Styling – Page 2

Introduction

It is possible to create a retro inspired look interpreted through your own style sensibility. You do not even need to have authentic vintage fashions and accessories to do this. What you do need is a sense of adventure and a keen eye. These can be applied when evaluating the clothes and accessories you already have or shop for. The goal is to get a sense of feeling and look from the vintage fashion. Then express in such a way that it’s a combo of something old and something new!

The Look I took inspiration from

Claire McCardell was an American designer who had her peak popularity during the 1940s and 1950s. She designed comfortable fashions aimed at the American woman and her active lifestyle. Claire worked with knitwear as well as wovens. Her goal was to make elegance something that could be achieved in the simple pieces that make up a capsule wardrobe. She taught her followers how to do this in her book What shall I wear? By having comfortable, well fitting coordinates a woman was already on her way to elegant dressing every day of the week and any time of the day. Colors that worked well together and flattered the woman were important. Individual expression was achieved through beautiful accessories.

This photo comes from What shall I wear? I love the look of the chunky beaded necklace. And the multiple charm bracelets are enough to convey elegance and individuality.

The second outfit I took inspiration from is a trio of coordinates McCardell designed for beach wear. I especially like the slacks. The deep tucks at the waist and tapering legs of the slacks create a comfortable, easy garment flattering to a wide range of sizes. What I also love is the look of these slacks with the sandals.

With these inspirations in mind I set about recreating the look and making it my own.

How I expressed the look using modern clothing and accessories

I did not want a chunky beaded necklace. In the 1950s beading and sequins were very popular on cardigans and pullover sweaters. When I found this knitwear top it was perfect for starting the look. I also bought one in grey with silver beading.

I looked through the collection of costume jewlery my Mom left me and found the charm bracelets for the outfit.

The next step was to find a comfortable pair of slacks that approximated the look of the ones I liked. I also had to find sandals that worked with the slacks.

I ended up at the bargain store where I’d bought the tops. I found two pairs of floral print slacks: one with pink blossoms and one with grey blossoms.

When I saw the sandals I knew I now had the right combination to channel the expression of my vintage inspired vibe.

Photo of the completed look

I am very pleased with the way this look came together. It expresses my own style yet has some of the elements of the original outfit. I hope you take some ideas from this to start your own creative style expression using vintage fashions as a starting point.

Credits

Close-up from What shall I wear? by Claire Mccardell

Full length photo: Claire McCardell Beach Outfit
Public domain-WikimediaCommons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sunburn-brown_jersey_beachware_designed_by_Claire_McCardell.jpg

Introduction

I’m on vacation from work this week. I decided to stay home and immerse myself in all my beloved hobbies and activities. I have not gone clothes shopping at a bricks-and-mortar location since before Lockdown of Spring 2020. I decided it is about time that changed.

There is a lovely boutique on Wood Avenue in Linden, New jersey called New Image. All during Lockdown 2020 I would go for walks and look at the window arrangements of clothes and accessories. Everything is so pleasing and in good taste. Things worked out this week and the shop was open when I went out. I usually get off work after New Image closes for the day, so it took some time for me to get there.

Shopping Experience

The store is well laid out with accessories and shoes featured near the outfits they would complement. There is lots of room to move around and many mirrors. The overall feeling is boutique like yet personal. There is no crowding in the store.

Merchandise cannot be returned so you have to make sure you try your selections on before buying. I found two tops on sale that came to a total of $25. They are perfect for dressing up the denim skirt I draped and sewed during Lockdown of 2020.

New Image Boutique is located at 116 N. Wood Avenue, Linden, New Jersey 07036. Telephone 973-803-6242.

My New Pullover Tops from New Image

This stiped top is from Orange Kiss. It is stretchy and comfortable. It is a size M and fits me just right with a little extra room to move in. I usually wear a Medium in stretch tops.

The polka dot top is from dianabelleNY and is labelled a size S. It fits me very well without being tight around the body or binding at the neck.

These are perfect for dressing up my denim skirt.

Accessories, Shoes and Stockings/Pantyhose

There are times I do not find my bare legs attractive with an outfit. The matter of choosing to wear stockings or pantyhose depends on personal preferences and the climate. During the summer I do not wear them but at other times of the year I think they look very sexy. They also hide bruises and imperfections. Dark stockings also add a youthful look.

The shoes I paired with these two looks are: 1. a pair of fabric square toed ballet flats from Bob’s Skeecher’s and 2. a pair of black pumps by Jaklyn Smith.

My late Mom left me her costume jewelry and collectibles which I treasure. The three gold tone charm bracelets were sold by Avon during the 1980s or early 1990s. I paired the hearts charm bracelet with the we’re in the money charm bracelet since I liked the idea of mixing up love (hearts) with symbols of wealth like diamond rings, yachts and gold bars.

My Finished Looks

I am very happy with the resulting looks and hope this gives you some ideas for styling your own denim skirts.

Category: Styling

Styling Adventure: Taking inspiration from a retro look

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