What to wear to Homecoming

What to Wear to “A Knight at Gatsby’s”

Club Writer, Megan Holmes (class of 2028)

This year, the Homecoming theme is “A Knight at Gatsby’s” and you might be wondering “What does Gatsby mean?” as well as “What should I be wearing?” If you still do not know what to wear for Homecoming, do not fear. From dresses for the girls to the guys in suits, and even down to the last-minute accessories, this is a guide to help you put on the perfect outfit.

For context, the 1920s was a post-World War I time, and an economic boom before the Great Depression hit hard in the next decade. The Gatsby Era, in which The Great Gatsby isset in, is also known as the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age, when jazz was just emerging and Prohibition was in effect. But enough about history.

Girls wore fancy yet comfortable outfits. A common fashion item at the time was the flapper dress. It is a loose, knee-high dress, often made with light materials and decorated with many fringes. Along with a headband and a feather, this is a classic look from the Gatsby Era.  There is also the tassel dress, which can be long or short, and features tassels along the skirt and sleeves. Another iconic look is the sheath dress, which is a close-fitting and versatile dress that can be worn in various colours and fabrics.  Finally, there is the sequin dress, which is the flapper dress but with added lace and sequins of many different patterns and designs.

For the boys, there is always the pinstripe suit. It has vertical stripes on it, and was traditionally worn by the wealthy of that era. If that is not available, you can always go with the classic silk shirt and suit, although a button down shirt might do just fine. Silk shirts in the 1920s were very colourful, and decorated with lots of patterns.

For last-minute accessories, girls can wear fancy headbands, as I previously touched on. You can also wear chandelier or pearl earrings to add a layer of elegance. Something that also goes well with the flapper or any other dress is long gloves, which can go up to your elbows. For the guys, you can throw on a tie to finish your outfit, or wear a vest if a suit is not ideal.  A fedora is a unique style of hat with a wide brim that comes in many shades. It is another great option, as it can compliment anything you decide to wear. Feathers are also a popular finishing touch for both guys and girls.

I hope this helps you with deciding what to wear, and I cannot wait to see all of your Gatsby outfits at Homecoming!

Source: 1920s Fashion Guide: What to Wear to Vizcaya’s Seersucker Social.