Remember: costumes are not required, but they really do add to the fun.

For Roaring Twenties women, the silhouette is less “cinched within an inch of your life” and more “I might dance on a table if the trumpet section gets spicy.” The era traded corsets and bustles for drop waists, loose lines, fringe, beads, and dresses that actually allowed a lady to breathe, shimmy, and possibly make several questionable decisions before dessert.

A classic flapper dress is always a winner: knee-length or just below, with fringe, sequins, beading, or art deco patterns. The shape is usually straight and relaxed, so movement is the whole point. If it swishes, sparkles, or looks like it belongs near contraband champagne, you’re on the right track.

Hair can be styled in finger waves, a faux bob, a sleek chignon, or tucked under a cloche hat. Add a feathered headband, jeweled hairpiece, or something with enough sparkle to mildly offend a banker.

Poorer women, working girls, or speakeasy staff might wear a simple day dress, stockings, sensible heels, a cardigan, a plain coat, and a modest cloche hat. Less sparkle, more hustle. Still cute enough to get into trouble.

Other style choices:

Long pearls. Beaded necklaces. T-strap heels. Mary Janes. Cloche hats. Feathered headbands. Art deco jewelry. Long gloves. Cigarette holders. Faux fur wraps. Beaded handbags. Dark lipstick. Dramatic eyeliner. Fans, feathers, and enough shimmer to make the room look underdressed.

Skirts are shorter than Victorian standards would approve of, which is exactly the point.

Ankles may be visible. Knees may make a guest appearance. Scandalous? Absolutely. Historically encouraged? Also yes.

For extra flair, think nightclub singer, gangster’s moll, silver-screen starlet, wealthy socialite, jazz baby, chorus girl, bootlegger’s girlfriend, or a dame who knows exactly where the bodies, bottles, and bad decisions are buried.

Here are some examples

For Roaring Twenties men, the goal is less “brooding Victorian gentleman” and more “well-dressed bootlegger, jazz-age millionaire, or fellow who definitely knows where to get a drink during Prohibition.”

A classic suit will do just fine. Think a three-piece suit with a jacket, waistcoat, and trousers in black, charcoal, navy, brown, or pinstripes. Crisp white shirts are always a safe bet. If you want to look especially sharp, go with a pocket square, tie, or bow tie and make sure the whole thing looks a little bit slicker than everyday wear.

If you must have a bit of color, this is the era for it. A bold tie, patterned waistcoat, rich burgundy, deep green, or gold accents all fit right in.

Trousers should sit high at the waist and have a nice tailored look, but unlike the Victorian era, you are allowed to breathe and even dance in them.

Collars should still be crisp. Your attitude should suggest you either own the joint, run the joint, or are about to get kicked out of the joint.

A fedora, newsboy cap, boater, or straw hat all work depending on the look. A wealthy socialite might go for polished and refined, while a working-class guy, bootlegger, or speakeasy regular can lean a little rougher around the edges.

If you want to play into a specific type, think:

• gangster or bootlegger
• jazz club owner
• wealthy bachelor
• boxer or sporting gentleman
• detective or police chief
• newspaperman
• working-class tough guy
• musician or entertainer

Poorer or more working-class men might wear suspenders, a collarless shirt, a vest, rolled sleeves, simple trousers, and sturdy boots or plain dress shoes. Less polished, more “I handle things.”

Other style choices:

Pocket watches. Suspenders. Two-tone dress shoes. Wingtip shoes. Cufflinks. Armbands. Slicked-back hair. Pencil mustaches. Pinstripes. Double-breasted jackets. Overcoats. Trench coats. A cigar as a prop. A walking cane if you’re feeling fancy.

If you’re going for a military man, police officer, or other uniformed type, that works too — plenty of men in this era would have some connection to service, law, or authority.

The overall idea: sharp, tailored, confident, and just a little dangerous.

Here are some examples