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.
Let's go back in time
Fashionable style was first noted in Chicago, recognized as the criminal capital of America. In the 20s, gangsters dominated here, luxury and free morals reigned in society.
The 30s of the 20th century in world history are associated with a global economic crisis. Industrial enterprises closed, banks went bankrupt, people lost their jobs. Thus came the time of the Great Depression. Luxury was no longer accessible to most people, and this immediately affected the women's wardrobe. The basic style of clothing has become laconic, strict and rational. Fashion trends were built on an organic combination of restraint and elegance. Instead of precious stones and an abundance of furs, they began to use bright, intricate jewelry.
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.
Fashion accessories in Chicago style
Retro models, created in the spirit of gangster times, are distinguished by a simple and laconic cut. The restraint of the dresses was more than compensated for by the bright, varied decor. In the 1920s, women wore luxurious fur capes, feather boas and cascades of sparkling jewelry.
During the Great Depression, expensive products became unaffordable for most women. Therefore, they were replaced with artificial pearls, rhinestones and gold-plated jewelry. Long beads were twisted into a knot under the chest or thrown over the back, drawing men's attention to the deep neckline.
In the 1930s, dresses became shorter, boldly exposing women's legs. Black fishnet stockings have become especially popular. A mandatory attribute of the Chicago look were long gloves made of delicate silk or velvet. Models with wide bells were considered especially popular. The shoes featured a characteristic round toe and low, shaped heel.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Makeup and hairstyle
In the 30s, short haircuts were popular. Therefore, the hair is carefully arranged in a smooth hairstyle and securely fixed with hairspray. For convenience, you can use a wig. If you don't want to hide your long hair, put your curls in a beautiful hairstyle and varnish.
Chicago makeup is characterized by sharp lines and bright colors. Thin penciled eyebrows, dark shades of shadows, long black eyelashes - all this makes the look deep and soulful. The sensuality of the lips is emphasized by a clear contour and bright, rich lipstick.
What to wear with
The dress is suitable for many occasions. Let's look at some of them.
- Everyday options.
For this look, you should choose more closed dresses. The style attracts enough attention, so excessive decoration will be inappropriate.
For everyday wear, it is better to choose dresses in pastel shades. On top you can throw a jacket or jacket.
Pastel shades are suitable for a date and a walk, but you can also opt for bright colors. Let it be a dress made of thin material.
- The evening version is the original purpose of such a dress.
Choose multi-layered dresses; they will look even more impressive when dancing. Cutouts and deep necklines will look appropriate for parties. Fringe and glitter will add originality to the look.
Stockings and gloves look great with the evening option; they complement the look.
Small handbags on long chains and clutch bags are suitable for this dress.
Shoes – heels are a must. Choose shoes, sandals or ankle boots.
Don't forget about accessories - this is an integral element of a complete look. Choose pendants on long chains, multi-layered beads, gold bracelets, and long earrings.
Don't forget about your hair and bright makeup. This style involves curls and decorations in the hair, such as a feather, shiny hairpins.
