Which Era Of Fashion Best Represents Your Personal Style?
As a vintage lover I’ve learned to appreciate many different eras of fashion. I am often drawn to period dramas or movies that feature detailed, well researched costumes.
My heart swooned over the costumes of The Alienist.
I recently watched a very interesting video on how some of these intricate outfits of the 1800s were assembled.
Once you watch the video you will understand why people required a handmaid to get dressed.
Insane right?
Do you remember the amazing fashions of Dowton Abbey?
That coat!
I don’t own any vintage items that old.
Most vintage pieces so ancient are too delicate to wear.
The oldest dress I own is a 1920’s piece given to me as a gift by the lovely Patti.
Lucky for me it is in very good shape.
I have a couple 1930s/40s dresses for sale in my Etsy store.
One is this lovely lace number.
And the other is that classic 1940s silhouette with hip accents.
We’re dressed in 1940s below for a Victory dance.
Another 1940s dress.
One of my all time favourite shows, Mad Men showcases the decades of fashion that I adore most.
I’ve watched that series twice but I’m ready to start all over again so I can dive back into the exquisite fashion porn and dark storyline.
Although the series started in the year 1960 the dress styles are still very much 1950’s.
The ladies are showing off two of my favourite 50’s dress styles, fit and flare and wiggle.
Fit And Flare
Wiggle
As they move further into the 60’s the hemlines rise.
1960s A-line
1960s Evening Maxi with my best accessory… ; P
And the series finishes in the 1970s.
Some of my favourite 1970s dresses…
All of this is building up to my newest addition to my personal vintage collection… et voilà
Isn’t she sweet?
I’m calling her Joan.
Je l’adore!
When I spotted this piece I knew it was special. Boat necklines are hard to come by not to mention the cool front bow and button closure features.
I honestly did not think this would fit me. Patti fell in love this when she was here visiting. She tried it on and it looked incredible. It must be noted however that Patti is much thinner than I am. After she left just for a laugh I thought I’d try it on. I was floored when it fit!
See how happy that made me?
Lucky for me it is fuller in the bust and hips…right where I need it most. I also like how it is body skimming rather than tight like the wiggle dresses were. This is much more comfortable.
The colours of this dress are more subdued than what I’m usually attracted to but the unusual details and cut more than make up for that.
Now I just need to figure out what other dress is leaving my wardrobe. You know…I’m trying to do that, “one in one out” closet control idea.
How is it working out for me so far?
Let me get back to you on that.
Which era of fashion best represents your personal style? Why?
Linking up with Patti for Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
That 70s maxi dress is to die for and that sweet plaid dress with the bow is also a delightful piece.
That picture of you and your husband is one of the best shots of you that I have seen. Plus, I am also a Downton Abbey fan and that era is a favorite for clothing, but I cannot pull off anything with the dropped waist. I also love the Victorian era, with my small waist and tendencies towards fussy and fem looks, with lots of handwork details, I think that is most suited to my personality . ..
But I am ultimately I am versatile and I like a good variety my wardrobe.
What a fun romp through time, with your older and newer blog posts.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
I agree, I loved the dropped waist on someone else, not myself.
Having seen your period-costumes, I know you can dress many eras. This dress with the boat neckline works really well on you. It’s fun to draw inspiration from TV shows from different times, like “Mad Men.” Right now, my favorite show for fashion is “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”
I *wish* I could watch The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I’ve heard so many good things about it. They don’t even sell it on iTunes. : (
Hi Suzanne,
I have watched TMMM on Amazon Prime…twice! The writing is wonderful, but the 50’s fashion was also SOOO wonderful!! Rachel Brosnahan was wearing the prettiest outfits AND she was a strong-willed woman to boot! :o)
It really opened my eyes up to the longer tea-length dresses and different ideas about color coordination and outfit creation.
Katherine
I love your hairstyle when you’re wearing the new dress!! 40s and 50s are also my dream of perfect dresses. I loved Downton Abbey but I’m not so much a fan of 20s and the drop waists and long slinky dress look.
