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Fashion in Film: The Great Gatsby

by Iasmina Ionescu


With stunning jewels, elegant silhouettes and flamboyant feathers, Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby was not only a fantastic movie adaptation, but an iconic fashion statement.



Embodying the showstopping nature of the Roaring ‘20s, the 2013 movie showed dapper suits, tailored to absolute perfection, paired wonderfully with cigars and martinis. 


This lifestyle, first explored in Fitzgerald’s novel, was once of riches and definitely not rags.


As lifestyles changed, so did fashion. The ‘30s saw long dresses and skirts paired with hats, gloves and well-tailored blazers, while the ‘20s brought short statement pieces that often exposed stockings and light colours.


The beautiful Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan) reflects what many ladies in the ‘20s only dreamed of wearing.


Inspired by the flapper movement, where young women were known for their energy and daring dances, Daisy and her companions’ dresses were works of art. Most of their fancy frocks were short enough to whirl without a problem, some with deep V-neck cuts while others opted to layer capes and scarves. 


Intricate beading, often accompanied by feather and fur accessories and a low heel, was perfect for dancing to the electric jazz music that overtook the era. One thing’s for sure - they really knew how to party.


On the other hand, gents like Mr Gatsby himself (Leonardo Dicaprio) always appeared dapper in three-piece suits and bowties, regardless of whether it was a late dinner or an evening ball.



One thing about the Gatsby movie costuming is that it was the opposite of casual. 


Which is only fitting given the set: galas with champagne towers, live jazz bands and plenty of evening entertainment had to be reflected in their outfits.


The colour palette of The Great Gatsby was a muted one, presumably encompassing Fitzgerald’s soft tone and romantic approach to the actually quite tragic story. 



Women are seen in gorgeous shades of cream, warm golds, dusky pinks, deep reddish purples and peacock greens, all with an extremely feminine touch. Daisy’s own wardrobe mostly comprised pale shades, often associated with wealthy women who didn’t work or do household tasks.


The wardrobe for men was split between black tie in the evenings, and subtle shades of cream, light blue and brown throughout the daytime. This play on colour for men’s suits shows the slight playfulness and open-minded approach to fashion in Gatsby’s era, as the party host wasn’t a stranger to colour.


Of course, an outfit in the 2013 movie was not complete without plenty of accessories. Daisy Buchanan is often seen with a selection of jewelled headbands, gloves, feather boas or necklaces and rings.


A style that will always be appreciated and make comebacks in garments through small details such as pearl accents, gold and silver hues and jewelled gowns, the extravagance of The Great Gatsby is what keeps the fashion statements of the ‘20s alive today.


As we’re living in the ‘20s again now, perhaps it’s time to look to costume designer Catherine Martin’s picks for our next outfit inspiration?


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