What to wear to a swing themed party?

February 5, 2008 6:26 AM

I need reference for an outfit for a Swing themed party.

My friend is having a party with a swing band playing and we're expected to look the part. They have given the 20s and Prohibition era as reference but another friend has suggested it is more 30s/40s - and to be honest I don't have a clue. Any suggestions for what me and my girlfriend should wear?

Also, definitely swing dancing and definitely not swinging.

posted by stackhaus23 to clothing, beauty, & fashion (9 comments total)

You could dress as Nazis.
posted by Faint of Butt at 6:52 AM on February 5, 2008

You can rent a zoot suit just about anywhere you can rent a tux. Otherwise, find an old suit at a thrift store, just make sure the pants are pleated, and find a thin tie and preferably leather braces.
posted by General Malaise at 7:01 AM on February 5, 2008

Seconding dressing as Nazis.
posted by 1 at 7:02 AM on February 5, 2008

Typical swing outfits that could be easy to mock.

Try Daddy-O's, and Uniquely Vintage's 40's Pin-Up section.

I'd go more for the 1940's. Dresses were pretty and flowing, hair soft with curls, draw a black line up the back of your leg to mock the stockings you couldn't afford because of the war-effort. For men I'd do gangster or sailor/army man on leave from the base. Both men and women could dress in factory gear ala Rosie the Riveter.

Look at movies made about the 1940's: Swing Shift, Biloxi Blues, A league of their Own, Bugsy, etc.

Have fun!
posted by dog food sugar at 7:59 AM on February 5, 2008

20s style is a bit early for Swing. Big band was around then, but swing per se was later on, from what I know. I think 20s and I think jazz and flappers.

There's a HUGE subculture devoted to swing dance. A few google searches should provide you with all the refrences you need to look the part.
posted by Kellydamnit at 8:03 AM on February 5, 2008

Oops - left this link out: Some 1930's/40's men's costumes.
posted by dog food sugar at 8:07 AM on February 5, 2008

This is a message board for folks who like the look and style of those times. You might pick up some interesting tips.

The Fedora Lounge
posted by Ruby Doomsday at 8:36 AM on February 5, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Seconding dressing as Nazis.

Of course, there's a Precedent for that.
posted by CynicalKnight at 9:30 AM on February 5, 2008

The Swing Era was from the mid-thirties to the mid forties, when Big Band was hip. It most certainly was not during the twenties. That was the Jazz Age.
posted by oneirodynia at 2:57 PM on February 5, 2008