The gangster style in clothes for girls (understood by fashion designers as the style of Chicago of the 30s) in recent years has been strongly associated with fun and chic themed parties, remembered by many from the 2013 film “The Great Gatsby”.
This style is popular because of its bombast and scope, and is therefore used at such events. What are the features of style and how to create the right look for a woman and a man will be discussed further with examples in the photo, and all the nuances of the wardrobe of that time.
Style Features
Gangster style or otherwise “Chicago” style, refers to the 20-30s. XX century and fashion of the American city of Chicago. Being a large industrial, commercial, business and rapidly developing territorial center, the city actively attracted representatives of the shadow economy - rich and influential “gangsters”.
Photos of girls in gangster style
Fabulous fortunes dictated the position in society - chic was required in the interiors of their own houses, vehicles and outfits. First of all, for yourself and your companion. The woman accompanying the gangster was certainly very expensively dressed, wearing furs, a dress made of the best fabrics, and flashy and spectacular jewelry.
All this flashy polish was valued only at secret night gangster meetings, in the light of day both men and women chose a calmer, decent image, otherwise the police could detain a citizen for his defiant appearance.
History of the dress
After World War I, society and fashion underwent major changes. Closed women's dresses were replaced by short, bare models with revealing necklines, short sleeves, high hems and an abundance of decorative trim, which was not available to women in wartime.
The hairstyle added piquancy to the exposed parts of the body - the women cut their hair into a bob and began to style it in waves. In addition, femininity went out of fashion and was replaced by masculinity, when the straight, flowing silhouettes of low-waisted dresses no longer emphasized the curves of the figure. The trend was thinness, a boyish physique and a complete denial of curvy figures.
As the post-war excitement died down a bit, clothing became more restrained. The style of women's dresses became more tight-fitting and complex (bias cut, cutouts and enhanced trim came into fashion). Modern “retro” images that designers borrow are closer to the 30s than to the decade before it.
Differences in gangster style
The gangster style for girls (photos of models of any size confirm this) can correct any figure. This makes it universal for any party, business meeting without ties, or formal event. Today, such a style is not widespread in everyday life, it does not shine with high cost, but it characterizes self-confident women and men.
Basically, it is in demand only at themed parties and weddings. One should also distinguish the gangster style from the Gatsby style - the latter is calmer, more close to retro, the images use lighter shades of clothing in pastel and beige tones, as well as a restrained set of accessories.
Casual clothes for girls
Casual gangster-style clothing must display three characteristics to be recognizable:
- Cocktail or ankle length dress. The colors are predominantly dark, deep tones, but delicate pastel shades are also possible in the daytime version. The number of decorative elements should be minimized and there should be no cutouts. Discreet bows and discreet beadwork are acceptable; fringe, mesh and fur are unacceptable.
Instead of a dress, a classic pantsuit is suitable. Without stripes, dark color (black, burgundy). It is possible to complement the look with a small hat.
- Shoes with thin high heels or low heels “glass” (depending on the type of suit and the girl’s height).
- Wave hair styling. For those with a bob haircut, it will be interesting to comb your hair to the side and fluff up the ends, giving excessive volume.
Dresses for parties, holidays
The gangster style for girls (photos of some images can be confusing) is not only feminine, sometimes girls try on a male gangster suit.
Each costume has its own characteristic features:
Dress
In the classic version, gangster-style dresses come in cocktail or long evening dresses. For parties, modern girls use a cocktail dress that is above the knee, which is a reworking of the classic cut - a dress from the era of the 30s. were ankle length, 20s. - to the knee.
Short dresses are completely embroidered with beads, rhinestones, sequins, crystals, flounces are created on them, fringe is sewn on, or the entire dress is completely embroidered with gold or silver thread.
Long dresses are sewn in an open-back style, if the figure allows, from expensive fabrics:
- velvet;
- taffeta;
- silks;
- atlas;
- tulle.
Men's suit
A budget option for a gangster look for girls, because most of the clothing items can be borrowed from the wardrobe of a modern man:
- white shirt;
- classic trousers with an arrow;
- suspender;
- optional men's jacket that fits the shoulders;
- classic men's boots;
- wide-brimmed felt hat.
The default color of the suit is black, however, varieties of maroon and marsala colors are acceptable. If the shirt, jacket and trousers are taken from a woman’s wardrobe, the fit must be perfect. A longitudinal white stripe will add the most sexiness to a man's suit on a woman.
Wedding Dresses
The gangster style for girls (photos of wedding images are striking in their originality) involves elaborating the image down to the smallest detail. The range of accessories in this case is wider than in classic wedding looks, where the decisive role is given to the dress (with or without a veil), shoes and hairstyle.
