Dress
the Part
A Guide to 1920s Harlem Renaissance Attire
Come as you are — or come as your most dazzling self. Either way, you belong here.
The Harlem Renaissance was a revolution dressed in silk, feathers, and gold. They knew what we know: celebration is a form of resistance. When you walk through our doors on May 16th, you carry that legacy forward — a declaration that beauty, brilliance, and collective joy cannot be taken from us. Come dressed to honor it.
She Wore Her Power Like Pearls
Harlem women of the 1920s dressed with intention — elegance was political, beauty was bold, and every sequin told a story of arrival.
The Harlem Sophisticate
She walked in and the room rearranged itself.
The quintessential Harlem Renaissance look — sleek, drop-waist silhouette in midnight black or champagne with cascading fringe that sways with every step. Think long pearls, a feathered headpiece, and long gloves that mean business.
- Drop-waist or straight-cut beaded gown, knee to floor length
- Long rope of pearl or crystal necklaces, doubled or tripled
- White feather boa or dramatic feathered headpiece
- T-strap heels in gold, black, or nude
- Long satin gloves and an Art Deco beaded clutch
- Dark bold lip — deep red, burgundy, or blackberry
The Savoy Queen
She owned every floor she walked onto — and the Savoy was hers.
The Savoy Ballroom in Harlem was the place — open to everyone, celebrated by everyone, owned by the community. The women who danced there dressed to dazzle: gold sequins, dramatic silhouettes, and a joyful, electric confidence that filled every room.
- Heavily sequined or embellished floor-length gown in gold, copper, or champagne
- Feathered hem, sleeves, or dramatic feather fan accessory
- Finger waves or a sleek low chignon with jeweled pins
- Art Deco chandelier earrings dripping with crystals
- Gold strappy heels or embellished kitten mules
- Smoky eye with bronze shimmer and a nude or gold lip
The New Age Flapper
Era-inspired. Entirely her own.
Not a costume — a conversation between now and then. Contemporary silhouettes with deliberate nods to the era: rich jewel tones, statement jewelry, a single dramatic accessory that says you dressed with intention tonight.
- Velvet or silk midi dress in emerald, sapphire, plum, or burnt orange
- Wide-brim felt cloche hat or embellished headband with feather
- Layered gold chain necklaces with a locket or pendant
- Elbow-length gloves in black or ivory
- Block heel or Mary Jane in a complementary jewel tone
- Structured satin crossbody bag with gold hardware
He Was Dressed Like a Revolution
Harlem men of the Renaissance understood that elegance was a form of dignity — every well-pressed lapel, every pocket square, was a declaration of belonging.
The Uptown Gentleman
Dressed like he had somewhere important to be — and he did.
The bedrock of 1920s Black men's style was impeccability. Tailored to perfection, accessories chosen with care, and shoes polished to a shine. Duke Ellington never stepped on stage any other way.
- Well-tailored black or midnight navy suit with vest
- Crisp white dress shirt with gold or pearl cufflinks
- Silk necktie or bow tie in gold, burgundy, or deep green
- Pocket square with a sharp fold — white, gold, or patterned
- Two-tone Oxford shoes or polished black cap-toes
- Optional: Fedora or newsboy cap in charcoal or camel
The Jazz Age Dandy
He wore color like a man who had earned the right to be seen.
For the man who wants more than a dark suit — a rich palette that draws from the era's exuberance. The Harlem Renaissance celebrated color, pattern, and the art of being unmistakable.
- Double-breasted suit in ivory, cream, champagne, or rich burgundy
- Patterned vest with subtle Art Deco geometric print
- Silk ascot or wide-knotted tie in jewel tones
- Gold watch chain, lapel pin, or tie bar
- Two-tone wingtip brogues or suede loafers
- Optional: Suspenders, walking cane with gold handle, or driving gloves
The Black Tie Modernist
Classic. Deliberate. Impossible to ignore.
For the man who speaks fluently in formal wear — elevate the classic tuxedo with era-specific accessories that whisper Harlem Renaissance without needing to announce it. The confidence does the talking.
- Black tuxedo or velvet blazer with silk lapels
- Crisp white shirt with a black or gold bow tie
- Gold or onyx cufflinks and matching tie bar
- White or champagne silk pocket square, loose or three-point fold
- Patent leather Oxford shoes or velvet smoking slippers
- Optional: Vintage pocket watch, derby hat, or a single white gardenia lapel
Colors of the Renaissance
Let these hues guide your choices — rich, deliberate, and alive with the spirit of the era.
"Come as you are — or come as your most dazzling self. Either way, you belong here. The only requirement is that you show up."
East Bay Resources
Support local businesses while you dress for the occasion. These East Bay shops and studios can help you pull together your look.
Full-service costuming and design studio — professional-grade, the real deal for anyone wanting a custom or theatrical-quality look.
A curated vintage and prop rental house loved by Bay Area film and event crews — an extraordinary collection with knowledgeable, welcoming staff.
A beloved Oakland institution on Grand Ave. Owner Bruce is a community legend — handles last-minute requests with grace and expertise.
Owner Sarah is beloved for personal styling help and a beautifully curated selection of vintage pieces — including sizes often hard to find elsewhere.
Ready to Cultivate Hope?
Tickets are limited. The evening is unforgettable.
Reserve Your SeatOakstop · Uptown Oakland
$140 per person · Includes dinner, entertainment & valet