the top of your dress and at the bottom. Do this by heating up a hot glue gun and carefully gluing your store-bought fringe around the width of the dress. If you want a dress that lasts longer, sew your fringe on instead.
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Step 3
Make a simple headband by either buying an elastic band and gluing sequins to it, or purchase a ready-made shiny headband. Add a little more to your headband by gluing a feather to the inside ring of the headband. When you put the headband on, make sure it circles the width of your head and goes over the top of your hair rather than underneath. You can arrange it so the feather is to the right, left or smack-dab in the center.
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Step 4
Put on your headband and fringed gown. Then add details to your costume. Put on your fishnet stockings (usually in a black hue), wrap your long beads or pearls around your neck (loop a knot at the bottom of the strand to add a little flair) and pull a garter on up to mid-thigh. If you want, pull on a pair of silk gloves to add a little bit of richness to your costume. Slip on pair of high-heeled Mary Janes to add an extra-feminine touch to your frisky outfit.
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Step 5
Think about your makeup. Play up your lips with a red or purple lip color. Add some rosy blush, dark eyeliner and mascara. To really complete the look, give yourself a beauty mark above your lip.
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Step 6
Norma Talmadge, an actress and flapper from the 1920s.Add more to your costume by holding on to a long-stem cigarette, if you wish. Flappers were pictured with these quite often. To vary your costume a little bit, also consider a floppy hat (à la Bonnie of Bonnie and Clyde) or add lace instead of fringe.