The gangster style excludes from the list of wedding dress styles the “Ballroom”, “Fish” silhouettes, and all models with crinolines with rings. The best choice would be a fitted silk dress to the middle of the knee or to the floor, or a short A-line dress with a bias cut or step trim.
A thin transparent cape with embroidery and fringe (or threads on which beads are strung) hanging down from the chest will look organic on top of the dress. Lurex, ruffles, and a cutout at the back will create a clear match with the gangster style. The dress is paired with white shoes, pearls, a hat with a white veil and white gloves. A replacement for the hat can be a fancy hairpin with a net or a themed headband.
Shoes
The look of a gangster's girlfriend includes high patent stilettos or classic low-heeled pumps with any type of stockings. Shoe colors include: black, dark burgundy, dark green, London Topaz. Under suits stylized as men's, it is permissible to wear black patent leather men's boots or women's black ankle boots with low heels.
Gloves
Gloves must be worn with the dress; the length is up to the elbow or slightly higher. The color scheme is to match the dress or in sharp contrast (white - black, black - red). Gloves can be one-piece, covering the palm, or start from the wrist and be fixed with a rim on one of the fingers.
Stockings
Stockings in a gangster look can be:
- black thin;
- bodily thin;
- mesh (large and fine mesh);
- with a longitudinal seam at the back.
Hats, headbands
Gangster style images are always complemented by a choice of:
- Headband with soft or hard fixation. Fabric headbands are richly decorated with sequins, beads, lace, and lurex. Jewelry groups made of rhinestones, precious stones and minerals are attached to rigid crown bands. A long or short fluffy feather in white, black or other dark shades is classically attached to the headband.
- A mesh cap for half of the head, framing the back of the head. Such nets are decorated in front with a shiny brooch.
- A fancy hairpin with complex compositions made of mesh or chiffon. The hairpin can be placed closer to the face or on the top of the head, depending on whether the composition contains flowing pieces of fabric.
Suits, stylized as men's, are complemented by a strict wide-brimmed men's felt hat or a small compact hat with upturned edges. The crown of the hat can be decorated with a rim with a brooch, pearls or feathers.
Accessories
The status of a gangster’s girlfriend is emphasized by expensive furs in the form of:
- couplings;
- capes;
- boas;
- boa.
Handbags should be small, represented by clutches, wallets or handbags on a chain. For girls who smoke, a cigarette holder will decorate their wrist with a bracelet on. A cigar would be appropriate for a man's look.
Decorations
Gangsters, their wives and girlfriends are representatives of the rich classes of society. This explains the abundance of gold jewelry with diamond inlay in a gangster women's suit. For a festive stylized costume, gold-plated or silver jewelry with inserts of transparent crystals or strings of pearls gathered in the chest area is suitable.
Let's say white and black pearls. The whole image consists of:
- Beads. The beads should be long, freely flowing, and wrapped several times around the neck.
- Bracelets. Both rigid fixation and loose models are possible.
- Earrings. Optional skin item. When choosing earrings, preference should be given to long tassel earrings and massive vintage earrings with ornaments.
- Watch. Serve as an accessory for men's suits.
- Brooches.
- Pendants on the back.
Makeup and hairstyle
Parties or gatherings of gangsters took place only in the evening and at night.
Related to this is a woman’s choice of bright evening makeup, which is noticeable in the twilight:
- lined eyes with mascara;
- dense tone;
- bright blush;
- lips with a precisely defined shape and bright lipstick in all shades of red.
Strict lines prevail in the hairstyle, so the image is characterized by:
- cold smooth waves;
- shiny hair without stray strands, be sure to use hairspray or gel.
Men's costume for a gangster party
Creating a masculine look for a gangster party is not difficult.
As a base, you can use a classic three-piece suit or just trousers with a vest or jacket.
It is best to choose products of soft, discreet colors that will not be noticeable.
For the Chicago gangster style of clothing, models in black, gray, dark blue and brown, white fabric or a variant with vertical contrasting stripes are very suitable. Another important detail of appearance is the shirt. It should be monochromatic and match the color of the suit. You can also choose an option with a not too pronounced vertical stripe, but only if the suit itself is completely the same tone without a pattern.
If you don’t have suitable clothing, you can always rent it in specialized stores. The main thing is not to spoil the item during the party. Then it can be returned without any problems.
It should be remembered that the appearance of men may not be limited to a classic jacket and/or vest. A simple option with trousers and a cotton shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows will look good at a costume party. The main thing is to be sure to wear suspenders, which are an important notable addition characteristic of the Chicago clothing style.
Another important addition to a theme party is a tie. It is best to select strict options without unnecessary drawings. The color can be almost any, the main thing is that it matches with all the other clothes.
