You won’t surprise anyone anymore with an ordinary party without any stylistic idea. More and more people are trying to organize celebrations in a rather original way: either by choosing an unusual venue, or by relying on exotic entertainment, or by giving preference to costumed events.
There are many themes for a costume party. Here everyone chooses according to their preferences or capabilities. But the main thing is that the style of the evening really matches the declared one.
One of the most popular party themes is 1930s Chicago gangster style. This period is still considered romantic and mysterious. And if you take into account all the paraphernalia of that time, then this is generally an ideal solution for a celebration. In addition, this theme is universal, because it is suitable for different ages: both children and adults will be happy with such an evening. The gangster style will fit well into name days, New Year’s festivities, and corporate fun. What can I say, even weddings are held in this design.
If your choice is a gangster party, then you should pay special attention not only to the design of the room and dishes, but also to the costumes. They should, if not completely, then at least partially correspond to the chosen era. And since it is quite problematic and expensive to provide all invited guests with outfits, it is better to warn them in advance about the dress code. And to save money, instead of buying a ready-made outfit, invite them to create it themselves, using what they have at home, or purchasing the necessary materials as little as possible.
And now advice from Zavodila.com to everyone who wants to create their own unique image for the Gangster Party.
By the way, we advise you to look at the costumes from our gangster party.
Mafia outfit: acceptable and not
Most people associate Chicago in the 1930s with luxury, good taste, weapons and the mafia.
Therefore, when creating an image, it is necessary to take these points into account. In order for the appearance to be recognizable, it is necessary to pay close attention to many details. It is clear that luxurious outfits are not cheap. To achieve the desired effect without spending a lot of money, you should use materials that are more budget-friendly, but no less effective.
Outfits for a gangster-style party should not be flashy or provocative. The best option is elegant dresses and suits. It should be noted that too revealing clothing is also not encouraged. Otherwise there are no restrictions.
Gangster style for girls. Photo for a party, holiday. Hairstyles, clothes, accessories
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.
Men's costume for a gangster party
The image of a Chicago mafioso is not difficult to create. This does not require any special skills or special materials. In almost every closet you will find those wardrobe items from which you can put together a wonderful suit.
First of all, you will need a classic suit. It can be either pure black, brown, dark blue or white, or with horizontal thin stripes of a contrasting color. Many people will find something similar, from a wedding, for example. If you don’t find exactly that color, it doesn’t matter. Other colors are also suitable: the main thing is that they are not too bright and catchy, because the mafia style is restraint and efficiency. Ideally, a three-piece suit would be suitable, with not only a jacket, but also a vest. But you can wear a vest without a jacket, just like a jacket without a vest.
If nothing suits you at all, rent a suit.
The next item is the shirt. Many will also find it in their wardrobe. The main thing is that it is monochromatic and matches the color of the suit: they can be either the same color or contrasting. It’s better if it’s cotton or silk (in case you have one lying around).
Well, where would we be without a tie? Even, red, white, gray or silver without patterns or unnecessary details are suitable. But if neither you nor your friends have a tie, then you can safely replace it with a bow tie. In this case, you don’t need to buy anything special. It’s not difficult to make: you need to fold a small rectangular or square piece of fabric like an accordion and sew it in the middle, forming a butterfly. Next, the resulting element should be secured directly to the shirt or to an elastic band that will be hidden under the collar of the shirt.
A very important item of costume is a wide-brimmed hat. It is unlikely that you will be able to make this accessory yourself, so you should arrange a total inspection not only in your closet, but also in the closets of your friends. Straw and leather hats are not suitable. And felt or fabric water is what you need. If the hat is not the same color as the suit, then to create a single ensemble, you should attach a thin ribbon of the same color as the selected outfit to it.
If we talk about shoes, the ideal option would be patent leather shoes with a round toe. But since it’s quite problematic to find them these days, you can wear any classic shoes that you have. The main thing is that you should not try to wear sneakers or moccasins, even if they are black. Such a choice will completely destroy the image and give it absurdity.
