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The Great Gatsby Turns 100: How Its Fashion Influence is Still Shaping Style Today
- Qui Joacin
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
From Ralph Lauren to Miuccia Prada, The Great Gatsby’s Fashion Legacy Lives On After a Century
Can you believe it’s been 100 years since The Great Gatsby was first published? This iconic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald still resonates today, not just through its timeless story of love and excess, but also through its lasting impact on fashion. If you’ve ever wondered why 1920s-inspired styles pop up year after year, it’s because Gatsby’s influence remains at the heart of modern fashion according to Harper's Bazaar.
The Jazz Age and Fashion’s Big Impact
The novel is often celebrated for its portrayal of the Jazz Age, a period filled with opulence, decadence, and, of course, fashion. Think drop-waist dresses, beaded cardigans, and sleek, sophisticated lines. The characters in The Great Gatsby—from Daisy’s glamorous dresses to Jordan’s androgynous, tailored looks—embody the very essence of the Roaring Twenties, a time when fashion wasn’t just about clothing; it was a symbol of status, success, and identity.
Fast forward a century, and these same trends are still influencing the runway. Take it from Deirdre Clemente, a fashion historian who consulted on Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby. She notes that the 1920s and today share surprising parallels—like how quickly fashion trends evolve and how young people use style to shape their identities. “Back in the day, designers were saying the same things we’re hearing now: trends are happening so fast, and young people are defining themselves through what they buy,” Clemente said. That’s still true today, especially with social media dictating what’s in and what’s out in the blink of an eye.
The Power of Fashion in Gatsby’s Story
When Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby, it wasn’t just a love story; it was a commentary on how fashion played a key role in the pursuit and destruction of the American Dream. The story of Jay Gatsby himself—his rise from humble beginnings to wealth—shows how style and success were intertwined in the world he created. Clemente points out that “Gatsby acknowledged that American style was key to American success,” and that was a revelation at the time.
While The Great Gatsby wasn’t an immediate hit upon its release in 1925, it became widely popular during and after World War II. Soldiers found something relatable in Gatsby’s plucky and flawed characters, while women were drawn to the underlying themes of female independence clashing with societal expectations. And who could resist a story full of parties and forbidden booze?
From Robert Redford to Ralph Lauren: A Style Evolution
It wasn’t until the 1974 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby that the novel’s fashion truly caught the public’s eye. With Robert Redford as the dashing Jay Gatsby and Mia Farrow as the troubled Daisy Buchanan, the film reignited interest in preppy, Ivy League-inspired style, a look that would go on to define Ralph Lauren’s early collections. In fact, Ralph Lauren designed all the menswear for the film, including that iconic pastel pink suit worn by Redford. That suit is still one of the brand’s most recognizable looks.
In the years that followed, The Great Gatsby continued to influence designers. In the '70s, the Art Deco aesthetic was all the rage, seen in collections from designers like Ossie Clarke and Bob Mackie. Mackie’s beaded and fringed dresses, reminiscent of 1920s flapper style, became iconic, with stars like Cher wearing them. Fast forward to the 1990s and 2000s, and designers like Miuccia Prada, Anna Sui, and Marc Jacobs continued to reference the Jazz Age, with pieces like drop-waist skirts, floral patterns, and Mary Jane heels paying homage to Daisy’s wardrobe.
Modern Designers and a New Twist on Gatsby Style
Today, Gatsby’s influence is more alive than ever, especially in the collections of designers like Fendi, who released a stunning beaded flapper dress for their Spring 2025 campaign, and Proenza Schouler, whose spring 2025 collection drew from both the fringed dresses of the 1920s and the loose trousers associated with Jordan Baker. Clemente points out that Jordan Baker—the independent, athletic character—is now emerging as a style icon, especially among Gen Z. These loose, wide-legged trousers and camisoles embody the casual but chic vibe many young people are gravitating toward today.
But while Daisy Buchanan’s girlish glamour once defined Gatsby-inspired fashion, we’re now seeing a shift in how modern fashion fans interpret the novel. Instead of channeling Daisy’s flapper look, today’s style enthusiasts are opting for more gender-neutral, effortless outfits that reflect Jordan’s free-spirited, entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, brands like Proenza Schouler and Aritzia have embraced this look, creating pieces that mix the classic 1920s aesthetic with modern, relaxed fits.
Why We Still Love Gatsby Style
So why do we keep coming back to Gatsby for fashion inspiration? Clemente says it’s all about optimism. Even though the novel’s characters are trapped by their wealth and privilege, there's a sense that things could change. The “green light” Gatsby yearns for—symbolizing hope and the pursuit of something greater—continues to resonate with us today, especially in a world where personal freedom and success are often determined by what we wear and how we express ourselves.
As we look back on a century of The Great Gatsby and its fashion legacy, it’s clear that the allure of the Jazz Age isn’t fading anytime soon. Whether it’s the sleek sophistication of Gatsby himself, Daisy’s glamorous dresses, or the bold, liberated style of Jordan, The Great Gatsby continues to shape how we dress, dream, and live. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of fashion and how it reflects the desires and aspirations of every generation.
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