Other important additions that will complete the look would be large fat cigars, an umbrella cane or a regular patent cane, a wide-brimmed hat and a nice pocket watch. Weapons also became an interesting and almost integral accessory of the Chicago gangster style of the 30s. For men, revolvers or a Thompson submachine gun will suit the look best.
Party shoes should be classic. Strict patent leather shoes with a rounded toe are a good choice, but you can also opt for regular non-varnish models.
A long raincoat or coat is ideal as outerwear.
How to create a stylish look?
The gangster style is one of the favorites for girls; photos in the “Chicago” look are always recognizable. Several rules will help you make this image successful from scratch.
Necessary:
- Determine the strengths and weaknesses of your figure. Tight-fitting short dresses made of thin material will emphasize a petite build; loose dresses with rich drapery in the chest area will visually hide large breasts and problem areas along the edges of the underwear. Long floor-length dresses with a cutout at the back will emphasize good posture; they will also hide the uneven line of your legs. Dresses with a low waist will visually reduce the size of your hips and lengthen your height.
- Determine the purpose of the image. A sexy, figure-hugging men's gangster suit or fur boa won't work for lunch, and a modest dress with minimal accessories won't look interesting at a night out.
- Determine your color type to choose the appropriate dress color if it is not classic black or wedding white.
- Choose a dress and shoes.
- Choose accessories for the dress one at a time. For a beautiful magazine picture, the rule is 7 accessories to 1 basic outfit.
- Assess your capabilities in choosing jewelry and furs. The image should look expensive. When refusing genuine jewelry and furs, it is better to avoid fur capes altogether (rather than use faux fur) and choose 1-2 discreet pieces of costume jewelry. In this case, it would be more appropriate to focus on the headdress, handbag, and complexity of the dress.
Party room interior
You need to decorate the room where the Mafia-style party will take place with taste: the Mafia does not buy consumer goods or tasteless furniture.
- decorate indoor furniture with fabric;
- hang old newspapers on the walls (you can make them yourself, just like invitations);
- several photos of Chicago and Los Angeles at night.
Background music – jazz, blues, reggae.
Evening menu
The motto of this evening’s menu should be the expression “expensive and rich.” The mafia does not eat simple food and does not drink cheap alcohol. This doesn't mean you need to spend your last cash on snails from France and $1,000 champagne. Chic, as we know, is in the details:
- snow-white tablecloth;
- shiny dishes;
- fancy folded fabric napkins;
- cards with guest names;
- If possible, silverware and thin glasses.
Try to keep the entire menu in Italian style:
- for main course - pasta with Bolognese sauce;
- mini pizza for snack;
- risotto;
- various salads.
If you don't like Italian cuisine, that's okay - serve the meat the French way. Despite its triviality, this dish is loved by many and looks appropriate on any table. Complete the menu with a couple of original salads.
From drinks:
- gin;
- whiskey with ice;
- champagne;
- various cocktails.
Don’t be afraid to come up with themed names for your cocktails, like “Baron’s Revenge” or “Control Shot.”
Games during the party
Shall we play? Well, of course, this is the immortal game “Mafia”. Who doesn’t remember the sacramental “the mafia wakes up”! Before the party, read the rules of the game. It is advisable to even print it out to read to your guests (as the rules may vary in each guest's mind).
To play you will need:
- masks (make from paper) or just scarves for blindfolding;
- cards that can be taken in the board game “Mafia” buy the board game “Mafia” here. Choose any option!
Try throwing money down the drain - the mafia’s favorite pastime (after a showdown, of course). Stock up on counterfeit bills (you can buy them in the office supply or souvenir department).
Have a competition to see who can blow the next bill off their palm. You can have guests tie a bow with their hands cuffed. You can compete in shooting with a toy gun. Lots of opportunities for fun!
Don't forget, of course, to take pictures. To do this, decorate a photo zone in the “Mafia” style.
Photos from a Mafia themed party will remind you more than once of the fiery evening and lift your spirits.
Modern looks in retro style
Chicago style certainly returns to the catwalk every year, either slightly reworked or in separate elements. And recent years have been no exception.
The following were demonstrated on the podium:
Year | Design solutions |
2017 | Real “Chicago” dresses with a modern twist from Rochas. |
2018 | Shiny finishes are the main trend of the spring-summer season. And:
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2019 | Fringe as the main trend of the spring-summer season. And:
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The gangster style is chosen again and again for girls by famous fashion houses, this can be seen from the photos of the spring-summer collections of any year. This is because beauty, femininity, grace and sexuality are inexhaustible themes that are understandable and loved by women around the world.