AIBU to pretend this is a flapper dress for 1920s themed party?

[dorsetdove]

I am going to a 1920s themed birthday party next month which involves looking the part. I would prefer not to have to spend money on a dress I'll never wear again. Could I get away with wearing this one that I already own, instead of the classic "flapper"-style dress? I would add a headband, gloves, beaded necklace etc. Or should I suck it up and buy a dress for my costume?

It’ll look exactly as you’ve described: a New Look (modern, by way of material and manufacture) dress with 1920’s accessories. Low effort but doubt anyone will be bothered. I’d go the Vinted route and stick it back on there when done.

I think it would work with accessories and is a lovely dress. Probably not exactly flapper dress but why spend more if you don’t need to.

God I hate themed parties, so wasteful forcing people to go and buy stuff they'd never choose in a million years.

It's a gorgeous dress, looks more 30s but accessorise it up and nobody will care.

I do have some knowledge of historic fashion since I sell vintage accessories online. The PP who remarked this is not a "classic flapper" look dress are correct. The long slim line recalls the 1930s later art deco look. However if the theme is 1920s you could pass muster by accessoriizing it with iconic flapper accessaories such as a pretty headband (with or without feather) a long string or rope of beads, drop earrings, strappy sandals, a fan or a long cigarette holder. If you can dress your hair in a suitable style so much the better. The idea with themed parties is to have fun. No one is going to judge the historical accuracy of what you wear. so long as you are vaguely on theme.

This could pass for a 1940s theme, but definitely not 1920s. The shape of the dress is completely wrong for 20s, for flapper dresses or non flapper 20s dresses.

This would work better

https://www.debenhams.com/product/modishion-elegant-retro-dress-with-tassels-sequins_p-38208e7d-0244-4ef1-ae99-0fb44f80b3aa?colour=Burgundy&size=S&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22661777260&gbraid=0AAAAABevdS4oazyU6_63mh71I7PacGqzy&gclid=CjwKCAjw2rrQBhBuEiwAarLWHc7kjsSsY-yNRWa4bhHYUjJ4139B3nKEzNl2JoJBcsLDL-FhRwlfYRoCllwQAvD_BwE

You could put it on vinted after

Yeah I think it would be wasteful to buy another dress, it may not be exactly 1920 but it’s close enough and it’s lovely.

I agree with PP that Op should wear that dress and just accessorise if she can!

Not 1940s. The skirts went up in the 40s because of war shortages and the shoulder line became more boxy. This long slim line is typical 30s. However the dress could be accessorized with bits from Vinted or Ebay.

I agree, it's so wasteful. Just throw a party!

Yep, with the right accessories it will work.

Fancy dress was never my thing, but it was very popular when I was in my younger days with the people I knew.

The secret - you can get away with loads as long as you have the essentials. Cowboy - regular shirt and jeans, cowboy hat and pop gun and sheriff badge, flapper - regular dress and as you say loads of beads, headband and accessories. As said before, it’s to have fun and many people like it because they can “ham” up their behaviour to match their character.

The other benefit is that once you’ve made your entrance, you can ditch the annoying and itching stuff and still look great. Have fun, and most people just appreciate the effort. There will always be one person who won’t dress up at all.

That’s a fabulous 1930s dress imho - the golden age of Hollywood and all that. Could see Ginger Rogers in it.

I think it will be absolutely fine because most people won't know that it's more 30s than 20s! All but the most fashion-conscious will be far too busy worrying about their own costumes, the average person won't have a clue. Remember the people on this board are experts.

I too hate waste, absolutely no way I'd buy anything specially, certainly not new.

I think it's a really lovely dress, it's not about historical authenticity, it's about the vibe. This would be fine.

Accessories and you’ll be grand. Presuming the party isn’t being thrown by a costume historian.

Wear it, no one will take notice because most people think it looks 20s

but it’s not, it’s more a 1930s style.

No where near a flapper, but a lovely dress.

The accessories will make the look OP. It's just a party - a nod will do. Those who care will be too engrossed in their own fabulousness.

It fits 1930s so it’s close enough, I’d say, especially if you added some beads etc.

If you had a piece of fabric across the V to give a high neck to it it would be even better - they really didn't wear things so revealing. Certainly with accessories it would give the vibe - although maybe not to the pernickity, its a party loosen up

No sorry. Get a plain dress from charity shop or one of the satiny ones that look like underslips/ nighties and add some flappy embellishments

Completely unreasonable: that dress is pretty but the whole aesthetic is entirely in-flapper. That dress is 1930s style.

Not remotely close!

I think you’ll find everyone else in knee length dresses with tassels
This could pass for 1930s but not 20s

Vogue explains
www.vogue.co.uk/article/1920s-fashion-trends