It’s the ’20s again. Do you think this new decade will be as wild as the roaring 1920s? I hope so. That makes it a perfect time to learn how to dress like Phryne Fisher.
My wardrobe lately has been inspired by The Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher, lady detective. Have you watched the show, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries? It’s so much fun, and the costumes are amazing. It has influenced many of my recent purchases.
If you don’t know who Phryne Fisher is, you really must find out. It’s a fun television series starring Essie Davis as a 1920s lady detective in Melbourne, Australia. She’s smart, brave, compassionate, funny, gorgeous, and wears the most amazing wardrobe. She drives a hoot of a car as well.
The series is available in the U.S. on Acorn. It’s based on a series of books by Kerry Greenwood, also very much worth a read.
You may not want to walk around looking like an advertisement from the 1920s, but you can take inspiration from the style. Here are my takeaways on the style of those times:
- rich fabrics in glorious colors
- satins and velvets
- cloche hats
- tunics and kimono shapes
- long jackets and dusters over pants
- bold prints
- geometric designs
- glamorous pajamas and dressing gowns
- low-waisted dresses
- tweed suits with fur collars
- dazzling hair jewelry, pendants, and brooches
- flowing scarves
- dancing shoes
- bobbed hair
- red lipstick
- and an independent spirit
Here are some of my Phryne-inspired purchases, all very affordable.
Top left: raspberry cloche hat from Amazon
Top right: purple velvet tunic from Liz Claiborne
Bottom left: green botanical print satin blouse from Belle + Sky at J.C. Penney
Bottom right: blue floral satin robe from Amazon
Do you want to dress like Phryne Fisher? Are you an admirer of 1920s style? Have you incorporated any flapper-type articles into your wardrobe? I would love to know if you’ve watched the show, and if so, what is your favorite of Phryne’s outfits.
I remember as a little girl I want to the movies with my grandmother. I was her oldest granddaughter and we always went places together. She took me to see the movie “Thoroughly Modern Millie” I was hooked from the start of the movie as she changes her look.
I want the hats the women wore.i love hats
I have long loved the 1920s clothing style and Art Deco design. So Miss Fisher’s wardrobe is a treat. My favorite thing she’s worn so far is that gorgeous silver kimono she’s worn in two episodes in her budoir after amorous trysts with a handsome gentleman. Phryne Fisher really is a very sexy, seductive character and it sets her apart among female detectives. Closest similar character in 1920s style, glamour and charisma would be Tuppence Beresford in the “Partners in Crime” series which aired on PBS, although Tuppence solved crimes with her partner and husband, Tommy Beresford. Of course, the aristocratic women of the global hit series “Downton Abbey” wore stunningly beautiful clothing during the 20s period in that show too, like Lady Mary’s wearing of iconic Fortuny gowns.
I wish we still wore hats.
Never heard of the show, but my wardrobe could surely use some help and I love what she is wearing in the picture above. Will give it some thought.
This show was very popular in New Zealand. I actually think the actress is a kiwi. She looked so wonderful. 1920s fashion is so wonderful.
Essie Davis is Australian.
I volunteer in a thrift shop and we always have lovely lacy, sheer cream tops and also these hats. Never walk past a thrift shop you never know what bargains you’ll find. Good luck!
I love thrifting. Can’t wait til this pandemic is over so I can feel comfortable sorting through racks and racks at the thrift shops.
I love the Miss Fisher series. I LOVE the clothes. Don’t understand why someone hasn’t started a clothing line based on her clothes. Very flattering to older women (good for young women too) with all the flowing, drapey things. I love hats, too and have at least 30 though seldom wear them. I looked up the costume designer and found her blog – she really should partner with some investors to produce a Phryne Fisher line!!
I agree. I would totally be into a Miss Fisher line of clothing.