Are You a Daisy or a Jordan? [Great Gatsby Halloween Costume Ideas]

If you go out on the town this Halloween, expect to see quite a few flappers, inspired by the success of Baz Luhrman's The Great Gatsby, by its stellar cast, and even by its unique soundtrack.  Personally, I like to have a backstory for my Halloween costumes and I'm big on attention to detail.  I would not be content with just being any old 1920's lady in fringe.  To keep your costume looking less Chicago and more Gatsby, you've first got to answer a very important question: are you a Daisy Buchanan or a Jordan Baker?

Daisy Fay Buchanan

Lilac Flapper costume from Spirit Halloween || Bohemian Belle dress from Modcloth

Disclaimer: Modcloth items contain affiliate links!

Daisy Buchanan is a Southern socialite, the object of Jay Gatsby's obsession, the narrator's cousin, and, when you think about it, the reason there is a Great Gatsby.  She's whimsical, loves frivolous, beautiful things, likes making her friends happy, and hopes her own daughter will never have any worries.  She's also incredibly flawed - selfish, childish, indecisive, and, as Nick himself points out, careless.

You might be a Daisy if you believe in love at first sight, would rather dance as a party than make conversation, and always send handwritten thank you notes.  If you're a Daisy, your costume should be feminine and detailed.

“I hope she'll be a fool -- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”

Miss Selfridge crystal headband || Modcloth floral headband

That Miss Selfridge headpiece is a dead ringer for the Tiffany piece Carey Mulligan wears in the movie!

"He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God. So he waited, listening for a moment longer to the tuning fork that had been struck upon a star. Then he kissed her. At his lips’ touch she blossomed like a flower and the incarnation was complete.” 

Glitter and Nails gradient manicure || Pearl bobble purse from Oasis

Daisy's accessories and makeup should be light and feminine - in the novel, she's often described as wearing white, and appearing doll-like.

"The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain. I had to follow the sound of it for a moment, up and down, with my ear alone, before any words came through."

Dreams and Sugar dress, Pure Edith cloche hat, and Dance Instead of Walking heels from Modcloth

"The afternoon had made them tranquil for a while, as if to give them a deep memory for the long parting the next day promised. They had never been closer in their month of love, nor communicated more profoundly one with another, than when she brushed silent lips against his coat's shoulder or when he touched the end of her fingers, gently, as though she were asleep."

Jordan Baker

Black flapper costume from Spirit Halloween || Miss Selfridge black flapper embellished dress

Jordan Baker, on the other hand, is independent, determined, and cynical.  She is a confident social butterfly who likes to be slightly to the left of the center of excitement - the better to observe and gossip about the situation.

If you're a Jordan, your costume should be clean-cut, modern (for 1922), and sexy.

“And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.” 

Laundry by Shelli Segal halter dress from Saks Fifth Avenue 

Half moon manicure from Ruffian fashion show via Nails Magazine

The half moon manicure was popularized in the 1920's after being spotted on MGM film stars.

"There was a jauntiness about her movements as if she had first learned to walk upon golf courses on clean, crisp mornings."

Lulu Townsend miniaudiere-style clutch from DSW || Modcloth Lindy Hop Heel

You're probably a Jordan if you always read Us Weekly, E! News is programmed on your DVD player, and you've seen every episode of Girls.

"But there was Jordan beside me, who, unlike Daisy, was too wise ever to carry well-forgotten dreams from age to age."