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.
Women's costume for a gangster party
It’s even easier for ladies to make a costume from scrap items and materials, because the choice of outfits for them is much larger.
To begin with, they, just like men, can wear a classic trouser suit in black, brown, dark blue or white. Instead of trousers, a pencil skirt will work well. But few people choose this option. Most people prefer a dress.
A dress for a party in the style of Chicago of the 30s gives room for creativity. You can, without thinking too much, wear a black cocktail dress. It will also look luxurious in combination with the appropriate accessories.
And you can take a good look at your wardrobe. There will probably be dresses made of chiffon, satin, silk or velvet. The length can be very different: from very long to the floor and to knee level. But it would be difficult to call such a dress gangster - it will still need a little modification. A few meters of fringe or rhinestones with sequins are suitable for this. If we talk about fringe, then you should trim the dress with it at your discretion. You can put it only on the bottom of the dress, or add a little in the sleeve area. Or you can spend a little more time and trim the entire outfit with it in several rows horizontally. But this is not important either. You can trim it with fringe in absolutely any way you like, the main thing is that it looks beautiful.
For some dresses, fringe is not an option, since under its weight your decoration can lose its shape and look like a bag. Then self-adhesive rhinestones will come in handy for a budding clothing designer. There are, of course, those that need to be sewn on, but this is time-consuming and irrational. You regulate the number of rhinestones used yourself. They can be attached randomly, or you can lay out some kind of pattern. But in any case, their shine and shimmer will create the necessary luxurious ambience.
The dress is good, but other items of clothing are equally important. A fur cape or boa would be a beautiful addition. If you don’t have one at home, you can unfasten the fur collar from your winter coat. It will also look decent. As an option, you can use a light chiffon scarf, but it will only be appropriate in the warm season with a chiffon or silk dress. But you can safely throw a boa over your shoulders or wrap it around your neck at any time of the year. Moreover, the color scheme here can be very diverse.
But while you can do without furs, you can’t do without gloves. They will add elegance and sophistication. Only real craftswomen can sew them on their own, but the rest will have to use their own or borrowed from their friends. In this costume, both very long gloves made of opaque material and short lace ones would be appropriate.
As for shoes, any high heels in the same color as the dress will do. Don't have the right color? Then choose classic black ones.
Since we are talking about legs, it should be noted that stockings or tights with fine mesh are suitable for the gangster style. Stockings with a horizontal stripe at the back will look especially plausible. And the openwork garter, neatly peeking out from under the dress, will add piquancy to the look.
A real lady's accessory is a headdress. For the image of a mafia girlfriend, cute little hats decorated with a large feather are suitable. But if you couldn’t get a hat, then instead you can safely use a small piece of thin edging in pure black or decorated with lurex or rhinestones. A feather is also attached to it. Instead of a feather, you can attach a small veil to the hat.
Another option is to wear an elegant hat with a wide brim. But such a headdress will be appropriate only if your image is directly of a lady connected with mafia affairs, and not just a gangster’s girlfriend.
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.
What do Chicago style dresses look like? Photo
The fashion trend is divided into two periods. The appearance of the style dates back to the very beginning of the 20s. After the First World War, fashion was characterized by modesty and restraint. The clothing covered the knees and sometimes reached the ankle. Long sleeves and a small neckline were mandatory. The main feature of the early period of the style is the original cylindrical cut with a low waist. The straight silhouette does not highlight the chest and waist area, but it does highlight the hip line well.
The second stage of the development of the style took place under the harsh conditions of Prohibition. This time is vividly represented in the film “The Great Gatsby”. It reflects the rapid onset of an era of decaying morality, loss of moral values and enchanting jazz.
The 1930s Chicago style dress is frank and bold, bordering on daring. The length of the products has noticeably shortened, revealing the lovely ladies' legs for everyone to see. The emphasis was placed on a narrow waist and broad shoulders. The lengths and styles of sleeves became varied and were made in the form of wings, lanterns, and tulips. Women boldly exposed their shoulders and arms, choosing dresses with thin straps.
