The perfect outfit may be in your closet.

The Gatsby is only a few weeks away -- and you're wondering what to wear.

To preserve the Gatsby magic, everyone is asked to come in deco-era attire. Once a year, we create an afternoon of elegance without athletic shoes, jeans, t-shirts, pantsuits on women, or open-necked shirt collars on men. The Great Gatsby was published in 1925, but our clothes and vintage cars span the years between the two World Wars, 1919-1942. Within that time span, there are many "looks" that can flatter: the soft, romantic early '20s, the drop-waisted flapper, the svelte '30s, the form-fitting early '40s. All these have certain principles in common.

• The Gatsby is a Summer Afternoon lawn party. Evening wear (tux and beaded gowns) are not appropriate before six. Think garden party or wedding. The Speakeasy Look (feather boa and fringed flapper dress, gartered sleeves on men) is wrong. (That may be where Gatsby made his money, but it's not correct for his party!)
• A few people will wear sportswear of the time such jodphurs (riding pants), plus fours (knee pants), or tennis whites. They will also be perfectly accessoried with hats, jackets, etc. This is actually harder than it looks to pull off.
• You will be looking in your closet for garments with simple lines, natural fabrics, and light colors. You may have the perfect outfit already. You just need to pull the pieces together.

The Gatsby gentleman, from the ground up.

• Shoes: Ditch the athletic shoes. Look for bucks, saddle shoes, oxfords, or loafers.
  Two-tone combinations are in. Socks with small patterns or argyles have an elegant sporty look.
• Pants: Look for chinos, simple slacks, seersuckers, small checks or plaids, in lighter colors and fabrics.
  Suspenders will keep them riding at a level closer to the natural waist.
• Shirt: Long-sleeved cotton in white, stripes, or light colors. A contrasting white collar and French cuffs is perfect,
  but a button-down Oxford will do (they were worn for boating and less dressy occasions).
  Ties with stripes or small geometric prints are fine: bow ties are very chic.
• Jackets: Sports jackets in light fabrics or navy blazers are wonderful. Double-breasted is great if you can wear it.
  If you don't have a jacket, a sleeveless sweater vest makes a nice substitute, and looks quite collegiate.
• Vests: By all means! A man appearing in a shirt was rather shocking in the presence of ladies.
  You could wear a sweater vest.
• Hat: Top it all off with a dashing straw Panama hat, or the dapper boater. They protect you from sun and finish the look.
• Remember to have fun combining patterns and colors. For personal grooming, your nattiest close shave and hair trim. Sunglasses were small, not giant Ray-Bans.

Gatsby Gals from Head to Toe

• Hair and makeup: Bobbed hair may have been the cat's pajamas, but many women kept their long tresses rolled neatly in a knot at their neck. Long straight hair was left down on little girls.
  Elaborate hairdos and makeup can be fun, but the natural, wholesome, girl next door look is always appropriate. Lipstick was red, not brown, pink, orange, or purple (lots of shades within red). Eyebrows were thin -- you can fake this with foundation and eyebrown pencil.
• Hat: The cloche is what we think of for the '20s, but not everyone can wear it. Big garden party hats flatter everyone and offer sun protection. Pinning up a modern straw hat in back, front, or side with a flower is a good improvisation. Hats in the '20s came down to the eyebrows, giving a charming coquettish look.
• Dress: Look for lightweight natural fabric (silk or rayon or cotton), plain or with small geometric or floral prints. Whisper-light layers of georgette in soft muted colors are perfect. Dropped waists are great; you can add one to some unfitted gowns by adding a sash. A more fitted dress would suggest 1930s or '40s, which is fine too. Light colors look festive and youthful, but mature women would also have worn navy, brown or black fabrics that had a summer air.
• Shoes: The Gatsby is a big outdoor event with lots of walking. Don't wear your best vintage shoes. The perfect '20s shoe has a french heel and cross straps. Little oxfords or "old lady shoes" work for '30s and '40s. And don't forget hose -- if you can't find seamed hose, you can draw a seam on your leg with eyebrown pencil.
• Accessories: Purse and gloves. The clutch purse becomes popular in the 1920s and continues through the 1950s. Gloves complete the look -- the little lace ones are fun if you are not accustomed to wearing them. Sunglasses should be small, not giant Ray-Bans. And don't forget your parasol! If you ever wanted to carry one, this is the perfect place.

Deco devotees shop year-round for the perfect ensemble and accessories, at the big deco shows, in vintage clothes shops, at department store outlets and thrift shops, or online through eBay. See our advertisers.

If you still have questions: first consult your invitation; then ask us for a copy of the "How To Gatsby Handbook."

Plan now for the Perfect Gatsby Picnic with tips from Laurie Gordon, from 2002's "Getting Ready"