Get Gangster with Your Flapper: The Top Couple Costume Ideas for Style and Sass!

The 1920s were a time of rebellion, social change, and a new style and glamour. One of the most iconic images of this era is the gangster and flapper couple, making it the perfect inspiration for a Halloween or costume party. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about gangster and flapper couple costumes, including where to find them, how to coordinate them, and tips for styling them.

Gangster Couple Costumes

What Makes a Gangster Costume?

A gangster costume typically includes a pinstripe suit, a fedora hat, and a tie or bowtie. These suits were often made of wool or cotton and had a wide fit with a low waistline. Some gangster costumes include accessories such as a fake cigar, a gun, or spats to cover the shoes.

Where to Find Gangster Couple Costumes?

Gangster couple costumes can be found at costume shops, online retailers, and even second-hand stores. Some popular options include Spirit Halloween, Amazon, and Etsy. When shopping for a gangster costume, be sure to check for quality and sizing to ensure a comfortable and authentic look.

Tips for Creating a Gangster Costume

If you want to create your own gangster costume, start with a pinstripe suit in a dark color such as black, navy, or grey. Add a white dress shirt, black tie or bowtie, and black dress shoes. Top it off with a fedora hat or newsboy cap. To make the costume stand out, consider adding accessories such as a fake cigar or a gun.

Accessories to Complete a Gangster Look

Accessories are an important part of any costume, and gangster costumes are no exception. Consider adding a vintage pocket watch, a leather briefcase or messenger bag, or spats to cover your shoes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add a prop gun or stack of fake money.

How to Style a Flapper Costume

Flapper costumes were known for their short hemlines, beaded fringe, and bold accessories. To create a flapper costume, start with a short, drop-waist dress in a bright or metallic color such as gold, silver, or red. Add long bead necklaces, a feather boa, and a headband with a feather or flower.

Flapper Couple Costumes

What Makes a Flapper Costume?

A flapper costume typically includes a short, drop-waist dress, long beaded necklaces, and a feather headband. These dresses were often made of lightweight materials such as chiffon or silk and featured bold colors and beaded fringe.

Where to Find Flapper Couple Costumes?

Flapper couple costumes can be found at many of the same places as gangster costumes, including costume shops, online retailers, and second-hand stores. Popular options include HalloweenCostumes.com, Party City, and vintage shops. Be sure to check for sizing and quality when shopping for a flapper costume.

Tips for Creating a Flapper Costume

If you want to create your own flapper costume, start with a short, drop-waist dress in a bold color such as gold, silver, or red. Add long beaded necklaces, a feather boa, and a feather headband. For a finishing touch, consider adding vintage-inspired pumps or t-strap heels.

Accessories to Complete a Flapper Look

Accessories are key to completing a flapper costume. Consider adding long beaded necklaces, a feather boa, a feather headband, and vintage-inspired pumps or t-strap heels. Other accessories to consider include long gloves, a cigarette holder, and a clutch purse.

Matching Gangster and Flapper Costumes

How to Coordinate a Gangster and Flapper Couple Costume

To coordinate a gangster and flapper couple costume, start with finding matching colors and prints. For example, a black and white pinstripe suit would complement a black and white beaded flapper dress. Choose complementing accessories such as a fedora hat for the gangster and a feather headband for the flapper. Finally, coordinate makeup and hairstyles to complete the look.

Finding Matching Colors and Prints

Matching colors and prints can help create a cohesive couple costume. For a gangster and flapper costume, consider black, white, or bold colors such as red or gold. Pinstripes and beaded fringe can also complement each other.

How to Choose Complementing Accessories

Choosing complementing accessories can help tie a couple costume together. For a gangster and flapper costume, consider a fedora hat for the gangster and a feather headband for the flapper. Don’t be afraid to add unique accessories such as a prop gun or cigarette holder.

Coordinating Makeup and Hairstyles

Makeup and hairstyles can add the finishing touch to a couple costume. For a gangster, consider slicking back the hair, adding a fake mustache, and a bold lip color. For a flapper, consider a smoky eye, bright red lipstick, and finger waves or a short bob hairstyle.

Tips for Making the Look Stand Out

To make a couple costume stand out, consider adding accessories such as vintage-inspired glasses, gloves, or a vintage watch. You can also customize costumes with unique embellishments, such as adding rhinestones or faux fur to a jacket.

DIY Gangster and Flapper Costumes

Materials Needed for DIY Gangster and Flapper Costumes

To create a gangster costume, you’ll need a pinstripe suit, a fedora hat, and a tie or bowtie. For a flapper costume, you’ll need a short, drop-waist dress, long beaded necklaces, and a feather headband.

Steps to Create a Gangster Costume

Start with a pinstripe suit in a dark color such as black, navy, or grey. Add a white dress shirt, black tie or bowtie, and black dress shoes. Top it off with a fedora hat or newsboy cap.

Steps to Create a Flapper Costume

Start with a short, drop-waist dress in a bright or metallic color such as gold, silver, or red. Add long bead necklaces, a feather boa, and a headband with a feather or flower. For a finishing touch, consider vintage-inspired pumps or t-strap heels.

Tips for Customizing and Personalizing Costumes

Customizing and personalizing costumes can make them unique and stand out. Consider adding rhinestones, faux fur, or other embellishments to jackets or dresses. You can also layer costumes over vintage pieces or add unique accessories.

How to Wear DIY Costumes with Confidence

Wear DIY costumes with confidence by practicing good posture, making eye contact, and smiling. Don’t be afraid to embrace the costume and have fun with it. Remember, it’s all about having a good time and celebrating the style and glamour of the 1920s.

Costume Etiquette

What to Avoid When Wearing a Gangster or Flapper Costume

Avoid wearing offensive or inappropriate costumes, such as dressing up as a Native American or in blackface. These costumes perpetuate stereotypes and cultural appropriation. Instead, focus on celebrating the style and glamour of the 1920s in a respectful manner.

Being Aware of Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of one culture are taken and used outside of their intended context. When creating or choosing a costume, be aware of cultural appropriation and avoid perpetuating stereotypes.

Respecting and Avoiding Offensive Stereotypes

Offensive stereotypes, such as those involving race, gender, or sexual orientation, should be avoided when creating or choosing a costume. Instead, focus on celebrating the style and glamour of the 1920s in a respectful and inclusive manner.

How to Navigate Costume Parties with Sensitivity

When attending costume parties, it’s important to be sensitive to different cultures, backgrounds, and identities. Avoid perpetuating stereotypes or making insensitive comments. Instead, focus on celebrating the fun and creative side of costumes.

Tips for Celebrating the Style and Glamour of the 1920s in a Respectful Manner

Celebrate the style and glamour of the 1920s in a respectful manner by focusing on the fashion and culture of the time period. Avoid perpetuating stereotypes or cultural appropriation. Instead, embrace the creativity and glamour of the era while respecting different backgrounds and identities.