Easy 1920s Costume Ideas You Can Create from Your Own Closet

Easy 1920s Speakeasy Costume Ideas

You don’t need to spend a fortune on vintage clothing or costume rentals to look the part for a 1920s party. With a little inspiration from us, you can mix and match pieces you already own to build outfits that capture the style of the Roaring Twenties. Here are three men’s looks and three women’s looks you can pull together without buying much (or anything at all).

Men’s 1920s Costume Ideas

1. The Dapper Gent

  • White button-up shirt
  • Dark trousers (navy, grey, or black)
  • Suspenders if you have them, or just roll the sleeves neatly
  • Add a tie or bow tie for that polished touch
  • A flat cap or fedora completes the look
The Dapper Gent

2. The Jazz Club Regular

  • Black or dark dress pants
  • White shirt (leave the collar open, no tie)
  • Vest or waistcoat if you own one
  • Loafers or any simple dress shoes
  • Slick back your hair with gel for that vintage style
The Jazz Club Regular

3. The Mobster-Inspired Look

  • Black pants and a black blazer or coat
  • White shirt underneath
  • A bold tie or just leave it open-collar
  • Dark shoes or boots
  • A pocket square or fake cigar as a prop makes it instantly recognizable
The Mobster Inspired Look

Women’s 1920s Costume Ideas

1. The Flapper-Inspired Outfit

  • Simple sleeveless dress (knee-length if possible)
  • Long necklace (pearls work best, but anything long will do)
  • A headband or scarf tied around your forehead
  • Add some red lipstick and you’re ready
The Flapper Inspired Outfit

2. The Socialite Look

  • Long flowy dress or skirt (any neutral or jewel tone works)
  • A faux fur scarf, wrap, or even a shawl from your closet
  • Gloves if you have them (short or long both work)
  • Clip-on earrings or bold jewelry help sell the look
The Socialite Look

3. The Jazz Club Dancer

  • Any dress you can move in – sequins or shiny fabric are a bonus, but not required
  • A belt or sash tied loosely at the waist to give that drop-waist style
  • Heels or flats
  • Add a flower pin or brooch, and you’ve got an easy dance-floor-ready outfit
The Jazz Club Dancer

Final Touches for Both

The secret to a convincing 1920s outfit isn’t just the clothes – it’s the details. Hair slicked back or finger waves, bold lipstick, suspenders, hats, jewelry, and a little confidence go a long way. You just need a few tweaks to what’s already in your wardrobe, and you’ll look like you’ve stepped straight out of a speakeasy.

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