Trystan's Costume Closet

Shortly after Gatsby 2005, I bought this dress off eBay. It was listed as 1920s, but I think the style is more ’30s. It’s a somewhat transitional shape — neither fully straight nor fully fitted in the bust or waist. The waist is dropped, and the handkerchief hem is just around the knees. The dress is made of two rayon-y fabrics, with the grey overskirt being rather chiffon-y. There’s a left-size zipper, which puts into the 1930s. But the style does make a node towards the previous decade’s fashion.

Anyway, I like the color combination (c’mon, I couldn’t wear that pastel thing again! people were already making fun of me for dressing so un-goth, un-me at Gatsby :-). The shape and fabrics had a sporty feel that seemed right for the picnic.

At Claire’s in the mall, I found a long bead-and-chain necklace with faux-jet and gunmetal beads, plus small faux-jet dangle earrings. Perfectly coordinated with the dress. I already had some 1910s-1920s shoes in black leather. Just needed a hat.

Well, I searched off and on for months and couldn’t find anything suitable. I wanted a grey cloche or rounded-crown hat I could cut down into a cloche. I didn’t want a black cloche, because that would blend in with my black hair. But I had no luck. Bid on some hats on eBay and searched thrift store, all to no avail.

Finally, I gave up. A week before Gatsby, I dug out my old black sun hat and tacked up the front. I slapped on some grey ribbon and a vintage black velvet rose. Not particularly pleased with how it turned out, but it would suffice.

Since my dear husband was joining the picnic this year, I had to find something for him to wear. That was a piece o’ cake. At the thrift store, I found a linen vest in his size (made by Banana Republic, how perfect), plus a burgundy silk tie in a small print. He already had khakis and a white button-down shirt, as well as a pale “Indiana Jones” hat he wore in Egypt. Together, the outfit had a vintage-archaeologist feel, which suited him well.

We had a grand time at Gatsby, although I don’t think I’m allowed to wear clothes made before 1950 anymore. By the end of the day, a couple seams of my dress had loosened, and by the time I got home, the underarm seams on both sleeves had ripped straight through! No fabric tears, so it could easily be mended. But I think the point is that I am not enough of a delicate flower to wear truly old vintage garments. I’ve always owned a lot of 1950s and 1960s dresses and jackets, with little or no damage. I guess I can’t go any older than that. Guess I’ll need a new dress for the next Gatsby!