Thanks! I’m not one to do much with my hair but I did manage this bun okay. It required lots of hair spray!
that 50´s day dress is to die for!!!
but of cause your other treasures are very chic too – and you got the most handsome accessory!
my fav style are a 40`s, early 50´s, casual style – things that women would have worn while doing serious work. why? the typical cuts fit & flatter my body best. 🙂
but i´m not so much in the petticoat/hats/gloves/extremely matchy-matchy looks that are often seen on midcentury style media/events – because my clothes have to be practical…..
xxxx
The muted plaid is a stunning vintage piece and even though it isn’t your usual colour palette, it looks great on you. I drooled over the fantastic clothing in Downton Abbey and would love to have that coat, but as far as what I actually wear, I would say that the 1980’s is closest to my personal style. I don’t have the right shape for many of the other eras.
I bet when you were living through the 80’s you never thought for a second you’d be wearing it again so many years later.
That new frock is adorable! I’m swooning. And how exciting that it fits you while you weren’t expecting it to. I often pick up pieces without trying them at my favourite vintage shop’s sales, when items are just a couple of €, and there was this 1950s frock I was sure was going to be too tight. And it wasn’t! As for my favourite era, now don’t be cruel and make me chose. Although I usually gravitate towards 1960s and 1970s style, as these are easiest to find, I do love 1930s fashion (I love everything 1930s, really) and wouldn’t say no to anything from other eras either. I love a good 1950s wriggle dress and fit and flare styles suit my body shape best. I keep scrolling through your post, and there’s so many covetable stuff to look at. You really have the most amazing eye! xxx
I’m still very much smitten by everything Bohemian from the 70’s. Embracing a world of colorful patterns, trims, and embroideries has maintained a place in my heart since that time.
Oh boy, thats tough. I LOVE MAD MEN. I need to watch it again, and was so sad when it was over! i may lean to the 40s or 50s.. I do love your new dress as I have 2 dresses, that are “vintage inspired” as I LOVE that boat neckline that comes together in the back. So pretty!
I do love wiggle dresses and shift dresses.. so not sure. I also loved the fashions in Downton Abbey, so delicate and feminine- Mary’s style was.
BTW, very groovy crochet dress on you… the last 70s one.. it looks great!
jess xx
thanks for linking!
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I love a range of styles; 1920s wide legged trousers, 1930s longer dresses and nipped in waist, 1940s utility jumpsuit/trousers and top combination, 1950s circle skirt dresses and the capri trousers and sweater girl look, the occasional late 1960s short skirt and colourful tights look, flared/bootcut trousers similar to the 1970s an element of the 1980s with statement sleeves and sometimes a general 1990s vibe. I like mixing all of these favoured styles together with modern clothes for a real mashup of style
Ahh the Joan!! You look amazing in that dress, it suits your curves and your vintage soul! Every era looks like you, although I think 50’s give you the most energy. I adore 40’s, and 80’s-does-40’s. Having a sweet memory attack here, and wanting to get back to Toronto asap. xox
-p
I love the idea that people actually dressed up in all of these eras. Of course by the 60’s and 70’s there were jeans and more casual items too. But going out was an event!! I kinda miss that!
Just so you feel better, I’m having trouble with that one in and one out too….EEEK!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I am not into vintage, so I better not answer this question haha. But you did score a lovely piece dear. Right up your alley.
Greetje
With your hair worn up like that the checked dress looks absolutely wonderful on you and the perfect fit. Definitely a keeper.
Obviously the late 1960s/early 1970s are my era – the age of counter culture, travelling to India overland on the Magic Bus, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, music festivals, the introduction of contraceptive pill, burning our bras and dropping out …oh yeah, and the amazing psychedelic fashions like the fab dresses you’re wearing! xxx
ohhh, what a fabulous post, I’ve enjoyed this travel through decades of fabulousness! You totally rock in every dress, 40’s, 60’s or 70’s!! gorgeous!
I think I love something in every decade from 1900. But I think that I’m an 80’s girl at heart (with some 60’s relevant influences)
Love this ‘Joan’ dress, those subdued colors are also so fab! and the shape is so cool!
besos
What a lovely put together post and pictures!
Boho and romantic suits me best, so maybe the Woodstock period?