1920s Dresses for Tea Parties, Garden Parties & Gatsby Events

1920s dresses are perfect for tea parties, garden gatherings, and vintage-inspired celebrations that call for a little glamour without feeling overdone.

Whether you’re planning a 1920s tea party, attending a Gatsby-style event, or hosting a themed afternoon gathering, these dresses capture the elegance of the era while remaining comfortable, wearable, and fun.

This curated collection focuses on 1920s dresses that work beautifully for daytime tea parties as well as evening celebrations — flattering silhouettes, soft movement, and classic details inspired by the Roaring Twenties.

✔ Comfortable enough for sitting, mingling & dancing
✔ Works for tea parties, garden events & themed celebrations
✔ Vintage style without heavy costumes
✔ Easy to wear and easy to style

Flapper dresses are all about fun, freedom, and fabulous flair—perfect for twirling, shimmying, and making a sparkling entrance at any 1920s bash! Classic flapper dresses were all the rage in the 1920s. This iconic dress was popular during the Roaring Twenties, known for its bold, carefree, and rebellious vibe.

A flapper dress is has a loose, straight-cut silhouette that falls just above the knee (a daring length for the time!) and is typically covered with fringe, beads, sequins, or feathers that shimmer as the wearer dances. It was designed to allow women more freedom of movement, perfect for the energetic jazz age dances like the Charleston. We love these Gatsby Style Art Deco Embellished Fringed Flapper Dress

Our next pick is dramatic in pink, this 1920s-style dress is covered in sequins that will sparkle all night as you celebrate in style.

Long 1920s-style Dress

While flapper dresses are the most iconic style of the 1920s, the era also embraced longer, more elegant dresses that exuded a sense of sophistication and glamour. These longer styles, often referred to as “evening gowns” or “tea-length dresses,” were designed for more formal occasions and were perfect for elegant soirées, dinners, and upscale events. The silhouette was still relatively loose and drop-waisted, but the hemline fell to the floor or just below the calf, creating a graceful, fluid look.

Made from luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and chiffon, these longer dresses featured soft draping and often included intricate details like lace, embroidery, or delicate beading. The longer dresses were often accessorized with statement pieces—such as long gloves, pearls, and feathered headpieces—adding an extra touch of refinement. They captured the same spirit of freedom and modernity as the shorter flapper styles, but with an added sense of glamour, perfect for an evening under the stars or a lavish ballroom affair.

These long line dresses, with their elegant yet relaxed lines, became a symbol of the changing roles of women during the 1920s, offering a balance between sophisticated luxury and the era’s embrace of a more liberated, adventurous lifestyle.

And then bring on the 1920s party accessories….

1920s party dresses always paired with fabulous accessories that were just as bold, glamorous, and inventive as the dresses themselves, helping to complete the look with a dash of sparkle and style. Here’s a rundown of some of the most iconic accessories from the Roaring Twenties:

Headbands and Hairpieces

No flapper look was complete without a glamorous headband, often adorned with feathers, rhinestones, or even a decorative brooch. These headbands sat just above the forehead, adding a touch of sparkle to the bobbed haircuts that were all the rage. For a more dramatic look, women also wore elaborate tiaras or jeweled combs to hold their hair in place, giving an air of vintage glamour. Here are our pick off the best:

Gloves

Long gloves—made of satin or kid leather—were an essential part of formal attire during the 1920s. For evening parties, women often wore gloves that extended past the elbow, sometimes paired with wrist-length versions for a more casual but still polished look. Gloves were an elegant nod to refinement and were often worn in neutral shades like ivory, black, or pastels to complement the dress.

The 1920s “Prohibition Look” for men

For a more rebellious twist inspired by the Prohibition era, consider a more underground gangster or mobster look. Think sharp, dark suits (often in pinstripes), paired with a fedora, a cigarette holder, and perhaps a fake “gangster” prop like a Tommy gun for extra fun at a themed party. This adds a bit of daring, rebellious charm to your outfit, evoking the daring world of speakeasies and the roaring underground.Gangster Suit

Classic Gangster Suit

Gangster Outfit

This costume has the whole package – suit, hat, cigar, tie, pocket watch and handkerchief

Our tops tips for having a ball of a time at a 1920s event!

Attending a 1920s-style event is all about embracing the fun, flamboyance, and sophistication of the Jazz Age. Whether you’re heading to a Gatsby-inspired soiree, a Prohibition-themed party, or simply a stylish vintage affair, here are some last-minute tips to ensure you fully enjoy the experience:

Get into the Spirit of the Era

The 1920s was a time of liberation, excitement, and breaking from tradition. Channel that energy! Embrace the lively atmosphere of the era by indulging in some carefree fun. Whether it’s practicing your Charleston steps or simply enjoying the music, remember to have a good time and let the rhythm of the jazz take over. Dance like nobody’s watching!

Make a Grand Entrance

The 1920s were all about showmanship and style. When you arrive at the party, make sure to make a statement with your attire (whether you’re donning a flapper dress or a sharp tux). Remember, this was the golden age of extravagant soirées, so don’t be afraid to embrace the drama. And, if you’re feeling bold, try channeling the Gatsby spirit—a grand entrance is all part of the fun!

Sip a Classic Cocktail

The Prohibition era may have meant that liquor was illegal, but the 1920s were also the time when classic cocktails like the Gin Rickey, Sidecar, French 75, and Bee’s Knees were invented. So, grab a drink and enjoy it with a sense of nostalgia. If you’re feeling creative, try your hand at making one of these iconic drinks before heading out to the event!

Stay Playful and Have Fun with Your Outfit

Whether you’re dressed to the nines in a tuxedo or twirling around in a fringe-filled flapper dress, don’t forget that the 1920s was about both elegance and fun. Experiment with your look, take photos with friends, and enjoy the chance to wear something that’s a little over-the-top and full of flair. After all, the more glamorous the look, the more fun you’re going to have!

Let the Music Move You

The music is central to any 1920s event. The jazz, swing, and blues of the time were full of energy, and if you’re lucky enough to have a live band, enjoy the chance to experience the magic of real vintage sound. Even if you’re not a dancer, let the music take you on a journey through the spirit of the era.

Capture the Moment

Don’t forget to take photos, but make them authentically 1920s! Get creative with props like vintage cigarette holders, flapper headbands, or even a mock “Tommy gun” for some playful gangster flair. The night will fly by, and you’ll want to capture all those glamorous moments in true Jazz Age style.

Relax and Enjoy the Night

Let the jazz roll, the fashion shine, and most importantly—have a roaring good time!

More Vintage Party Fashion Ideas HERE

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