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Gatsby Tips |
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Gatsby Tips |
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Dressing for the Gatsby These guidelines are designed to take you beyond the dreaded Gatsby don'ts --those blatantly modern styles that spoil the Gatsby magic! --and into the fabulous world of dressing up deco. For more fashion guidance, order our charming and informative new "How to Gatsby" booklet, available for $6 including postage from ADSC. Email Zelda for details. Gatsby Dress for Women: 1920s
Dress for time of day During the 1920s, '30s and '40s there were clothes for specific times of the day, and specific rules for seasons. Dress rules were observed by nearly everyone; exceptions (artists, anarchists, intellectuals, or shocking debutantes) were remarked upon. Etiquette books described appropriate dress for business, travel, church, shopping, tea, garden party, dinner, theater, opera or balls. (The Gatsby falls into the "garden party" category, much like an elegant garden wedding nowadays.) Men wore brown shoes for day only; two-toned shoes could appear in summer. Straw hats were appropriate for men and women on summer days. Beaded gowns, jewelled cloches and tuxedos came out after dark. In the East, men's straw hats were worn only between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but since California was considered a resort destination, they are appropriate during our summer-like weather in September. (That's our story, and we're sticking to it.) Glasses Round frames (horn rims or metal) were worn men and women. Look for round or oval shapes in sunglasses; avoid the cats-eye, wrap-arounds or modern shapes. The Gatsby Man We love Gatsby men! Think dapper: Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, Gary Cooper and William Powell. Think classic stores like Cable Car Clothiers or Brooks Brothers.
1930s Women and Beyond: The "Gatsby Look" favored by many women is the wide, often asymetric brimmed hat and soft, long, drapy, bias-cut gowns of 1929 through the mid-'30s. If you are a '40s gal, stick to the early '40s. Think Ingrid Bergman--subtle, natural, softly curled hair-- not Joan Crawford with padded shoulders, dramatic makeup. Hair and Makeup Tips 1920s Jazz Baby:
Long Hair?
Modern Short Hair?
1930s Hair and Makeup:
Advanced Looks: Not for first-timers If you've been to Gatsby before, have the look down, can do a finger wave, then you might be ready for something daring ... the '20s boyish look, or a wonderful deco dandy, or all-out Chinoiserie. Gents might consider "plus fours" with smashing knee socks and cap. If it's your first time: heed our "dos and don't" when you plan your outfit -- then relax and have a marvelous time at The Gatsby. Don't spend your afternoon fretting about mistakes in other's attire, when there is so much to see and do and enjoy. Take mental notes for what you can do next year! Major Don'ts: We have people at the gate to deal with those few unfortunate souls who turn up in unabashed contemporary wear: jeans and t-shirts, athetic shoes, shorts, baseball caps, flip-flops, short-sleeved open-necked shirts on men or modern pantsuits on women. Our Costume Closet offers emergency rental assistance. Although we admire perfection, we should never offer free-lance criticism of what others are wearing. They are doing their best. This was a faux pas 75 years ago, and it's still bad manners today. Admiration, on the other hand, is cheerfully accepted! THANKS: To Kimberly Manning Aker, who organinized these tips and numerous Getting Ready for Gatsby fashion shows. See photos of the 2004 show in our Rotogravure! Note: The models came out in four groups: the first in complete vintage, the second and third in reproduction or purchased attire. The final group showed the "advanced" looks -- deco dandy and chinoiserie. Thanks to Pat Phillips for on-the-spot snapshots!
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