A Christmas party with a 1920s twist is the easiest way to stand out this December, and it is also one of the most joyful. While everyone else is in a red dress or a black jumpsuit, you will be in fringe, velvet and pearls, looking like you have stepped out of a Jazz Age Christmas card. These 1920s party outfit ideas for women for Christmas are built for real women and real parties: flapper dresses in festive colours, velvet and fringe combinations, and accessories that add glamour without turning the outfit into a costume. In this guide you will find 15 1920s party outfit ideas for women, with fabric and fit tips, budget options and honest advice on hair, makeup and shoes, so you can wear one vintage detail — or the whole look — and feel wonderful all evening.
Why the 1920s Work for Christmas
The 1920s work for Christmas for a very simple reason: the decade was built for parties. The dresses were made to dance in, the fabrics were made to catch candlelight, and the colours — deep red, emerald, gold and black — are the colours of Christmas itself. A flapper dress in a festive colour looks like it was made for a December evening, and the loose, comfortable silhouette means you can eat Christmas dinner, dance to the party playlist and sit by the fire without once feeling squeezed. The 1920s also suit the season because they are nostalgic: a vintage Christmas feels warmer, more romantic and more special than a modern one, and a 1920s outfit is the easiest way to capture that feeling. You do not need to dress head to toe in vintage to get the effect: one fringed dress, one velvet jacket or one beaded headband is enough to make the whole evening feel like 1925.
Flapper Dresses in Festive Colours
Flapper dresses in festive colours are the heart of a 1920s Christmas, and the colour you choose will set the mood for the whole evening. Deep red is the most Christmassy choice, and it suits almost every skin tone, especially with gold jewellery and a red lip. Emerald green is the most elegant, and it looks wonderful with pearls and a dark berry lip. Gold is the most glamorous, and it catches the Christmas lights like nothing else. Black is the most versatile, and it lets the accessories — the headband, the pearls, the gloves — do the talking. Whatever colour you choose, look for a dress with a soft lining, a knee-length hem and a little stretch, so it is comfortable to wear all evening. A dress in a rich, deep colour will also photograph beautifully against a Christmas tree, which is reason enough to choose it.
Look 1: Deep Red Fringe Flapper Dress with Gold Heels
Deep red fringe with gold heels is the most festive combination in this guide, and it is the outfit to choose for a Christmas party where you want to look like Christmas itself, in the best possible way. The red is rich and warm, the fringe moves when you dance, and the gold heels add the sparkle. Wear it with a long pearl necklace, a beaded headband and a small gold clutch, and keep the makeup to a red lip and a little eyeliner. This dress is also wonderfully comfortable: the loose fit lets you eat Christmas dinner without a second thought, and the fringe hides everything. If you are worried about red feeling too much, choose a deeper, wine-red shade rather than a bright scarlet, and the whole look will feel elegant rather than loud.
Look 2: Emerald Beaded Flapper Dress with Pearls
Emerald beading is the most sophisticated choice for a 1920s Christmas, and an emerald beaded flapper dress with a long pearl necklace is perfect for a formal Christmas dinner or a smart party. The emerald is deep and jewel-like, the beading adds the sparkle, and the pearls add the 1920s authenticity. Wear it with black or gold heels, a black clutch and a berry lip, and keep the rest of the jewellery simple: the pearls are enough. This dress also works beautifully for women who do not usually wear bright colours, because the emerald is rich without being loud, and the beading makes it feel special without feeling costumey. Choose a dress with a soft lining and beads that are stitched rather than glued, so you can dance all night without leaving a trail behind you.
Velvet and Fringe Combinations
Velvet and fringe are the two textures that define a 1920s Christmas, and together they are even better than they are apart. Velvet is rich, warm and wonderfully Christmassy, while fringe is light, playful and made for dancing, so a velvet top with a fringe skirt, or a fringe dress with a velvet jacket, gives you the best of both worlds. A velvet blazer over a fringed flapper dress is a particularly useful combination, because the blazer keeps you warm, adds structure, and turns a party dress into something you could wear to a smart dinner. A velvet skirt with a sequin or beaded top is another beautiful mix, and it works well for women who want the sparkle on top and the warmth underneath. Whatever combination you choose, keep the colours in the same family — deep red velvet with gold fringe, emerald velvet with silver beads — and the outfit will look deliberate and expensive.
Look 3: Black Velvet Blazer over a Gold Fringe Dress
A black velvet blazer over a gold fringe dress is the smartest 1920s Christmas outfit in this guide, and it is the one to choose for a work party or a dinner where you want to look polished as well as festive. The blazer adds warmth and structure, the gold fringe adds the party sparkle, and the combination reads as grown-up glamour rather than fancy dress. Wear the blazer open so the gold still shows, add black heels and a black clutch, and keep the jewellery to gold. The best part is that both pieces work separately afterwards: the blazer goes with jeans and a white shirt, the fringe dress goes with a faux-fur coat, and you have two outfits for the price of one. This is also a generous look for real bodies, because the blazer covers the arms and the fringe dress skims the waist.
