The American classic not only held a mirror to American society in the 1920s but also accurately represented the era’s fashion. A century since the book was released; style gurus share how you to get your Gatsby glam on
Representation pic/iStock
It's been 100 years since The Great Gatsby was first published, but the echoes of F Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal classic still ring loud and clear — whether in terms of its exploration of the quintessential American dream or its exquisite portrayal of the Roaring Twenties. Indeed, the Jazz Age novel has inspired designers across the ages, including Ralph Lauren, Joseph Altuzarra and Miuccia Prada, while leaving a lasting imprint on the very definition of ‘dressing the part’. “What makes The Great Gatsby such a lingering influence on the world of fashion can be attributed, in part, to how cleverly it depicts fashion as an expression of both individual personality and social status. The 1920s were also a transformative time. Women had gradually begun to eschew the corseted, overly structured and columnal silhouettes of the 1910s in favour of looser clothing that revealed their arms and legs. This was also a period marked by important social change — women were entering the workforce, and had earned the right to vote. The spirit of emancipation reflected in their wardrobes, which became more androgynous. And then, there was the unmistakable rise of flapper fashion, which has its roots in jazz music and dance,” shares Niti Gupta, luxury fashion curator and founder of The AFRA World.
She and celebrity stylist Mitali Ambekar share how these trends can be reimagined and woven into more contemporary sensibilities.
Skip formality with suits with wider styled lapels. Pic Courtesy/@mohit Rai on Instagram; (right) Leonardo DiCaprio’s streamlined casual suit defined his role as Jay Gatsby. Pic Courtesy/Perioddrama style on Instagram
Past meets the present
“Channelling Gatsby in 2025 is all about balancing vintage charm with modern minimalism. It is less about recreating history and more about reimagining it to fit the modern aesthetic,” notes Ambekar. She recommends pairing statement pieces with modern basics to incorporate the best of both worlds. A good way to go about this is with a timeless little black dress (also a 1920s phenomenon), which you can update with a fringe or beading, or wide-leg trousers paired with a silk blouse. While feathers may have been a hallmark of the ’20s, a more contemporary invocation is with feathered trims. You could also wear pieces with tonal sequins and incorporate drop waists into your more structured looks. “A big part of the roaring Twenties glamour was in the fabrics, which embodied the movement and the showmanship of jazz music and dance — velvet, lace, satin and metallic, all evoke the glamourous playfulness of the times,” Ambekar suggests.
Khushi Kapoor sports a shimmer dress; The feathered trims and shimmering sequins are hallmarks of 1920s fashion. Pic Courtesy/Babeyond official on Instagram; Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan. Pic Courtesy/Perioddramastyle on Instagram
Dress it up
While the flapper dress is an immediate go-to when referencing Gatsby chic, Gupta recommends mixing it up with other ‘20s hallmarks. “The flapper dress is characterised as having a knee-length skirt and loose fit, which allowed for more freedom of movement. These dresses are often made from lightweight materials such as chiffon or silk. A draped dress with tassels is another fun way to embody the decade. The movement that comes from the beading on the sleeves and skirt make it a party must-have. A lace sheath dress is both versatile and flattering, while a shimmering sequin dress is equal parts fun and head-turning,” she suggests. Hemlines that end just above the knee, looser silhouettes and dropped waists are the way to go in terms of fit.
A cloche and a bejewelled headband (above) can stylise the look without making it feel costume-like. Pic Courtesy/Shalini Passi on Instagram; (right) ↑ Parul Gulati’s sequins recall the signature movement of the Flapper attire. Pic Courtesy/gulati06 on Instagram
A dash of sophistication
The ’20s were as refreshing for men as for women, with suits becoming less formal and more relaxed. The pinstriped suit rose in popularity, worn with shorter jackets and wider lapels, says Ambekar. Silk was also a coveted fabric, especially as an indicator of wealth and status. A silk shirt is an easy way to add sophistication to your outfit and can be paired with suspenders for a retro throwback. Don’t forget to throw on a silk tie — a slightly narrower width of 2-2.5 inches is perfectly indicative of the era. For even more flare, swap your regular tie with a bowtie, especially when dressing for a formal event.
Mitali Ambekar and Niti Gupta
All in the details
Art Deco earrings, a beaded clutch or headband and a cloche hat can transport you back in time, without making your outfit seem too costume-like, says Ambekar. She also recommends updating your make-up with brushed brows, soft matte lips and slicked back hair or soft waves. Of course, the super-short bob that’s all the rage these days was the look to go for in the Jazz Age. If you can’t commit to lopping your mane off, Ambekar offers a faux bob style. For your final touch, replace your strappy sandals with T-straps, Mary Janes, slingbacks and pumps — these styles were typically favoured for evening wear, especially for the kind of parties hosted by Jay Gatsby, Gupta signs off.
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