The Best 1920s Costumes

The Most Popular 1920s Costumes

Halloween is upon us yet again, and so is the challenge of finding a truly great costume. Some people like scary costumes, some people like funny costumes, and some (mostly the ladies) like sexy costumes. Personally, I like clever costumes that are original; those are my favorite kind of costumes.

Therefore, I like looking for period costumes - the kind of costumes people don't think of right away. This year in particular, I'm looking for costumes from the 1920s. Here are some of my ideas for the best 1920s costumes.

The 1920s were called the "Roaring Twenties" for good reason. This was the time of the speakeasy, the flapper, and the birth date of jazz. People were excited to have a good time, and the best 1920's costumes reflect the spirit of the age.

The most popular (and some might say best) 1920's costumes are the flapper and the gangster. These costumes have been around forever; the glittery sequined A-line dress for women, with feather-y headbands and (for the thorough) a bob-cut wig.

For the gentlemen, over-sized, pinstriped, double-breasted suits with fedora's (and, for those that love props, a tommy gun). These are usually the first costumes one thinks of when they think of the best costumes 1920s, and so, are easy to find, whether online or in a store.

However, because of their immense popularity, they lack a certain originality that I look for in the best costumes 1920s. Here are some other ideas.

I like thinking back to famous celebrities or movies at the particular period I'm looking at. In that sense, I think one of the best costumes 1920s is to go as Charlie Chaplin. His is an iconic look that is easily and instantly identifiable. Plus, the costume itself is easy to put together.

However, probably my favorite costumes 1920s is simply the period clothes. I think that shooting for an everyday 1920's look will create the best costumes 1920s. I like to watch movies set in that period, such as The Great Gatsby, for ideas on how the men and women dressed.

This is especially great, because it allows you to create your own distinctive, period-inspired look, rather than an expensive store-bought costume.

Regardless of your strategy, the best costumes 1920s are sure to be a favorite to whatever Halloween party you attend. Just try to think a little outside of the box, and you'll come up with your own unique twist on the best 1920's costumes.

Here are some more period costume ideas from out contributing authors...

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When I think of a 70's costume, I try to go beyond the obvious...

80s halloween costume ideas for the oughties...

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