Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington made their first recordings, Prohibition was in full effect, people danced the Charleston, and a new novel called The Great Gatsby was published. The great excesses of the 20s came about after the end of the Great War and people simply wanted to live again. Those who could afford it lived life with a vengeance. The era was perhaps best summed up by American journalist Heywood Broun when he said, “The Jazz Age was wicked and monstrous and silly. Unfortunately, I had a good time.”

As Baz Luhrman’s modernist take on America’s favorite novel opens in theaters this week, here is our take on how to step out like it’s 1925.

LAYERED NECKLACE
Instead of long strands of delicately handknotted pearls, rhinestone chokers or beaded necklaces that are so quintessentially 1920s, we opted for Riccardo Goti’s bold jewelry with its beautifully disheveled and intricate detailing. The designer mixes leather with sterling silver hardware that produces his distinctive urban style. Each handcrafted piece has its own identity and a worn, vintage feel.

EVENING COAT
Every self-respecting Jazz-era party-goer should have an evening coat for cool nights out in the metropolis or the countryside. Here is a very elegant satin evening coat with handpainted, beaded embellishments and fully lined in silk by Vera Wang.

 
ARM CANDY
Whether made of leather, metal or hemp, cuffs are the perfect way to accessorize a sleeveless silk summer dress. Here’s one version: a wrap cuff handcrafted with antique silver metal knitted mesh that is reminiscent of the opulent Jazz Age.

UNDERGARMENTS
Mustn’t forget what goes underneath. Whether it’s lace, silk jersey or chiffon, it’s what you don’t see that really determines how comfortable (translation = confident) you feel.

 
BEACH WEAR
Perhaps the greatest shift in fashion sensibilities over the years has been made in swimwear. The sexual revolution has made way for the emergence of beach coverings that is much less modest than the heavy wool skirts and tank suits of the 20’s. But you don’t have to give up the glamour and excitement of the era with vintage-inspired swimsuits such as Ambika’s handknitted crochet one-piece with its black and white stripe pattern and lace-up front panel– just the unnecessary fabric.

 
THE SPECTATOR SHOE
It was a pair just like these hand-finished brogue ankle boots from Lloyd’s 1888 Collection that Jay Gatsby would have worn with his signature white flannel suit. Featuring a fine calf leather upper that is naturally tanned giving it a glossy, antique patina and fine details such as a perforated Budapest pattern on a narrow squared toe and an elasticized gusset, these handmade boots recall a time where elegance and beauty endured.

ROUND SPECTACLES
Thick, round and heavy horn-rimmed frames were predominant in the twenties. Now you can have the same look without the weight. Inspired by vintage cameras, Persol’s new Reflex Edition series is remarkably lightweight with a distinctly retro round lens shape. Of course like every Persol pair, these also feature the signature monoblock arrow hinges and Meflecto technology they are famously known for.

CUFFLINKS
It’s all about the details and every champagne-filled gala needs a pair of silver cufflinks. Take these Rhodium-plated sterling silver ball cufflinks with Mother of Pearl inlay by Ermenegildo Zegna. See more cufflinks.