Channel 1920s Style with The Great Gatsby

The Fashionisto

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Updated January 20, 2023

Robert Redford Cream Colored Suit The Great Gatsby 1974Pin
A striking vision, Robert Redford wears a cream-colored suit in 1974’s The Great Gatsby. Photo Credit: Ronald Grant Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

The Great Gatsby Movie Style: Dapper 1920s Men’s Fashions

The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and published in 1925, holds an important place not only in the canon of American literature but also in the annals of film history. People have adapted the narrative of the American dream as it existed in the 1920s into a significant number of films.

Robert Redford Pinstripe Suit 1974 The Great GatsbyPin
Donning a pinstripe suit as Jay Gatsby, Robert Redford poses in front of a vintage car in a pinstripe suit. Photo Credit: Collection Christophel / Alamy Stock Photo

There have been a few famous adaptations of The Great Gatsby, including the 1974 version starring Robert Redford and the 2013 adaptation starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The films present an approachable image of 1920s style and dandy attitudes that can be embraced today, and to suggest that they are inspiring would be an understatement.

Mia Farrow Robert Redford White Tie 1974 The Great GatsbyPin
Mia Farrow and Robert Redford attend a white tie event in 1974’s The Great Gatsby. Photo Credit: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

The Great Gatsby (1974) Directed by Jack Clayton: Hollywood Glamour

Jack Clayton was the director of The Great Gatsby (1974), adapted for the big screen by Francis Ford Coppola. The iconic film cast the legendary actor Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby, Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan, and Sam Waterston as Nick Carraway. As the elegant leads of the picture, Redford and Farrow radiated the spirit of classic Hollywood and brought the glitz and glitter of the 1920s to life.

Robert Redford Pink Vest Trousers The Great Gatsby 1974Pin
Donning a pale pink tone, Robert Redford wears a matching waistcoat and trousers in The Great Gatsby. Photo Credit: PARAMOUNT PICTURES / Ronald Grant Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

Ralph Lauren for The Great Gatsby

Ralph Lauren’s involvement in the 1974 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby was a defining moment for his career. His task was to craft some of the movie’s costumes, and he delivered stylish shirts, ties, and even two suits custom-made for Robert Redford. He blended Theoni V. Aldredge’s fabric specifications into his designs for a stunning final product.

Unfortunately, what began as a positive collaboration between Lauren and Aldredge soon turned sour when Lauren claimed sole credit for the costume design in interviews, which left Aldredge infuriated. Despite this setback, Ralph Lauren’s contribution to The Great Gatsby is still remembered fondly by many today.

Robert Redford Jay Gatsby 1974 The Great Gatsby Pinstripe Waistcoat Striped ShirtPin
Robert Redford mixes stripes and pinstripes as the title character Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby. Photo Credit: Entertainment Pictures / Alamy Stock Photo
Robert Redford Swimsuit The Great Gatsby 1974Pin
Lounging in the pool, Robert Redford wears a twenties-inspired swimsuit for The Great Gatsby. Photo Credit: Collection Christophel / Alamy Stock Photo
Robert Redford Tuxedo 1974 Bow-tie The Great GatsbyPin
Actor Robert Redford dons an elegant tuxedo in 1974’s The Great Gatsby. Photo Credit: Album / Alamy Stock Photo

The Great Gatsby (2013) Directed by Baz Luhrmann: 1920s Revisited in Modern Context

Leonardo DiCaprio Cream Color Suit 2013 The Great GatsbyPin
Leonardo DiCaprio wears a cream-colored suit as Jay Gatsby in 2013’s The Great Gatsby. Photo Credit: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

In his adaptation of The Great Gatsby, released in 2013, director Baz Luhrmann gave the film a contemporary sheen by using opulent sets and a current soundtrack, which included performances by musicians such as Lana Del Rey and Fergie. The film starred Leonardo DiCaprio as the title character, Jay Gatsby, Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway, and Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan. 

Tobey Maguire Elizabeth Debicki The Great Gatsby 2013Pin
Tobey Maguire and Elizabeth Debicki channel the style of the roaring twenties in The Great Gatsby. Photo Credit: Photo Credit:
Leonardo DiCaprio Linen Suit The Great Gatsby 2013Pin
Leonardo DiCaprio dons a linen suit as Jay Gatsby in 2013’s The Great Gatsby. Photo Credit: Album / Alamy Stock Photo
Tobey Maguire Leonardo DiCaprio Suit 2013 The Great GatsbyPin
Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio suit up for 2013’s The Great Gatsby. Photo Credit: AJ Pics / Alamy Stock Photo

Revisit 1920s Style:

1920s Hair Styles
1920s Footwear
1920s Fashion Trends
1920s Hats


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