Some vintage ladies have embraced an era, often the 1950s or 40s. They have fallen in love with its style and taken it to their hearts (and their wardrobe, their hair and makeup, even their home). While I totally applaude this (and am a tad envious of their committment) I am not one of these ladies.
I havent embraced one era over another. The truth be told, I just wear what I like. One day it can be a 1950s day dress, the next a 70s maxi. My hair doesn’t match the era…it generally is the same with a matching hair clip in.
The only rules I follow (as I don’t really follow rules) are:
1. I must LOVE it. If I don’t LOVE it then I don’t wear it. This applies to my home too…..not one era wins, only rule is we must LOVE it.
2. It must all match. Shoes, bag, hair clip, jacket…even my brolly, must co-ordinate.
I love the simplicity of a 1940s day dress. I love the full skirt, nipped in waist of the 1950s. I love the A line shift of the 1960s. I love the boho, carefree style of the 1970s. I also (don’t shoot me) love the secretary look of the 1980s.
Basically I love dresses, good dresses….. that no one else has!
I also love the social history of all eras and how this impacted what we wore. The rationing of the 1940s with less material and make do and mend ethos. The housewife look of the 1950s when women returned to the kitchen, donned a pinny to look after her man. The baby boomers in the 1960s with their huge optimism and tiny skirts. The hippy vibe of the 1970s with CND and floaty dresses. The empowerment of women in the 1980s with their business dress and shoulder pads.
So here are some of my favourite dresses…welcome to my wardrobe!
My absolute favourite dress: 1950s orange prom dress with clear lucite rhinestone clutch
Early 80s Monsoon dress with humming bird clip from Now, Voyager
1970s blue and gold dress with chain mail rose belt
1970s pink frill dress and Top Shop matchy shoes
1960s beaded mini with my fave Enid Collins box bag
Another 60s mini with patent box bag
Floaty 70s tropical maxi with classic leather cartridge bag
Bright pink 60s mini with handbag that was my mums in the 60s!
Early 50s silk dress with peplum and my gorgeous 40s corde bag
1980s Grecian drape dress with Abilu Creations head band
Late 40s leaf dress with structured brass top bag
Chiffon and lace 50s/60s dress with brooch Mr YVL bought for me when we first met
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You’ve echoed my feelings exactly! I really admire anyone that can dress (including hair & makeup) in the style of their favourite fashion decade. Although it does take dedication and time – not ideal when you have little ones to run around after (that includes my husband!!!) haha!
I think you’ve got it covered Kate. I think the important thing is to know what style suits you, no matter what the fashion decade, and know what colours suit you too. I adore your orange dress. It’s so pretty and suits you perfectly. My favourite is your navy blue chiffon and lace frock. I simply love navy blue. It’s so demure and suits most people. And your partner has such a GREAT eye for jewellery!
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Thanks Louise! The navy is also one of my favourites, really classic and I think the colour goes with my hair (as some colours def don’t) yes I do well with Adams choice in jewellery (he bought that dress clip too!) x