1920s Red Dresses

Red Flapper Dress 1920s Style: All Red or Black and Red

An all-red dress, such as a red fringe mini or a red dress with beads, makes a strong single-color statement. It suits a Valentine's Day party, a birthday or a casino night where you want to be easy to spot across the room. Black and red is the more common 1920s mix, with black sequins or fringe combined with red. It is slimming, a little darker in mood and works well for evening events and New Year's Eve.

Many styles on this page offer black and red as one option among several, often next to black and gold or black and silver. On those pages the option is usually called black red, and the first photo may show a different shade.

Wine Red and Burgundy 1920s Dresses

Wine red and burgundy are deeper and more formal than bright red. They suit winter weddings, a black-tie dinner or a holiday party, and they pair well with gold-tone jewelry. A wine red sequin gown or a 1920s cocktail dress in wine red looks refined rather than flashy.

Rose red, found on some fringe and sequin styles, is brighter and pinker, a good option for spring events and bachelorette parties.

Choosing a 1920s Red Dress by Length and Fabric

Fringe dresses move the most and are the best choice for dancing the Charleston. Beaded dresses hang heavier and swing more slowly, which gives an elegant drape. Sequin dresses catch the light and photograph well. For length, a mini or knee-length dress is the typical flapper look, while a ball gown or long sequin gown suits a formal event or a 1920s-themed wedding.

Beaded and sequin fabrics have little stretch. Measure your bust and hips, check both figures against each size chart, and go up a size if you land between two.

Styling a Red Flapper Dress from the 1920s

With bright red, black accessories give a sharp contrast: long black gloves, a black feather headband and black T-strap heels, or red mary jane heels in the same shade as the dress. With wine red or black and red, gold-tone jewelry and faux pearls look warm and rich. Keep makeup classic, with a red lip matched to the dress and defined eyes.

For your partner, a black suit with a red bow tie or burgundy suspenders ties the two outfits together.

1920s Red Dress FAQ

Did women wear red in the 1920s?

Yes, red was worn, especially in the evening, although black, metallics and pastels were more common. Today red is a popular Gatsby party choice because it stands out.

What shoes go with a red flapper dress?

Black heels are the safest match. Red heels in the same shade, or gold color heels with black and red dresses, also work.

Is a red dress appropriate for a wedding?

At most weddings a red dress is fine for guests, though in some cultures red is reserved for the bride. If in doubt, choose wine red or ask the couple.

How do I wash a sequin or beaded dress?

Follow the care label. Most need gentle spot cleaning or a cold hand wash, then drying flat without wringing.