Dressing for the roaring 20s on a 1929 stock market crash budget

Clara Bow, the epitome of flapper chic

I bring up the subject of 1920s fashion, after reading an article in the NY Daily News talking about how parties where retro fashion (mostly 1920s) is all the rage have become a popular way for people to escape the realities of 2009. (The irony here is that the 1920s brought us the Great Depression, which was quite a bit worse than the severe recession we’re experiencing now—so far, anyway.)

But considering the fact that dressing for the period the parties celebrate is somewhat expected, plus—I would think—part of the fun, how can one go about finding the right threads? Particularly ones that aren’t crazy expensive and found at a vintage repro shop?

Well, the first thing to consider is whether or not you might already have some of the basic components of 1920s fashion in your closet already. Flapper style for instance, isn’t that difficult to emulate.
Most people think of those fringy, knee-length dresses when they think of flappers, but that’s not the only way to look 1920s. Mainly the popular look was about de-emphasizing a feminine figure—drop-waists gave a boxy look as did taped back boobs.
Any dress that may be hanging in your closet, ignored, because it’s too big or baggy and you never got around to taking it to the tailor would actually work well for this look.
If it doesn’t have a drop waist, consider adding your own with a delicate scarf tied around the hips, in a complementary color. A popular length for skirts and dresses then was mid-calf.
Patterned stockings as well as black and nude colors were also popular, with mary jane heels. If you don’t have mary janes, any pair of strappy heels will do as long as they’re not pointy or boxy at the toes.

Even more important than the right wardrobe though is the centerpiece of this look, which is undeniably makeup and hair.
If you don’t have hair short enough to pass for that flapper staple style, a bob, wear your hair in a loose bun. Then style the hair in the front and sides with finger waves. An easy way to achieve the look is with heavy metal clips applied to the hair when wet. A decorative headband worn around the forehead completes the look. If you don’t have one, other possibilities include strings of pearls, a bucket hat, a long cigarette holder, a fur stole or any sequined or beaded accessory.
To transform yourself into a jazz age beauty, your face should powdered and lips should be bright or dark red and painted into a cupid’s bow shape. Eyeshadow is dark and smoky while blush or rouge is used sparingly.
Most importantly, eyebrows should be arched and thin. Since no one’s looks that way naturally, you can best achieve this by filling brows in with an eyebrow pencil, elongating the shape until the ends turn slightly downward. The end result should make you look like a sad doll. (Hey, they didn’t call it The Depression for nothing!)