The Great Gatsby is most definitely my favorite book of all time. Not only do I absolutely love the book, but I loved the movie even more. The film director, Baz Luhrmann, tried to take the glitz and glamour of the 1920s and compare it to todays hip hop culture (hence the fabulous soundtrack which includes Jay Z, Fergie and Lana Del Ray). Though there are many differing opinions about the movie, no one can argue with the amazing fashion that we all admired on the big screen. The movie gave a modern twist to a 1920s novel, which was set in the age of jazz and decadence. The fashion in this movie was of course modern, but it also screamed old hollywood glamour. Today, popular brands have tried to emulate this timeless look, especially Tiffany & Co.with their Gatsby jewelry line. Great Gatsby has also become a popular theme among parties. Who doesn’t like large parties? They’re so intimate! If you want to emulate the Gatsby theme for a formal, halloween, a themed party or just a night out on the town, heres how:
Jordan Baker/Elizabeth Debicki: She reminds me a little in Gatsby of a modern Audrey
Jordan Baker represents the women of an elite social class in both the movie and the novel. She is a professional golfer and many would argue that she is the unmarried version of Daisy. She is a young, single woman of wealth and she is admired wherever she goes. She is opinionated and savvy, and her wardrobe reflects it. Her staple piece in the movie is her long black dress with jeweled neckline… So classy and a black dress never gets old. I found this modern version of Jordan’s dress on asos.com for $210.95. This is one of my favorite finds- black, classy and embellished. Timeless.
My Version: Movie version:
Daisy Buchanan/ Cary Mulligan
The movie’s sweetheart is of course, the beautiful, flirty and feminine Daisy Buchanan. In the movie, Daisy is supposed to be portrayed as the desirable American sweetheart. She is warm, thrilling, an enchantress, and the quintessential southern belle. Her bright eyes and soft disposition make her the coveted object of two men. Daisy is meant to be the golden girl, who draws men in with her delicate innocence. She emulates an angel on earth in the film, and so do her clothes. I absolutely love her elegant fur wrap accessory piece on top of her lavish party dress. I found a very similar wrap at Anthropologie for only $48.00! The fur piece in the movie symbolizes Daisy’s wealth and her classic style.
My Version: Movie Version:
I am in love with Carey’s purple and and gray lace dress. It fit the persona of Daisy perfectly and made her seem like the soft, elegant and feminine personality she portrayed as Daisy Buchanan. I found a great soft lavender alternative at Nordstroms for the price of $280.00. A little bit pricier, but this strapless organza dress is absolutely phenomenal and the detailing on the skirt makes it unlike any other piece you’ll find. If you notice, Daisy is a fan of a detailed skirt as well!
My Version: Movie Version:
Sequins and glitter never go out of style- just ask Daisy. The “Roaring 20s” as this era was called, meant elegance and over the top glamorous outfits. The major style was “the flapper” style. Scott Fitzgerald describes the ideal flapper as being “lovely, expensive and about 19.” Fur, bows, feathers, sequins and extravagance were in. Since the prohibition was during this era, women were starting to come into their own cultural identity through fashion and beauty. The culture of prohibition influenced the fashion- the hemlines were getting shorter and the champagne was flowing. Nothing was too much during these years; higher heels became popular amongst women as well as daring short haircuts to show off their sexual liberation and dramatic makeup. Long gone were the days of conservative hemlines and drab colors. The roaring 20s were all about making a statement for women. A part of me wishes we still lived like this today- personal communication, old fashioned town cars, chivalrous men and a totally different social culture, without such a heavy reliability on technology. The roaring 20s were prime time for fashion and such a monumental decade in history, because it was the first real time that women started to be fearless and come into their own, and it showed very much through their fashion. Daisy stuns in a gold sequin gown in this scene of the film during a party at Gatsby’s house, along side both of her love interests. I found a more modern version of this dress from Tobi for $118.o0.
My Version: Movie Version:
In the movie during Gatsby and Daisy’s more intimate moments, Carey Mulligan sports a more casual look, wearing a headscarf. This is a trend we see all around campus today. A headband is the perfect accessory to throw on and still look put together and stylish. I found this look a like headband that Daisy is sporting from Anthropologie for $32.00!
My Version: Movie Version:
What outfit in the roaring 20s would be complete without a gorgeous strand of pearls? Daisy sports them throughout the film with almost every outfit. Pearls are so underrated- they are truly timeless. Pearls are like black cocktail dresses, and great diamond earrings- they will never be sitting in the back of your closet, unworn. Pearls are a classy staple and the key to every simple outfit that needs to be dressed up a little. They also tone down super extravagant outfits and make them seem more simple. Pearls have so many uses and are truly can work magic on any outfit. Daisy is clad in an elegant pearl bracelet in this scene of the movie, dancing with Gatsby. I found a very similar version from J.Crew for $150.00.
My Version: Movie Version:
I have also been searching the web (and the malls!) for the general Gatsby 1920s glamourous look, aside from what the movie characters wore… Here are some of my very best finds!
The Statement Skirt:
Found at Tobi ($35.00) and Forever 21($34.80). The glitz and glamour of these sequin skirts and scalloped hemlines scream glitz and 20s glamour.
Little Black Dress:
Found at Urban Outiftters ($39.00-$69.00). Dress it up with sparkly shoes and pearls (read ahead!)
Standout Shoes:
Found at DSW ($39.50) and Kate Spade ($150.00)
Black & White:
Both found at Anthropologie ($188.00-198.00)
Headpieces:
All found at Anthropolgie ($15.00-38.00)
Earrings:
Both found at J.Crew ($85.00-118.00)
Pearls:
All found at Kate Spade (or Nordstroms) & J.Crew ( $128.00-200.00)
Red Lipstick:
Finally, just what you need to put the outfit together. My favorite shade of Red is Dubonnet by Mac ($15.00). Maybelline’s Red Revival ($6.63) is also awesome if you’re looking for a cheaper drug store lipstick!
Now go out and be the most fabulous, glamorous girl at the party! You know what they say… A little party never killed nobody!
XOXO