You might have noticed a sudden love affair between the fashion world and all things 1920s. If you have, well spotted indeed.  The ‘roaring twenties’ are hurtling headfirst into 2012, and Gatsby is where it’s Atsby. Before long, you’ll be seeing feathered headbands, strings of pearls, and delicately embellished dresses all over the place. Actually, think back to Kate Moss’s wedding in the Summer. Drop waisted dress, delicate veil…pure twenties, my friend.

Get the Great Gatsby look

So why the sudden love of all things Jazz Age? Firstly, there’s no doubt that the twenties was due for a fashion ‘moment’ as an antidote to the endless 70s/80s revivals that hit us as regularly as Adam Ant has comebacks. (Not that I’m complaining. Ant People are the warriors!) Secondly, and this is the really important one, so listen up and listen good: Baz Luhrmann is directing ‘The Great Gatsby’, due for release on Christmas Day (yes, really) in 2012. And although nobody, bar nobody, can ever replace Robert Redford in my eyes, I’m very sure that Leonardo DiCaprio will make a good fist of it.

Kate Moss, a beautiful bride

The Fashion Trend for 2012

As one who doesn’t follow trends but tends to blindly stumble into them without realising I’ve done so, I was pretty excited to be THIS far ahead. Since the Royal Wedding earlier this year, we’ve seen a subtle undercurrent of elegance, and ‘ladylike’ clothes swing back into fashion. I’m a firm believer in dressing up, cocktail hour, and putting yourself together nicely, and this trend allows you to release your inner flapper. It sounds a bit rude now I’ve put it like that, but…you get the picture.

Gemma Ward in The Great Gatsby

Accessorise your look

Let’s start with accessories. Easy to get hold of, but this is where you’ve got to tread carefully, beautiful readers. After all, we want a 1920s influence here, not the ‘I’m off to a flapper themed hen do and I’ve really missed the mark’ look. To get you started, why not Charleston down to Topshop (don’t actually do that, you’ll get weird looks. Don’t ask how I know that) and pick up this little beaded clutch bag for a slice of glamour. Keep the 20s touch subtle with this adorable peacock feather knitted headband from Pearl & Ivy. You can flit about feeling glamorous, safe in the knowledge you don’t look like you’re one plastic cigarette holder away from that hen party.

Accessorise the Gatsby way

The Dress

The dress is difficult territory to navigate again. I never said it’d be easy! The key is to keep a main feature: the drop waist, but to make it modern. Keeping it shorter is a good option – anything hitting the knees or below is fancy dress territory again. Pair with a leather biker jacket, and give your hair a rock-y feel: messy, beachy, bed head. Just think, what would Kate Moss do? Start simple. Try Darling’s floaty, embroidered number, and keep accessories tough. If you’re more of an exhibitionist, take a leap with Aqua’s take on the flapper dress – a burnt orange maxi with the most extreme fringing you’ve seen on a dress. Finally, if you want to make like Daisy, you need this ‘flutter hem’ dress by Gryphon NY. Taking the 20s up a notch, but still sexy.

1920's inspired dresses

If you’re not too keen to step out in dropped waist dresses, intricate headpieces and feathers, why not just introduce the tiniest hint of Gatsby glamour to your life? Try a spritz of Penhaligon’s ‘Juniper Sling’, which will make you think of gin cocktails, late Summer evenings, and endless parties. If you’re looking for a more tangible bit of the Jazz Age to keep, try investing in some champagne saucers. I always serve bubbly in my own set, and you’d be amazing at how delighted people are on seeing them. Pick up this beautiful set from Waterford at Selfridges to be the perfect hostess.

Get the party started - Gatsby style

So, you’ve got your glittering headband, your drop waisted dress, your champagne saucers, and you’ve stepped through a cloud of Juniper Sling. Now all that’s left to do is to throw a really big, really fantastic party. Oh, and don’t forget to invite me.

What’s your favourite fashion era? And what do you think Baz Luhrman is going to do with Gatsby? Leave us a comment, or Tweet us @LadyMPresents and @ameliafsimmons.