The Roaring 20s Are Back

In case you hadn’t noticed, the Twenties are making a comeback… And we don’t mean your younger years. Think speakeasies, pinstripe suits and flapper-style glam. Conveniently, this red carpet-friendly movement comes right in time for awards season, just on the heels of The Artist and just before the release of Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby. (And here we thought Hollywood had run out of creative marketing ideas – re-releasing everything in 3D notwithstanding. Ahem.)

Yes, it is another example of fashion recycling and will eventually be old news, but since we’ve gone all retro and are in a Twenties-style Depression, how could we pass this one by? Drop-waist dresses, short flared miniskirts, fringe, headbands, satins, lace, beading, feathers and sequins are all the rage recently, and have been spotted on celebs walking the red carpet.

The best translation of this party-friendly trend is that it brings a more modern take on the true vintage look – one that’s best suited for evenings. Waistlines will be slightly higher, hitting at the natural hip rather than below, dress shapes will be more form-fitting.

Material-wise, satins and laces are flattering and very frock-friendly. Be careful about going overboard with sequins or feathers, as you don’t want to appear as though you’re in costume as a harlot or a tranny. Wrapover coats and cloche hats carry the essence of the era’s outerwear, and both translate well to today’s look. And color-wise, go for jewel tones – like emerald green, light gold and silver, ruby red and sapphire blue.

True 1920s accessory style typically paired long necklaces with long dresses and short necklaces with above-the knee lengths, but the modern translation is a little more freewheeling, so feel free to mix and match.

A clutch purse, t-strap stilettos, platforms or alternatively, decorative ballet-style flats, will complete your look. Oh, and please skip the ubiquitous Tory Burch ones. Thanks. Subtle detailing will make it all wearable, rather than overwhelming.

Go get your glam on, then hit that bathtub gin. Hell, it’s cheap, homemade and we all need plenty of that these days.