Can this dress pass as 'flapper'?

[SingingSilver]

www.yoursclothing.co.uk/P/Black_lace_shift_dress_with_bellow_sleeves-(17843).aspx

I think I could be comfortable in this, most flapper style dresses have such an unflattering shape. I tried a few on and looked horrible. If I wore a jewelled or feathered headband with this dress and some art-deco style clutch, would it work?

Not really -- it's probably got more shape at the waist than is obvious in the photo.

Is this for a costume party?

Although looking again at the photos of the model wearing it, if you did something temporary to create a dropped waist look (e.g. get a black chiffony scarf and pin/tack it round at hip height) then it might work.

But then the sleeves aren't really right for a flapper.

Assuming you want a dress that you can wear afterwards in a non-flapper style (and you have the legs for it), maybe this with headband + long beads + boa? The shape still isn't right and it's really too short even for the flapper era but the lack of sleeves is closer to right and people often think of flapper skirts as being that short.

This better but more expensive.

Or if you happen to be a size 10 and can get away with backless this is down to £15.

Oops, no, it's not, it's sold out in all sizes now.

If you only need 1920s then it opens up the field a bit, because the flapper style was only one strand of fashion.

I'm currently a size 18 which is why I hate flapper, I have a good waist and I look like a very large brick in waistless dresses! It is for a costume party. I resent being made to buy an outfit I would never wear again (thought the Darbia dress is beautiful.)

Technically the theme is 'Chicago' which seems slightly off to me as I'm sure she was inspired by the current Great Gatsby trend, but whatever

I think it's flapper enough if it's just for a party - add some more flapperish details like a headdress and you'll look great. It's a lovely dress - might as well get one you'll wear again.

If it's 'Chicago' you could go with more of a Mama Morton look -- different women have played the part in slightly different costumes but in general have gone for black trouser suit over slightly glam camisole or bustier top. If you make it a bustier it'll emphasise your waist properly.

Or take this as a kicking-off point (Ute Lemper and Ruthie Henshall in the first London production) -- bowler hat and very tailored black jacket (which again would show off your waist). IIRC they wore the jacket over something extremely short and sparkly but you could opt for something more wearable if you'd prefer.

The female cast of Chicago generally doesn't wear anything very much in most of the scenes -- it's the bare minimum required for avoiding public indecency, held together with bits of netting and lace.

There are some nice flapper-style dresses that do have waists, but they are generally pretty expensive.

Great idea, thank you! I didn't even consider a trouser suit!