PARTY QUEEN / Mar 18, 2022

WHAT TO WEAR TO A GREAT GATSBY-THEMED PROM: 6 DAZZLING DRESS IDEAS

Attending a Great Gatsby-themed prom? Transform yourself into the star of your very own F. Scott Fitzgerald story. We’ve rounded up six stunning dresses that’ll have you channeling the glitz, glam, and carefree spirit of one of the most iconic and defining eras in fashion—the Roaring Twenties.

Nail the Great Gatsby Prom Theme with These 6 Dresses

Not familiar with The Great Gatsby? It's a 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, famously adapted into a film in 2013 (hello, Leonardo DiCaprio!). The story perfectly captures the 1920s in all its glory: think opulence, wealth, and over-the-top, glamorous parties. So when you’re faced with the Great Gatsby prom theme, know you’re in for one of the most lavish and unforgettable nights of your life.

Here are 6 gorgeous dresses that capture the craftsmanship, care, and attention to detail of this era. 

1. Red Sweetheart Dress with Rhinestones

Get the Look: GL1543 - Mesh Sweetheart A-Line Long Dress with Rhinestones

Women's evening attire in the 1920s was all about the glam. To nail the Great Gatsby prom theme, you’ll have to need to dress to the nines. 

Embrace the era’s extravagance by wearing a dress adorned with the embellished details that defined the ’20s—specifically the Art Deco beading. This distinctive style involves arranging beads in a geometric pattern, giving dresses their wow factor. Plus, certain bead patterns can also offer a slimming effect. 

As for the color of your Great Gatsby prom dress, it's common to find beading on neutral-toned fabric like gold and beige. But to make your dress’ intricate beadwork truly stand out, consider choosing rich, deep colors like red. With a dress like this, you’re guaranteed to turn heads all evening long. 

2. Gold Cutaway-Shoulder Dress with Feather Details

Get the Look: GL3149 - Sequin Cut-away Shoulder Velvet Mermaid Dress w/ Wide Side Slit

The Great Gatsby prom theme is synonymous with luxury. And what's more luxurious than a gold dress? If you're aiming for more playful and flirty vibe, opt for a Great Gatsby prom dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a thigh-high slit. Now that is a look that would make the fashion rebels of the 1920s proud.

As we’ve mentioned, embellishments like beads and sequins are a must for the Great Gatsby prom theme. But if you really want to dial up the drama, consider adding feathers—another signature element of 1920s style.

Think you should skip accessories with all that gold? Think again! Embrace the glamour by accessorizing with your finest jewels, such as shoulder-grazing earrings, or a 1920's staple—pearls. 

3. Green V-Neck Dress with Fringe Skirt

Get the Look: GL1824 - Illusion V-Neck Embroidered Top and Sequin Skirt Mermaid Dress

No Great Gatsby-themed prom is complete without some fun on the dancefloor. Gatsby himself loved a good soirée where guests could shimmy and Charleston the night away. That’s why fringe details were the ideal embellishment for 1920s dresses—they added flair to every move. 

This green GLS by Gloria creation features a full-fringe skirt crafted from sequins, which not only add to its dazzle, but also amp up the drama. It may be all green, but there’s nothing plain about it! With every inch dripping in sequins and a hue that's sure to turn heads, this dress guarantees you'll either have everyone lining up to dance with you or wishing they were you.

For partywear in the 1920s, it was also common to find dresses with deep-V necklines. They were on trend then—and they still are today! While the modern woman would probably leave her collarbone bare, fashionistas of this period loved a good accessory. Long strings of pearls, beaded clutches, bejeweled headbands, and gloves capture this era perfectly.

4. Silver Metallic Mermaid Dress

Get the Look: GL2509 - Strap Neckline Glitter Mesh Mermaid Long Dress

There are two types of girls out there: those who stun in silver and those who dazzle in gold. If you're a silver girlie, make it your choice for your Great Gatsby-inspired dress! Pair that metallic shade with some (okay, a lot of) sparkle, and you've got yourself a look that nails the vintage aesthetic. 

If your personality is as bold as Jordan Baker’s, let it shine through a Great Gatsby-inspired dress with unconventional details. This dress, featuring daring cutouts, is reminiscent of the 1920s’ signature mesh designs, which showed off skin while remaining tasteful. 

Sleeveless gowns with deep-V necklines were also all the rage in the 1920s—and they’re just as stylish today. When paired with a mermaid skirt, these gowns can highlight your curves to give you that stunning hourglass silhouette. Complement your Great Gatsby prom dress with a fur shawl, and you'll look like you’ve walked straight off an Old Hollywood movie set.

5. Multicolored V-Neck Dress with Sequins

Get the Look: GL2899 - Illusion V-Neck Full Sequin Spaghetti Strap Long Dress

Great Gatsby-inspired prom dresses often feature a lot of the same elements: flashy embellishments, luxurious colors, and playful silhouettes. This dress checks off all those boxes but manages to stand out with its multicolored design. While many Great Gatsby-inspired gowns favor solid tones, this one stands out with its violet sequins that transition to gold. (Don’t you just love a multi-tone moment?)

And can we talk about that 1920s motif-inspired pattern at the bottom? It’s serving Art Deco while giving the illusion of fringes on a flapper dress. 

While many Great Gatsby party dresses come with short sleeves, this one rocks spaghetti straps, adding a fresh twist to this otherwise period-specific style. To fully capture the jazzy vibes of this dress, we recommend pairing it with long gloves or a bejeweled headband. Throw your hair up in a slicked-back bun, and you'll look like you’ve stepped right out of the ‘20s.  

6. Glitter Mesh Gown with Feather Details

Get the Look: GL1983 - Feather Embellished Sleeveless Glitter Mesh Prom Dress w/ Sheer Back

When you think of 1920s fashion, flapper dresses immediately come to mind—short, slip-style pieces with loose fits and fringes. To channel that carefree flapper spirit without being too on the nose, opt for a dress with feather embellishments. This gown offers the right amount of ‘20s flair while keeping things fresh—perfect if you’re steering away from anything that looks too costumey.

Featuring feathered panels on the skirt, this floor-sweeping gown references the fringes of classic flapper dresses. The beaded bodice adds a luxurious flair, while the open back offers that quintessentially 1920s touch. Now all you need is a feathered headband to complete your Great Gatsby prom dress. 

Get the Great Gatsby Look at GLS Collective

Embrace the glitz and glam of the Roaring 20s with Great Gatsby-inspired dresses from GLS Collective. Or curated collection of 1920s-style prom dresses infuses old-world charm with a modern twist, ensuring you look on-theme yet on-trend. Explore our full catalog today to shop creations that nail the Great Gatsby prom theme. 

Looking for prom fashion tips and inspo? Check out these must-read articles:

• 5 Fabulous Outfits for a Great Gatsby-Themed Party
• Best Tips To Prepare for Your Prom Night
• 2024 Prom Dress Trends: 6 Looks that Deserve the Crown