You’re standing in the lobby, the timer is ticking down, and the screen flashes "1990s." Suddenly, half the server starts panicking. They’re grabbing the first neon windbreaker they see or, worse, just putting on a random crop top and hoping for the best. It’s chaotic. If you’ve spent any time in Dress to Impress, you know that the dress to impress theme decades rounds are where the real icons are separated from the beginners. Honestly, most people lose these rounds because they rely on stereotypes rather than actual fashion history.
Winning isn't just about clicking the fastest. It’s about knowing the difference between a 1950s housewife and a 1950s greaser girl, or realizing that the 1980s wasn’t just "bright colors." It was power suits. It was subcultures.
Why Most Players Fail the Dress to Impress Theme Decades
The biggest mistake? Laziness.
People see "1920s" and think "sparkly dress." But the flapper look was a specific silhouette. It was a protest against the restrictive corsets of the previous generation. If you just put on a long gown, you’ve missed the point of the decade. You have to understand the vibe.
I’ve seen players win with 5 stars just because they used a specific accessory—like a parasol for the 1800s or a very specific shade of grunge flannel for the 90s—that showed they actually knew what they were doing. It’s about the "Deep Cut." Don't just do the main character of the era. Do the cool person of the era.
The Roaring 20s: Beyond the Basic Flapper
The 1920s were about rebellion. Women were finally cutting their hair short and wearing dresses that let them dance the Charleston. In DTI, your goal should be the straight silhouette.
Avoid anything that cinches too tight at the natural waist. You want that "drop waist" look. Use the shift dress options. For hair, the "bob" with bangs is non-negotiable. If you use long, flowing hair for a 20s prompt, you're basically asking for 2 stars.
Pro Tip: Use the pearl necklaces but layer them. The 20s were about excess. Add a headpiece—something with a feather or a jewel—right across the forehead. Not on top of the head, but across the brow. That’s the authentic "Great Gatsby" style that voters actually reward.
1950s: The Era of the Silhouette
This decade is a split personality. You’ve got the "New Look" by Christian Dior, which was all about that massive, puffy skirt and a tiny waist. Then you’ve got the rebellious "Rockabilly" style.
If you want to win, go for the poodle skirt vibe but make it high fashion. Use the widest skirt available in the game. Pick a pastel color—mint green, baby pink, or a soft yellow. Pair it with a collared shirt tucked in.
But wait.
What if you did the "Greaser" look? A leather jacket, tight black pants, and a high ponytail with a scarf. It stands out in a sea of pink dresses. Honestly, the scarf accessory is the most underutilized tool for the 1950s. Wrap it around your neck or your hair. It’s an instant "I know fashion" signal.
The 1960s and 70s: Mod vs. Disco
The 60s is all about the "Mod" look. Think Twiggy. You want short, A-line dresses. Use bold, geometric patterns. If you can find a way to make your eyes look huge with the makeup presets, do it. The "beehive" hair is also a winner here.
Then we hit the 1970s.
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Everyone goes for "Hippy," which is fine, but it’s getting boring. If you want to dominate the dress to impress theme decades for the 70s, go Disco.
- Find the flared pants (the "bell bottoms").
- Use a metallic or sequin texture.
- Go for big, voluminous hair.
- Don't forget the platform shoes.
The 70s were also the era of Studio 54. Think Halston-style draped dresses in gold or silver. It’s sophisticated. It’s glamorous. It’s way better than just putting a flower in your hair and calling it a day.
The 1980s: More is More
The 80s were loud. If your outfit doesn't hurt someone's eyes a little bit, you're doing it wrong. But it wasn't just random neon. It was Power Dressing.
Think Joan Collins in Dynasty. Huge shoulder pads. Huge hair. Blue eyeshadow. If you’re playing DTI, look for the blazer options. Scale them up if you can. Use the brightest pinks and electric blues, but keep the silhouette sharp.
Alternatively, go the "Workout" route. Leg warmers are a must. High-cut leotards over leggings. It’s a classic 80s trope that always gets a laugh and a high score because it’s so recognizable.
The 90s and Y2K: The Current Favorites
These are the easiest and hardest themes because everyone thinks they know them. For the 90s, you have two choices: Grunge or Supermodel.
- Grunge: Flannel shirt (the plaid pattern), ripped jeans, messy hair, and dark lipstick. Think Courtney Love or Nirvana fans.
- Supermodel: The "Versace" look. Slip dresses, high-fashion heels, and sleek, straight hair. Think Naomi Campbell.
The Y2K era (late 90s/early 2000s) is all about the "Bratz" aesthetic. Low-rise jeans, butterfly clips, and baby tees. Use the pink and purple palettes. It’s very trendy right now, so you’ll likely see a lot of people doing this. To stand out, add a specific tech-accessory vibe, like a chunky headset if available, to lean into that "futuristic" 2000s look.
How to Handle "Old Money" and "Vintage" Prompts
Sometimes the game doesn't give you a specific year. It just says "Vintage." This is a trap.
Most people just go for a generic 1950s dress. If you want to win, pick a specific decade and stick to it perfectly. Usually, the "Old Money" aesthetic leans toward the 1990s quiet luxury (think Princess Diana in a sweatshirt and biker shorts) or the 1950s Hamptons look.
Consistency is key. Don't mix 1920s hair with 1990s shoes. The voters might not be fashion historians, but they can tell when something "feels" wrong.
Mastering the Color Palette of Each Era
Color is a secret weapon in dress to impress theme decades rounds. Each era has a "soul" color.
- 1920s: Gold, Black, Silver, Cream.
- 1950s: Pastels, Polka dots, Red, White.
- 1960s: Neon orange, Mustard yellow, Black and White "Op-Art."
- 1970s: Earth tones, Brown, Burnt Orange, Forest Green.
- 1980s: Electric Blue, Magenta, Neon Green.
- 1990s: Grey, Plaid, Maroon, Navy.
If you use a 1990s color palette for a 1950s theme, your outfit will look "muddy." Keep it crisp.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Match
To truly master these rounds, you need a plan before the timer starts. Speed is nothing without direction.
- Memorize one "Go-To" for each decade. Don't think. If "1940s" pops up, immediately think "Military-style suit or tea-length dress with a small hat." Having a default saves you 30 seconds of scrolling.
- Use the "Search" function for textures. Don't just settle for solid colors. Search "Lace" for the 1900s, "Sequins" for the 70s, and "Denim" for the 90s.
- Layer your accessories. The difference between 3 stars and 5 stars is often just a bag, a hat, and the right jewelry. In the 20s, it's pearls. In the 90s, it's a choker.
- Fix your face last. Don't spend a minute on makeup. Pick a preset that matches the era's vibe (dark lips for 20s/90s, bright for 50s/80s) and move on.
- Study real references. Spend five minutes on Pinterest looking at "1970s street style" vs "1970s red carpet." It will give you ideas that other players simply don't have.
Stop playing like a guest. Start playing like a stylist. The decades rounds are the best way to climb the ranks because they reward knowledge over just "being cute." Next time that 1960s prompt hits, skip the flower power and go full Mod. You'll see the difference in the voting booth.