Look 4: Burgundy Velvet Dress with a Fringe Shawl
Burgundy velvet is the most Christmassy fabric there is, and a burgundy velvet dress with a fringe shawl is perfect for a family Christmas party or a dinner at home. The velvet is warm and rich, the fringe shawl adds the 1920s movement, and the whole outfit feels cosy and glamorous at the same time. Wear it with black tights, black heels and a small black bag, and keep the jewellery to pearls or gold. The shawl is also practical: it keeps your shoulders warm in a draughty house, and you can take it off when you start dancing. If you love velvet in a different shape, take a look at our Velvet Top Outfit Ideas for Women Christmas Party for more velvet inspiration. A burgundy velvet dress is also a wonderful investment, because you can wear it again for New Year and for winter weddings.
Accessories: Headbands, Pearls, T-Strap Heels
The accessories are what make a 1920s Christmas outfit feel authentic, and they are the easiest part of the look to get right. A beaded headband, worn across the forehead or at the side of the head, is the single most 1920s accessory you can own, and it instantly turns a plain dress into a vintage outfit. Long pearl necklaces, worn long and loose or doubled up, add elegance and authenticity, and they look beautiful against velvet and fringe. T-strap heels are the most authentic 1920s shoe, and they are also one of the most comfortable party shoes, because the strap holds the foot in place and the heel is low and sturdy. Add a small clutch, a pair of long gloves for a formal party, and a feathered clip if you want extra drama, and you have the full accessory wardrobe. Remember the rule: one statement accessory at a time, so the outfit feels chosen rather than costumey.
Look 5: Black Flapper Dress with a Beaded Headband and Pearls
A black flapper dress with a beaded headband and a long pearl necklace is the most classic 1920s outfit there is, and it works beautifully for Christmas because the black lets the accessories shine. The dress can be a simple fringed or beaded style, the headband adds the vintage drama, and the pearls add the elegance. Wear it with black T-strap heels, a black clutch and a red lip, and you are ready for any Christmas party, from a work do to a family dinner. This look is also a wonderful choice for a woman who does not usually wear colour, because the black is flattering and the accessories do all the festive work. Choose a dress with a soft lining and a knee-length hem, and you will be comfortable from the first drink to the last dance.
Look 6: Gold Sequin Dress with T-Strap Heels and a Feather Clip
Gold sequins, T-strap heels and a feather clip is the most glamorous combination in this guide, and it is the outfit to choose for the Christmas party you have been looking forward to all year. The gold sequins catch the Christmas lights, the T-strap heels keep you dancing, and the feather clip adds a touch of 1920s theatre. Wear it with a small gold clutch, a long pearl necklace and a red lip, and keep the rest of the jewellery simple. This look photographs beautifully, especially against a Christmas tree, and it is the one your friends will remember. If you want more Gatsby sparkle for the New Year, take a look at our Gatsby Outfit Ideas for Women New Year Party for a whole wardrobe of 1920s party inspiration.
Hair: Finger Waves and Faux Bobs
Hair is what sells a 1920s Christmas outfit, and the good news is that you do not need to cut your hair to get the look. Finger waves are soft, sculpted waves that sit close to the head, and you can create them with a curling iron, a little setting spray and a bit of patience, or you can cheat with a faux bob: gather your long hair at the nape of your neck, pin it up underneath itself, and from the front it will look like a 1920s bob. A deep side part will help the style look authentic, and a little shine spray will give it the polished 1920s gloss. If your hair is short already, a few waves and a beaded headband are all you need. The key is keeping the hair close to the head and out of the way of the dress, because a big, loose hairstyle will fight with the fringe and the headpiece, while a neat, waved style will let the outfit shine.
Look 7: Faux Bob, Beaded Headband and a Red Fringe Dress
A faux bob, a beaded headband and a red fringe dress is the most convincing 1920s Christmas look in this guide, and it takes less time than you think. The faux bob gives you the silhouette of the decade, the headband adds the sparkle, and the red fringe dress adds the festive movement. Wear it with black T-strap heels, a black clutch and a red lip, and keep the jewellery to pearls. This look is perfect for a Christmas party where you want to look like you have made a real effort, because the hair and the headband show that you have thought about the whole outfit, not just the dress. It is also a wonderful choice for a woman with long hair, because the faux bob lets you try the 1920s look for one night without a trip to the hairdresser.
Look 8: Finger Waves, Feather Clip and a Black Velvet Dress
Finger waves, a feather clip and a black velvet dress is the most elegant hair-led look in this guide, and it suits a formal Christmas dinner or a smart party beautifully. The waves frame the face, the feather clip adds a touch of drama, and the black velvet dress adds the warmth and the richness. Wear it with black heels, a black clutch and a long pearl necklace, and keep the makeup to dark lips and defined eyes. The black velvet is also wonderfully forgiving: it hides everything, it photographs beautifully, and it feels like a hug on a cold night. If finger waves feel too fiddly, soft curls pinned at the sides will give you almost the same effect, and a beaded headband will hide any imperfections in the waves.
