Get Into Character With These Iconic 1920s Personalities
Digital Content Manager | Pop Culture Nerd | Cosplay & Musical Theatre Enthusiast
Vanessa is a Sydney-based content specialist who is passionate about all things pop culture. When she isn't creating content or cosplaying, you can find her rehearsing for the next musical she's in.
Ready to step back in time and become a character from the roaring twenties?
Whether taking your costume up a notch or your 1920s murder mystery event deems you MUST come in character, this guide is your ticket.
Channel the Jazz Age's glamour, grit, and grandeur with these icons from screen, stage, and story for your 1920s persona.
Tommy Shelby: The Leader
From: Peaky Blinders
Explore their story: Stream on Netflix.
Character Synopsis: Tommy Shelby is the brains and brawn behind the Peaky Blinders. A post-war strategist with a razor-sharp mind and a sharper suit, he’s all about power moves, poker faces, and planning five steps ahead.
Traits to Embody: Stand tall, speak with authority, put on a ‘devil-may-care’ stare.
How to Achieve the Look: Three-piece suit, flat cap, overcoat, brogue boots that mean business.
Preferred Vice: Whiskey and a smoke to follow.
Catchphrase: “I have no limitations”.
Image Source: The Hand Tailored Suit
Velma Kelly: The Showstopper
From: Chicago
Explore their story: Stream on Netflix or Stan.
Character Synopsis: A vaudeville vixen with a dark streak. Velma’s a killer performer - literally. She’s glitz, grit, and pure jazz, clawing her way to the top, spotlight or bust.
Traits to Embody: Sassy with a ‘don’t-mess-with-me’ smirk. Walk with a dancer’s poise and be the first on the dancefloor.
How to Achieve the Look: Black sequins, fishnets, high heels, and bold red lips.
Preferred Vice: Dirty martini. Extra olives.
Catchphrase: “And all that jazz.” - Drop in some lyrics from the soundtrack.
Get dancefloor-ready with our 1920s Charleston dance tutorial to truly embody your Velma Kelly persona.
Image Source: FunkyMBTI.com
Jay Gatsby: The Romantic
From: The Great Gatsby
Explore their story: Pick up a copy at your local bookstore or stream the adaptation on Netflix or Stan.
Character Synopsis: He’s got the mansion, the parties, the mystery - but it’s all for her. Gatsby is glamour meets tragedy; a dreamer drowning in champagne and what-ifs.
Traits to Embody: Be smooth, soft-spoken yet charismatic, and just a bit haunted. Hand in pocket or raised for toasts.
How to Achieve the Look: White suit, gold cufflinks, slick hair, walking cane.
Preferred Vice: Champagne. Keep a glass nearby at all times.
Catchphrase: “Old sport!”
Image Source: Indie Wire
Phryne Fisher: The Sleuth
From: Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
Explore their story: Stream on ABC iview, Netflix or Prime.
Character Synopsis: High society meets high crime-solving. Miss Fisher is a detective, a fashion icon, and a bon vivant - as sharp as her heels and just as deadly.
Traits to Embody: Fearless, flirtatious, and fabulous. Confident walk with a sprinkle of sly winking.
How to Achieve the Look: Beaded gowns, feathered headbands, tailored coats, cloche hats. Short bob hairstyle and red lips.
Preferred Vice: French 75 or something stronger.
Catchphrase: “The best trick is the one you least expect.”
Image Source: Book Riot
Lady Mary Crawley: The Aristocrat
From: Downton Abbey
Explore their story: Stream on Binge or Foxtel.
Character Synopsis: A duchess of drama and dry humour. Lady Mary is all titles, traditions, and top-tier sarcasm. Don’t mistake her poise for passivity - she runs the house and the hearts within it.
Traits to Embody: Elegant walk and straight posture. Always one eyebrow raised. Velvety but icy tone of voice.
How to Achieve the Look: Long gowns, fine gloves, heirloom jewellery. Simple, classic 20s makeup with a short updo hairstyle.
Preferred Vice: Dry sherry. Sipped, not swilled.
Catchphrase: “Vulgarity is no substitute for wit.”
Image Source: Satorial Geek
Daisy Buchanan: The Dreamer
From: The Great Gatsby
Explore their story: Pick up a copy at your local bookstore or stream the adaptation on Netflix or Stan.
Character Synopsis: The girl you can’t quite grasp - all soft laughter and sorrowful sighs. Daisy is the American Dream in pearls and petals, equal parts enchanting and elusive.
Traits to Embody: Dreamy, distracted. Walk like you’re floating through life like a feather on the breeze. Soft waves hairstyle and simple, natural makeup.
How to Achieve the Look: Pastel flapper dresses, delicate headbands, soft waves, and wistful gazes.
Preferred Vice: Champagne, preferably poured by someone pining for you.
Catchphrase: “I hope she'll be a fool - that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world.”
Image Source: Slate.com
Al Capone (aka Scarface): The Kingpin
From: Boardwalk Empire, history and every gangster flick ever
Explore their story: Stream Boardwalk Empire on HBO Max, Binge or Apple TV. Or dive into the history of Al Capone online or at your local library.
Character Synopsis: The bootlegging boss of Chicago. Capone’s got charm, connections, and more heat than a gin joint on fire. Smooth when it counts, savage when it doesn’t.
Traits to Embody: Walk like you own the block - because you probably do. “Don’t-mess-with-me” glares and an excellent poker face.
How to Achieve the Look: Pinstripe suit, fedora, pinky ring.
Preferred Vice: A smoky bourbon and cigar.
Catchphrase: “You can go a long way with a smile. You can go a lot farther with a smile and a gun.”
Image Source: dw.com
Whether you're slipping into the sharp suit of a gangster or the sequinned gown of a showgirl, stepping into a 1920s character is more than dressing the part: it's about capturing the spirit of a roaring, rebellious, and revolutionary era.
So pick your poison, polish your persona, turn up the jazz music and give 'em the old razzle dazzle.
