The Top 1920s-Inspired Wedding Dress Trends to Tap for the Roaring 2020s
The Gatsby era is about to return—100 years later.
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The Roaring '20s, or the Jazz Age, was best known for epic parties and F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. The no-holds-barred era followed the Spanish flu, after people spent two years indoors. A resurgence of the decade's affinity for celebration is likely to be on the horizon post-pandemic lockdown, and a reinvention of the era's top trends will likely follow suit as well.
Drop waists, second-skin satins, and loads of beaded embellishments are all likely to make appearances in what we're deeming the Roaring 2020s. What might have felt try-hard or costume before will now be theatrical yet chic in new ways. So whether your bridal style is understated, modern, modest, or glam, you'll find inspiration in the following Art Deco–inspired archetypes to consider for your intimate party now or larger celebration later. Of course, these looks require a flair for the dramatic and a love of all things old and new.
Herewith, chic ways to channel 1920s inspiration for the 2020s, suiting every bride from the fashion-forward renegade to the time-tested classicist—with a nostalgic twist.
Pearls on Pearls
Strands on stands of pearls feel undeniably Gatsby—usually worn long, wrapped many times around the neck, or cascading down one's spine, revealed by a low-cut, open back.
Also synonymous with bridal, this adornment is typically associated with more traditional looks. For the new decade, layer them on thick—as is done with these gowns from Vera Wang's new bridal and ready-to-wear hybrid collection for fall 2021.
This 1920s-inspired take on the classic accessory is all about being glam without the glitz. No sparkle or crystals necessary here. This pearls-on-pearls look is for the bride who doesn't do anything according to the status quo—for the bride who wants to look festive and formal, and host a party befitting of post-lockdown energy.
Pictured: Vera Wang Bridal Fall 2021
Flapper 2.0
The Jazz Age was all about sparkle and fringe—and Naeem Khan is the gatekeeper of after-party looks that tick all those boxes.
But say goodbye to the vintage flair long associated with Gatsby-style party frocks. This look is a combination of 20th-century stylings and a modernizing of the carefree, stylish flapper. From fashionable fringe to a leg-revealing length, a high neckline and shoulder pads add cosmopolitan flair to the era's more popular plunging V-necklines.
Think glam—yet playful. This bride dons stilettos or kitten heels but would always trade in a corset for relaxed-fit lingerie.
Pictured: Naeem Khan Bridal Fall 2021
Feathered Frocks
Appearing effortlessly chic from head to toe is best accomplished with a gown that speaks for itself. Enter: posh plumes and easy-to-wear silhouettes.
This interpretation of Jazz Age inspiration is a bit more alluring than all-out glam; it's all about playfulness, drama, and texture. This look is easy yet over-the-top in all the best ways—similar to how we'll want parties to feel once we emerge from lockdown. This bride pushes party dressing to the max—and doesn't shy away from not wearing white.
Pictured: Khyeli Spring 2021
The New Tweed Suit
In 1925, Chanel introduced her signature tweed suit at a small show in her salon on Rue de Cambon in Paris. Known for mixing masculine and feminine ideas in her designs, Chanel took inspiration from what her then boyfriend, the Duke of Westminster, was wearing day to day.
This bride's vibe is laissez-faire; she doesn't do pomp and circumstance, but her style is still high society, ultra-femme, and classic with an edge. This look can be worn in a dress variation or as a two-piece set for the aisle (paired with a veil) or for any other wedding-related event like the rehearsal dinner, after-party, brunch, and beyond.
This look may not scream Roaring '20s to start, but investing in a high day-to-night look that you'll cherish forever could not be more 2020s—plus, opting for this look with a micro miniskirt means you'll have nothing in the way of your dancing all night.
Pictured: Chanel Spring 2021 Haute Couture
The Speakeasy Darling
This bride has been in quarantine and is ready to party—like it's 1925, or 2022. Think '20s staples like metallic embellishments, plunging V-necklines, and dropped waists; now, bring them into this century.
Romantic without a doubt, but irreverent without feeling stage worthy, this look feels fresh—and Deco inspired. It's all about infusing old-world elements and new, current silhouettes: This look's full midi skirt, touch of blush, and barely-there accessories make it far more apropos for parties to come than good times past.
Pictured: Lanvin Spring 2021
Not-So-Straight Edge
Calling all contemporary sophisticates and hopeless romantics. An alluring mansion or historic home is just the type of setting to embrace this trend. This look is all about sultry satin and a fit that grazes the body.
This 1920s-inspired look also has a hint of edge, starting with a pop of black and an ankle length. The bones of this trend riff on '20s fashion, but a Victorian-inspired sleeve and high neckline bring the look into this era. For the soon-to-come Roaring 2020s, opt for satin looks with a twist. Choose minimal makeup, hints of color, and opt for Baroque pearls and rich embellishments to finish the look.
Pictured: Erdem Pre-Fall 2021
No-Volume Tiers
This bride breaks the rules—as most Gatsby girls do. While much of Roaring '20s fashion incorporated tiers of fringe and feathers, it was all about retaining a t0-the-body silhouette. This trend does just that—but taps into the modern frills and textures we've come to love in more recent decades.
This look is frothy but has an edge. Voluminous skirts may get in the way of partying all night long, but sporting ruffles sans petticoat is a youthful take on Jazz Age energy that is sure to suit the lively parties to come post-lockdown.
Pictured: Giambattista Valli Resort 2021
Deco Forever
Head-to-toe embellishments feel bridal—but can feel basic—if you're not selective with your textures, fabrications, embroidery patterns, and accessories. Opt for beadwork that provides intrigue, rather than your standard sequin sheath, and nods to the Deco designs of the '20s. Then, rather than styling it à la the Jazz Age with crystal headpieces and loads of eyeliner, go with effortless hair, easy makeup, and dewy skin.
Settings like your favorite bar or restaurant take on new life when paired with Jazz Age vibes that feel fresh—this trend isn't about ditching Deco altogether; it's about embracing it, but with modern styling.
Pictured: Jenny Packham Bridal Fall 2021
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
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