If you’re planning to attend a 1920s or 1930s lawn garden party, you may be wondering about the ideal attire for the event. Dressing up for such an occasion can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be a bit overwhelming, considering the elegance, glamour, and sophistication of the era. Here are some detailed tips on how to dress up for a 1930s lawn garden party.
Women's Vintage Daywear
For women, dresses were the most commonly worn attire for garden parties during the Art Deco era. Because lawn parties were not as formal as an evening out, dresses worn for these occasions did not include the fringe and sequins we see depicted in costumes. Choose a dress made of light and airy fabric, such as chiffon or silk, with a flowy and feminine silhouette. Bias-cut dresses were the popular style of the 1930s, which hugged the body and had a slinky, elegant shape. In the 1920s, ladies opted for a drop-waist cut dress. You can also opt for tea-length dresses, which were fashionable during the era. Perfect colors for a garden party include pastels, floral prints, and light shades of lavender, green, yellow, pink, and blue,
Accessories play a crucial role in completing your 1920s or 1930s garden party look. Hats were a must-have accessory during the era, and you could choose a wide-brimmed hat or a cloche hat, which was a popular style during the 1920s. Hats became smaller in the 1930s due to the Great Depression.
Complete your look with a pair of gloves, which add a touch of sophistication and elegance – after all, a woman never leaves the home without gloves. For jewelry, choose Art Deco-style pieces, such as long necklaces, brooches, and bracelets. Pearls are staples for daywear in this era. Finish off your look with a pair of strappy heels or sandals.
And no lawn party is complete without a parasol to keep the sun away from your face and shoulders!
Men's Vintage Daywear
For men, a suit is the perfect attire for a 1930s garden party. Choose a lightweight fabric like linen or cotton in light colors such as beige, cream, or light grey. Pair your suit with a dress shirt and tie in complementary colors in Art Deco patterns. Bowties were acceptable in the 20s and the 30s. For long neckties, a width of around 2-2.5 inches was fashionable in the 1920s, but grew to 3-3.5 inches in the 1930s.
Finish off your look with a pair of loafers or oxfords, a walking stick, and a pocket watch for your waistcoat.
Remember to accessorize with a hat. Men had multiple options in the 1920s-1930s for hats, such as a classic fedora, summer-time boater, derby/bowler, flat cap, and Hamburg,
Men aren’t always seen in a suit and tie. For those looking for something more casual for their time at a vintage garden party, consider ditching the suit jacket and tie for a pair of suspenders and a rolled-up button-down. Or perhaps a sweater vest and plus-fours that would make you look ready for a game of tennis or croquet!
Outside of the Box
Don’t feel like conforming to stereotypical dress? Express yourself by mixing masculine and feminine looks to find your vintage style. The Phoenix Art Deco Society welcomes all genders and forms of self-expression – don’t feel pressured to wear a dress when you’d much rather wear a pair of plus-fours!
One could also explore the unique styles of vintage beachwear. Although not customarily suited for a garden party, in 2024, we encourage all expressions of vintage style and encourage people to explore the many trends of the 1920s and 1930s. Consider fabulous beach pajamas, which were popular in the 1930s as women veered from the norm of typical dresses. Classic vintage swimwear is another option to consider. Pair your vintage beach or swimwear with Art Deco sunglasses, large hats, and strappy sandals or heels.
Expect to play some lawn games like bocce or croquet? Perhaps some vintage athletic attire would be best suited for your garden party experience:
Dressing up for an Art Deco vintage lawn party requires a careful selection of attire and accessories that reflect the glamour and sophistication of the era. Choose outfits made of light and airy fabrics, pastel colors, and floral prints for women, while men can opt for lightweight suits and fedoras. Accessorize with Art Deco-style jewelry, gloves, and hats to complete your look. With these detailed tips, you’ll surely turn heads and make a statement at your next garden party.
1 Comment
Viki Reed
Happy to see long wide left pants were in fashion. That’s something I have in my closet now!