Makeup: Dark Lips and Defined Eyes
1920s makeup is all about the lips and the eyes, and it is the easiest part of the look to get right. Dark lips — a classic red, a deep berry or a rich burgundy — are the focal point, and they should be applied carefully, blotted and reapplied so they last all evening. Defined eyes mean dark, smoky eyeliner, plenty of mascara and well-shaped brows, with a little eyeshadow in a warm brown or a soft gold. Keep the skin pale and powdered, as the 1920s did, or keep it natural and modern if you prefer: the lips and the eyes are what matter. Avoid glitter eyeshadow, because the dress already provides the sparkle, and avoid a heavy blush, because the dark lips are the colour in the face. A little powder in your clutch will keep the shine down, and a small mirror will let you check the lipstick after dinner.
Look 9: Dark Red Lips, Smoky Eyes and a Gold Fringe Dress
Dark red lips, smoky eyes and a gold fringe dress is the most glamorous makeup-led look in this guide, and it is the one to wear for the Christmas party you have been looking forward to all year. The dark lips echo the festive season, the smoky eyes add the drama, and the gold fringe dress adds the movement and the sparkle. Wear it with gold heels, a gold clutch and a beaded headband, and keep the jewellery to pearls or gold. The key to this look is balance: the eyes and the lips are both bold, so keep the cheeks soft and the hair simple, with finger waves or a faux bob. This look photographs beautifully, especially in warm party lighting, and it is the one your friends will ask you about.
Look 10: Berry Lips, Defined Brows and an Emerald Dress
Berry lips, defined brows and an emerald dress is the most modern take on 1920s makeup, and it suits a woman who wants the vintage glamour without the bright red lipstick. The berry lip is softer than a red but still festive, the defined brows frame the face, and the emerald dress adds the jewel colour. Wear it with black heels, a black clutch and a long pearl necklace, and keep the eyes soft with a little liner and mascara. This look is perfect for a Christmas dinner or a family party, because it is polished and elegant without feeling theatrical. It is also a wonderful choice for a woman with cool skin tones, because the berry and the emerald both suit cool colouring beautifully.
Keeping It Elegant, Not Fancy Dress
The difference between an elegant 1920s outfit and a fancy-dress costume is restraint, and it is the most important thing to remember when you put this look together. Choose one vintage element — a fringed dress, a beaded headband or a long pearl necklace — and wear it with modern shoes, a modern bag and modern makeup, and the outfit will read as glamorous rather than costumey. Avoid wearing every 1920s accessory at once: a headpiece, long gloves, a feather boa and a cigarette holder is a costume, while a headpiece, pearls and a small clutch is an outfit. Keep the fabrics good quality, the fit comfortable and the colours rich, and the look will feel expensive. Here are the rest of the 15 1920s party outfit ideas for women in quick form. Idea 11: a black sequin dress with a beaded headband. Idea 12: a red velvet dress with T-strap heels. Idea 13: a gold fringe top with black trousers. Idea 14: a silver beaded dress with a faux-fur coat. Idea 15: a burgundy fringe dress with pearls for the most elegant Christmas night.
1920s Party Outfit Ideas for Women Christmas: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a 1920s outfit to a work Christmas party? Yes, as long as you keep it elegant. A black or emerald flapper dress with a beaded headband, simple heels and a red lip is perfectly appropriate for work, and you can take the headband off if you want a quieter look. Avoid very short dresses and very theatrical accessories for a work event.
Are flapper dresses warm enough for a winter party? They can be, if you layer well. A velvet blazer, a faux-fur coat or a fringe shawl over the dress will keep you warm, and black tights under a knee-length dress will make a real difference. Choose a dress with sleeves if you feel the cold, and keep a warm coat for the journey home.
Where can I find a 1920s dress on a budget? High-street shops, vintage shops and online marketplaces all carry flapper-style dresses at every price, and a charity shop can be a wonderful source of velvet and beaded dresses. Look for a dress with a soft lining and stitched beads, and try it on before you buy, because the fit matters more than the label.
How do I keep a 1920s outfit from looking like fancy dress? Choose one vintage piece and keep the rest modern: modern shoes, a modern bag and modern makeup. Good quality fabrics, a comfortable fit and rich colours will make the outfit feel expensive, while too many accessories at once will make it feel like a costume.
Save This Look on Pinterest
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Final Thoughts: Try One Vintage Detail This Christmas
A 1920s Christmas outfit is the most joyful way to stand out this December, because it is glamorous, comfortable and made for celebrating. You do not need to wear the whole look to get the effect: one fringed dress, one velvet jacket or one beaded headband is enough to make the evening feel special. Choose the colour that makes you smile, add the accessory that makes you feel glamorous, and let the fringe, the velvet and the pearls do the rest. Whether you go for deep red, emerald or gold, the best 1920s outfit is the one you feel confident in, the one you can dance in, and the one you will remember when you look back at the photographs. If you love the 1920s look for New Year too, you will enjoy our Gatsby Outfit Ideas for Women New Year Party and our Red Sequin Dress Outfit Ideas for Women Christmas Party. Save your favourite look on Pinterest, try one vintage detail this Christmas, and have the most wonderful party season.