What to Wear

Help us create Gatsby magic. Come attired in '20s fashion and participate in our costume contest. Prizes will be given in four categories: Best Men's Costume, Best Women's Costume, Best Couple's Costumes, and Most Creative Costume.

The Gatsby Gentleman
Gatsby Gals
Where to Buy
Inspiration

The Gatsby Gentleman, From the Ground Up

• Shoes: Ditch the athletic shoes. Look for bucks, saddle shoes, oxfords, or loafers. Two-tone combinations are in. Socks with small patterns or argyles have an elegant sporty look.
• Pants: Look for chinos, simple slacks, seersuckers, small checks or plaids, in lighter colors and fabrics. Suspenders will keep them riding at a level closer to the natural waist.
• Shirt: Long-sleeved cotton in white, stripes, or light colors. A contrasting white collar and French cuffs is perfect, but a button-down Oxford will do (they were worn for boating and less dressy occasions). Ties with stripes or small geometric prints are fine: bow ties are very chic.
• Jackets: Sports jackets in light fabrics or navy blazers are wonderful. Double-breasted is great if you can wear it. If you don't have a jacket, a sleeveless sweater vest makes a nice substitute, and looks quite collegiate.
• Vests: By all means! A man appearing in a shirt was rather shocking in the presence of ladies. You could wear a sweater vest.
• Hat: Top it all off with a dashing straw Panama hat, or the dapper boater. They protect you from sun and finish the look.
• Remember to have fun combining patterns and colors. For personal grooming, your nattiest close shave and hair trim. Sunglasses were small, not giant Ray-Bans.

Gatsby Gals from Head to Toe

• Hair and makeup: Bobbed hair may have been the cat's pajamas, but many women kept their long tresses rolled neatly in a knot at their neck. Long straight hair was left down on little girls. Elaborate hairdos and makeup can be fun, but the natural, wholesome, girl next door look is always appropriate. Lipstick was red, not brown, pink, orange, or purple (lots of shades within red). Eyebrows were thin - you can fake this with foundation and eyebrow pencil.
• Hat: The cloche is what we think of for the '20s, but not everyone can wear it. Big garden party hats flatter everyone and offer sun protection. Pinning up a modern straw hat in back, front, or side with a flower is a good improvisation. Hats in the '20s came down to the eyebrows, giving a charming coquettish look.
• Dress: Look for lightweight natural fabric (silk or rayon or cotton), plain or with small geometric or floral prints. Whisper-light layers of georgette in soft muted colors are perfect. Dropped waists are great; you can add one to some unfitted gowns by adding a sash. A more fitted dress would suggest 1930s or '40s, which is fine too. Light colors look festive and youthful, but mature women would also have worn navy, brown or black fabrics that had a summer air.
• Shoes: The Gatsby is a big outdoor event with lots of walking. Don't wear your best vintage shoes. The perfect '20s shoe has a french heel and cross straps. Little oxfords or "old lady shoes" work for '30s and '40s. And don't forget hose - if you can't find seamed hose, you can draw a seam on your leg with an eyebrow pencil.
• Accessories: Purse and gloves. The clutch purse becomes popular in the 1920s and continues through the 1950s. Gloves complete the look - the little lace ones are fun if you are not accustomed to wearing them. Sunglasses should be small, not giant Ray-Bans. And don't forget your parasol! If you ever wanted to carry one, this is the perfect place.

Where to Buy

House of Black & White
Phone: (775) 322-5427
Address: 22 Martin Street, Reno, NV 89509
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Costumes rent from $50+ for women, $75+ for men; no shoes available

Mad Hatters
Phone: (530) 885-8860
Address: 140 Hoffman Ave, Auburn, CA
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Costumes rent from $50+ for men and women. Ask about their service club discount.

The Costumer
Web site: www.thecostumer.com

Inspiration

Check out the following links for inspiration from "The Great Gatsby."

From the Film
Internet Movie Database
Move posters
Photos from the 2000 made-for-TV movie

From the Book
Great Gatsby study guide
Check out "The Great Gatsby" from the Truckee Library

Downlod the Program
Get the Cadillac Ball Program.

Costume Contest Categories Announced!
Prizes will be given in four categories: Best Men's Costume, Best Women's Costume, Best Couple's Costumes, and Most Creative Costume. Check out the What to Wear page for more info.

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