1920s Long Dress

A 1920s long dress answers two different wishes: a floor-length silhouette for a formal evening, or sleeves to the wrist for cooler nights and a more covered look. This page brings both together, from beaded and fringed column dresses to sequin styles with long sleeves. Shorter and sleeveless cuts are in our main 1920s dresses collection.

Long Dresses from the 1920s for Formal Evenings

Day and party dresses of the decade usually stopped near the knee, but evening wear often went longer, and today a full-length version is the natural choice for a black-tie Gatsby gala, a 1920s-themed wedding or a New Year's Eve dinner. The beaded long dresses here come in black, red, ivory white and silver; the fringe formal long dress adds champagne, orange, pink, white and gold.

A long gold fringe dress moves beautifully when you walk, and a long black fringe dress is the safest bet if you want one gown for many events.

Long Sleeve 20s Dress Styles for Cooler Nights

Sleeves turn a party dress into something you can wear in November or at an outdoor winter wedding without a wrap. Choose a black long sleeve beaded dress for a classic, slightly severe line, a leopard sequin fringe dress for a bolder costume party, or a little black sequin dress with long sleeves that also works for a holiday office party.

Covered arms balance a short hemline, so the overall outfit looks polished rather than revealing.

How to Wear a Long Sleeve 20s Dress or a Floor-Length One

For a floor-length dress, keep accessories vertical: a long faux pearl strand, drop earrings and a slim headband or a feathered clip. With long sleeves, skip opera gloves and put the attention on the neckline and the hair instead.

Beading adds weight and swing; if that is the feel you want, compare with our beaded 20s dress page. Fringe is lighter and shows every move on the dance floor; the long white fringe dress, strapless or column, is a lovely first-dance choice.

1920s Long Dress FAQ

Were long dresses worn in the 1920s?

Yes, mainly for evening and formal events, while day dresses and party dresses were usually knee-length. A floor-length beaded or fringed dress fits a formal Gatsby party well.

What shoes go with a long flapper dress?

Mary Jane or T-strap heels in a metallic or black finish. A strap keeps the shoe secure, and a moderate heel helps keep the hem off the floor.

How do I store a beaded long dress?

Fold it flat in tissue paper rather than hanging it, since heavy beading can stretch the fabric on a hanger over time.

Should I size up for a long dress?

Go by the size chart rather than your usual label size; when torn between two, take the larger and let a tailor shorten the hem.