The neckline noticeably deepened, cutouts were added on the back, and a cowl collar appeared. A variety of shapes and silhouettes affected the upper part of the dresses. A fitted model with a turn-down collar in a light shade was very popular. High fasteners similar to men's shirts, lush jabots, ruffles, and thick ruffles came into fashion. V-necks combined with extended shoulder lines have gained particular popularity.
The previously lowered waistline has returned to its natural position. The slightly tight silhouette and bias cut of the dress made it possible to beautifully emphasize the smooth lines of the body. Fashionable images carried subtle notes of femininity and sexuality.
To sew dresses in the Chicago style, velvet, satin, silk, chiffon and other fabrics with a rich texture and noble appearance were widely used. The models are decorated with fur, lace, embroidery of rhinestones, sequins and beads. An indispensable attribute of the style is the fringe that frames the hem of the dress. All together creates a bright, memorable image.
Who suits Chicago style dresses?
Absolutely all women can wear spectacular clothes in a retro spirit. For those with non-ideal shapes, models from the early period of the style are well suited. A loose fit, a slight slack at the hips and long sleeves successfully hide the fullness of the body and broken proportions.
Slender, thin girls can safely choose a dress for a party in the style of Chicago, dating back to the 30s. Candid models show off slender legs and all the charms of a graceful silhouette. And if you have broad shoulders and a figure that resembles an inverted triangle, then in a dress from the Chicago era you will look simply perfect.
The length of the outfits is chosen based on the individual characteristics of the build. Mini or short models that slightly reveal the knee are suitable for young slender women. For overweight ladies, the best option is from mid-calf to ankle.
Chicago style dress - perfect choice for a party
Retro style belongs to a special category of fashion that is always relevant. Each period of the past left its mark on history, therefore, through things related to it, a connection with the present day is expressed. Of the large number of fashion trends, Chicago style looks especially bright and attractive. This is typical women's fashion from the 1930s. If you want to shine at an exciting party or become the center of attention at a festive event, then a Chicago style dress is the perfect choice.
How to create a stylish look?
Dress
The first sign of Chicago images is femininity and beauty. Therefore, you will need a simple, fitted dress with a slightly lower waist and multiple decorations. First of all, it is a thick fringe, which is used to trim the hem of a skirt or décolleté area. Other design options: stones, beads, sparkles, lace, fur.
For sewing Chicago dresses, fabrics made from natural silk, delicate velvet, shiny satin or airy chiffon are best suited. Products in black, wine, blue, lilac and other noble colors look organic and stylish.
A long dress in the Chicago style is well suited for significant events and holiday celebrations. In short models it is convenient to dance and have fun at fiery youth parties, stylized in a retro spirit.
Chicago style wedding dresses are far from the usual classics. The bride has the opportunity to improvise in creating her outfit. A fitted dress, just below the knee length and tapering downward, looks stylish. The low-waisted model made of shiny flowing fabric looks especially impressive. White or flesh-colored fishnet stockings and tall, narrow gloves made of silk or lace go well with the wedding attire. A fluffy boa and a string of pearls will complete the bride's look.
Shoes
On your feet, wear elegant round-toe pumps fastened with a strap. The glass-shaped heel is low and stable. It is quite possible to replace the Chicago shoe option with a modern high stiletto heel.
Accessories
- A handbag similar to a postal envelope that is carried in the hands.
- On the head is a small hat or headband decorated with flowers or sequins.
- A long string of pearls wrapped several times around the neck. You can wear several gold plated chains or necklaces with artificial crystals.
- The shoulders are warmed and decorated with a fur stole.
- On the legs are dark stockings or tights with a fine mesh.
- The long, graceful mouthpiece in the hands is another bright, noticeable touch.
The main trend in fashion style: a set of shoes, hats, gloves and handbags are kept in the same color scheme.
