2 Classic Vintage Dress Styles
Classic 1950s Wiggle Dress
I had every intention of listing this handmade cotton wiggle dress from the 50s. Honestly I did. I even took photos of it for Etsy.
#Proof.
Truth is when I found this vintage treasure I thought immediately I wouldn’t want to part with it.
I had to try it on one last time to make sure I was willing to let it slip through my hands.
Nope.
I’m keeping this one for a bit.
If you are interested though I did find another one very similar, even made out of the same lightweight summer cotton in a size medium. You can see it here in my Etsy store.
Classic 1950s Fit & Flare Dress
Fit and flare dresses are one of my all time favourites when it comes to vintage clothing. They are perfect for every body type and remind me of the fabulous Betty from Mad Men.
The style on Mad Men still makes me weep. I’ve watched the whole series twice and feel like I’m ready to watch it a third time like a toddler watching their favourite movie on repeat.
My version is a 1950s fit and flare dress in shades of green all tied up with a feminine bow at the waist.
Did you notice the ruffled sleeves? They make this piece extra special.
I skipped the crinoline because it was scorching hot that day. I wore this to the Fashion History Museum to listen to Ian Drummond talk about costuming and wardrobe in the film and TV industry.
It was informative and funny. Wardrobe for film and TV requires loads of dedication and advanced organizational skills.
Here is a similar 1950s vintage fit and flare dress currently for sale in my Etsy shop.
Would you wear either of these styles of classic vintage dresses?
Why or why not?
Linking up with the lovely Patti at Visible Monday and Jess over at Turning Heads Tuesday.
love both styles since my teen days 😀
and you look fabulous in this dresses – the green color scheme suits you so well!
xxxx
Yes green and I do seem to work well together. Jewel tones are my favourite.
Those dresses, be still my beating heart! I would wear both in a flash, with a slight preference for the fit and flare as it would suit me better. Plus, it’s green! But the print of the wiggle dress! That is absolutely gorgeous! Not surprised you couldn’t part with these two! xxx
I knew you’d understand Ann : )
Oh Suzanne!!! You must never sell that first dress! You are a knockout in this style and that is such a unique print. Where did you find the term ” wiggle dress”? I’ve never heard it before!
That is a really well known term for that type of vintage dress. I suppose only those that wear vintage have heard of it before though.
Those two dresses are so perfectly you and fit you to a tee! Of course you have to keep them.
Back in the 1980s I’d buy the full skirted 1950s dresses from jumble sales by the armful, hack off the hem to mid thigh with nail scissors and wear them unhemmed with Doc Martens and fishnets.
I’m more floaty maxi than fitted frock. I’d definitely have those lovelies on my rails but not on my bod! xxx
I shudder when you say you hacked them off like that. All those beautiful dresses!
Yeah, but hacking ’50s dresses in the ’80s would be like us hacking ’90s dresses today. I feel old now. Heh.
When I see you in these dresses, I feel like I see YOU! That era, those colors, the shapes–somehow they say “Suzanne.” Maybe it’s the twinkle that comes out in your eyes as you wear them?
Hugs,
Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
The fit and flare was the dress I was most attracted to when I started wearing vintage. I obviously haven’t lost that feeling.
I don’t know how you sell ANY of your items, Suzanne. You find the best things, and I’d want them all!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yup, those are extreme keepers on you!
Yes! I’d wear both, I love the greens and blues…Jewel tones, yes! I can see why you can’t part with them, the styles, colors so flattering to your figure. I miss Madmen too!!!
Jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Oh yes, Suzanne, those are definitely keepers! You wear these styles so very well. I’m more partial to a wiggle dress than a fit and flare, but you know me, I’ll wear anything when the mood strikes. I found a fit/flare at SA a few months ago, with a mini crinoline. Sigh. I should wear it!
I have never watched Mad Men. Can I still be your friend?
Two fabulous dresses and one brilliant decision to keep them both,
Oh those puffed sleeves and rich green color. The sheath looks like it was made for you !
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
So now that I do know what vintage is, where do you shop yourself for them? Not in a regular thrift shop I guess? Love the blue dress!
I do find many of the pieces in regular thrift stores where people donate their unused items. Sometimes I shop estate sales too.
Both of these styles suit you very well (and the colours too!). In my 20’s and 30’s I used to own a couple of vintage shift/wiggle dresses but the style doesn’t suit me any more, and I haven’t had any luck finding any full-skirted dresses that fit my waist. I used to wear more dresses in general, but these days I prefer separate pieces.
I think you look gorgeous in both dresses, and the colors are stunning!,
I always pick fit and flare dresses for me, as my hips look massive in a shift dress!, anyway I love the style!
besos
Although I think they look beautiful on you, I wouldn’t wear them myself. As you know I am not much of a vintage girl. I can understand why you want to keep the pieces.
Greetje
And I think you were born a little late. You would have been so at home in the fifties.
The “wiggle” dress could have easily be sold at Zara (although not nearly as well made). The shape and pattern are still very much in style.
I do think you have a bit of a mind block Greetje when you think of vintage clothing. You think because it’s old it will make you look old. We can agree to disagree about this : )
No I don’t think vintage will make me look old. Honestly I don’t. It doesn’t make you look old either. It is just not my style when it is a sort of a period thing, like the fifties or sixties. Or seventies, eighties or nineties haha.
You’re missing my point. This could have been sold as a contemporary piece. If you saw it in Zara or one of your higher end stores you wouldn’t have given it a second thought because you’d see it presented as modern. Your mind blocks you when you know that the piece is vintage.
Almost everything you currently buy is based on original vintage designs. It’s a mind set.