Rockabilly is a style from the 1950’s. In this image we can see a checkered button up shirt paired with a wide leg pant and a hair tie.
There is something beautifully magical about Vintage fashion! It’s a statement that carries history, a sense of timeless elegance, that brings character and the past to life! Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of the 1920s, the structured silhouettes of the 1940s, or the playful charm of the 1950s, there are endless ways to incorporate vintage and retro fashion into your everyday style. Knowing how to style these classic pieces can take your look to the next level. In this post, I’ll be sharing my favorite vintage fashion tips, including how to layer outfits, must-have accessories, and a bit of historic inspiration to help you embrace the charm of past eras.
So, let’s step back in time and explore how to create the perfect vintage ensemble!
1. Layering: Mastering the Art of Layering
Layering is key to achieving that effortless vintage look. Many iconic vintage outfits featured carefully styled layers that added both purpose and flair. Here are some layering tips to consider:
The Classic Foundation: Undergarments & Silhouettes
In many vintage eras, the right undergarments played a crucial role in shaping the outfit. A-line skirts of the 1950s were often worn over petticoats for added volume, while the sleek silhouettes of the 1920s relied on slip dresses for a smooth drape.
Investing in vintage-inspired slips, stockings, or even corset-style tops can help achieve an authentic look.
Start with a Classic Base
Begin with a staple piece from your favorite era. This could be a 1940s tea dress, a 1950s pencil skirt, or a 1970s blouse with a dramatic collar. Your base piece sets the tone for your entire outfit.
Outerwear & Layering for Elegance
Depending on the season, layering can enhance both style and function:
Cardigans & Sweaters: A cropped cardigan from the 1950s can add warmth without overpowering your silhouette. I love to use cardigans throughout the year as they can add warmth under a jacket in the cold months or be a nice touch on a cool spring morning.
Blazers & Jackets: A structured 1940s blazer creates a polished and sophisticated look. A nice suit coat can really pull the ensemble together and create that sought after hourglass silhouette that was what every woman was after in the 1940’s.
Petticoats & Slips: For full-skirted dresses from the 1950s, a petticoat adds volume and authenticity. This volume creates a smooth silhouette and who doesn’t like to twirl in a voluminous skirt or dress!
Pairing a cardigan over a skirt and button up shirt can be the perfect finishing touch.
Adding a petticoat under a skirt is the perfect 1950's accessory for a retro look.
Mixing Eras Tastefully
While staying true to one era is beautiful, don’t be afraid to mix and match! A Victorian-style blouse can pair well with a 1940s high-waisted skirt, or a 1970s denim jacket can give a 1950s dress a fresh twist. Mixing eras can be fun as well and will add your personality to the outfit!
2. Accessories: The Finishing Touches
Accessories are the key to making a vintage outfit feel complete. Here are some must-have pieces for each era that pull your outfit together.
Hats & Hairpieces
Hats were an essential statement piece, whether it was a cloche hat in the 1920s, a wide-brimmed sun hat in the 1940s, or a pillbox hat in the 1960s. Hair accessories like vintage combs, scarves, or pearl-studded pins add the perfect finishing touch. Some examples below per era are below.
- 1920s: Cloche hats, feathered headbands, and beaded caps.
- 1940s: Tilt hats, turbans, and snoods, or a good ole bandanna.
- 1950s: Wide-brimmed hats and dainty pillbox hats.
A fringed flapper dress paired with a cloche hat finishes this 1920's outfit.
Jewelry and Gloves
Pearls were a staple across many decades—whether in a single strand for a 1920s flapper look or layered in the 1950s for added elegance.
Brooches were a 1940s or 1950s must as they add a touch of charm and a nice touch.
Earrings are a perfect for a glamorous 1920s-inspired look or add a perfect little bit of sparkle to your 1950s outfit.
Gloves were a must-have for many decades, from the delicate lace gloves of the Edwardian era to the wrist-length gloves of the 1950s. A simple pair of gloves can make your outfit feel instantly refined.
Handbags and Belts
For handbags, opt for structured, boxy purses from the 1950s or delicate beaded evening bags from the 1920s.
Belts: Cinch your waist with a wide belt for a 1950s silhouette, or in the 1940’s a belt was added as utility and rationing was important due to WWII.
A purse can be the perfect touch to any ensemble, I personally love matching my purse or accessories to my outfit.
3. A Touch of History: The Influence of Fashion Trends
Fashion reflects the social and cultural changes of its time. The influences from war, economics, finances, and priorities have always been big influences on fashion and what is important in what people wear.
The 1920s: The Flapper Revolution
The Roaring Twenties saw a break from traditional constraints—women embraced shorter hemlines, loose-fitting dresses, and dazzling embellishments. These changes came about from wanting to move away from structure and formality. Clothing for both Women and Men became looser and more colorful. Even hair lines changed, previously women wanted long luxurious hair to now short bobbed haircuts. The era’s signature look included drop waist dresses, beaded gowns, feathered headpieces, and Mary Jane shoes.
Check out my Pinterest Inspiration here:
The 1940s: Utility and Elegance
The 1940s was a defining era in fashion, largely shaped by World War II. Practicality met elegance as fabric rationing led to more structured and resourceful clothing choices. Here are some key features of 1940s fashion:
Due to wartime fabric restrictions, women’s clothing became more streamlined and practical. Dresses featured simple A-line skirts, nipped-in waists, and strong, padded shoulders—a silhouette that exuded strength and femininity.
Women often repurposed men's clothing due to material shortages, which led to the rise of high-waisted trousers and utilitarian jumpsuits.
The “Make Do and Mend” Movement
With rationing in full effect, people became incredibly resourceful with their clothing. Women learned to remake old garments, patch up stockings, and even turn parachute silk into dresses!
Homemade accessories like knitted hats and hand-sewn purses became popular as a way to personalize outfits while staying thrifty.
Victory Rolls & Red Lipstick
Hairstyles were voluminous and structured, with victory rolls becoming a signature 1940s look. The style not only looked glamorous but also kept hair out of the way for women working in factories.
Bold red lipstick became a symbol of resilience and patriotism. In fact, during the war, the U.S. government encouraged women to wear red lipstick as a morale booster!
The 1950s: Feminine Silhouettes
After the war, fashion took a glamorous turn as fabric restrictions lifted, and fashion designers began experimenting with more feminine and luxurious styles.. Hourglass figures were emphasized with full skirts, cinched waists, and structured dresses. Accessories like gloves, pearls, and hats completed the polished aesthetic
A nice spring outfit to read in the shade is a lovely way to spend your spring days.
Vintage fashion is a beautiful way to express yourself while honoring the past. Whether you’re layering with care, selecting the perfect accessories, or appreciating the history behind each era, your vintage wardrobe can be both stylish and meaningful.
Do you have a favorite vintage fashion era? Share your go-to vintage outfit or favorite thing about retro clothing, I would love to chat with you about what makes you excited about vintage clothing!
And if you’re looking for timeless vintage-inspired portraits, let’s create something magical together—contact me for a personalized vintage photo shoot experience!
Thank you!
