Embracing the Charm of Winter Vintage Eveningwear
The allure of vintage fashion for winter occasions
Vintage fashion for winter occasions has a unique charm that combines nostalgia, elegance, and a welcoming appeal of bygone eras. We look at the reasons why vintage fashion is so alluring for the colder season occasions.
Timeless Elegance
Vintage pieces often feature classic silhouettes and intricate details that can stand the test of time. Whether it’s a 1920’s flapper dress with beading and fringe, or a 1950’s A-line coat with a nipped-in waist – these styles exude sophistication and grace.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Many vintage garments were made with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Wool, silk, and cashmere were commonly used, ensuring warmth and durability. The attention to detail in stitching, embellishments, and construction is often much superior to modern fast fashion.
Unique or One-of-a-Kind
Wearing vintage ensures a distinctive look. Vintage pieces are often one-of-a-kind or rare, so you’re unlikely to see someone else in the same outfit. This uniqueness is especially appealing for special winter occasions where you want to stand out.
Sustainable Fashion Choice
Choosing vintage over modern styles – is an environmentally friendly option. By reusing and repurposing old clothes, you’re reducing waste and lessening the demand for new production, which often involves significant resource consumption as well as pollution.
Versatile Layering
Vintage styles offer great opportunities for creative layering, which can be a necessity in winter. Think of pairing a 1940’s wool coat with a vintage scarf, gloves, and hat, or layering a 1970’s boho dress with a chunky knit cardigan and knee-high boots.
Nostalgic Appeal
Wearing vintage connects you with the past, and the stories behind the garments. Each piece has its own history and character – which can add depth and meaning to your wardrobe.
Inspirations and Themes
Vintage fashion often aligns with winter themes and festive occasions. As an example – a 1960’s cocktail dress can be perfect for a holiday party, while a 1930’s velvet gown might be ideal for a formal winter wedding creating that WOW factor with your guests.
Iconic Looks
Certain vintage looks have become iconic and are associated with winter style. Remember Audrey Hepburn’s chic coats, Marilyn Monroe’s glamorous evening gowns, or Grace Kelly’s elegant ensembles? They were all classic looks. By emulating these style icons, you can bring a touch of old Hollywood glamour to your own winter wardrobe.
Practical Accessories
Vintage fashion also comes with practical and stylish accessories perfect to add to your winter wardrobe. Fur stoles, leather gloves, and structured handbags can either add warmth or a finishing touch to your outfit.
Embracing vintage fashion for winter occasions allows you to express individuality while enjoying the comfort, quality, and elegance of timeless styles.
Key elements for a classic vintage winter look
A classic vintage winter look is timeless and elegant – often inspired by the fashion trends of the early to mid-20th century. Look at these key elements and how they wore them.
Outerwear
Wool Coats: Long, tailored wool coats in neutral colors like camel, navy, black, or grey. Look for styles with structured shoulders, darts, and a cinched waist.
Fur Accents: Coats with fur collars, cuffs or both – maybe even a vintage faux fur stole or capelet.
Pea Coats: Double-breasted pea coats for a more casual but still classic look, again it’s best to choose neutral colours.
Knitwear
Turtleneck jumpers: Slim-fitting turtleneck sweaters or jumpers in solid colors.
Cardigans: Chunky knit cardigans, often with intricate patterns or buttons.
Sweater Dresses: Knee-length knitted sweater dresses that can be belted at the waist.
Bottoms
High-Waisted Trousers: Tailored high-waisted trousers in wool or tweed fabrics.
A-Line Skirts: Knee-length A-line skirts, often paired with tights in plain neutral colours.
Plaid Skirts: Wool plaid skirts, or pleated skirts – for a touch of classic pattern.
Footwear
Ankle Boots: Leather or suede ankle boots with a block heel.
Knee-High Boots: Sleek, leather knee-high boots for added warmth and style.
Oxfords: Classic leather oxford shoes or loafers – for a vintage touch.
Accessories
Scarves: Silk or wool scarves, often in bold colors or patterns.
Gloves: Leather or knit gloves, sometimes with button details or fur trim for style.
Hats: Berets, cloche hats, or fedoras in wool or felt would look authentic.
Handbags: Structured handbags – like vintage leather satchels or boxy purses.
Jewelry
Brooches: Decorative brooches on coats or sweaters – can be either of semi precious stones or glass.
Pearls: Natural pearl necklaces or earrings for a touch of elegance.
Vintage Watches: Classic analogue watches with leather bands.
Makeup and Hair
Red Lipstick: Bold red lipstick for a classic look, or pale pink for a 60’s/70’s feel.
Winged Eyeliner: Subtle winged eyeliner and mascara.
Hair: Soft waves or pin curls, often styled with a side part or with vintage hair accessories or combs
Colors and Patterns
Neutral Tones: Shades like beige, grey, navy, and black.
Rich Colors: Deep greens, burgundies, and browns in velvet.
Patterns: Plaid, houndstooth, and herringbone for a vintage feel.
Combining these elements can create a timeless vintage winter look that exudes elegance and warmth.
Incorporating statement vintage pieces for dinner and parties
Incorporating statement vintage pieces into your wardrobe for dinner and parties can add a unique and sophisticated touch to your look. Here are my tips on how to do it:
Choose a Statement Piece: Start with one standout vintage item, such as a dress, jacket, or accessory. You may choose a 1920’s beaded flapper dress, a 1950’s swing dress, a 1960’s mod coat, or a 1970’s bohemian skirt.
Balance the Look: Pair your vintage piece with modern items to avoid looking like you’re from that era. For example, if you’re wearing a vintage dress, add contemporary shoes and accessories, to modernize the look.
Accessorize Thoughtfully: Vintage accessories like jewelry, handbags, and hats can elevate your outfit. Consider wearing a vintage clutch, a statement necklace, or a pair of elegant gloves?
Mix Textures and Patterns: Combining different textures and patterns can create an interesting and universal look. For instance, a lace vintage dress can be paired with a modern leather jacket.
Pay Attention to Fit: Vintage clothing has different sizing standards than modern clothes. Make sure your vintage pieces will fit well, so I recommend carrying a tape measure when you go shopping for vintage attire, or you may want get it tailored to suit your body shape?
Incorporate Vintage Fabrics: Look for vintage pieces made from high-quality fabrics such as silk, velvet, or wool. These materials often have a timeless appeal and add a touch of luxury.
Hair and Makeup: Complement your vintage outfit with appropriate hair and makeup styles. So if you’re wearing a 1940’s dress, consider a victory roll hairstyle and some red lipstick.
Confidence is Key: Wearing vintage pieces with confidence is an essential part of the overall look. So own, you’ve got this, and enjoy the uniqueness that vintage fashion brings.
Outfit Ideas
1950’s Glamour:
Vintage Piece: A 1950’s swing dress in a bold color or print.
Modern Touch: Pair with sleek heels and a contemporary clutch.
Accessories: Add a vintage brooch and pearl earrings.
1970’s Boho Chic:
Vintage Piece: A flowy maxi dress in a bohemian or paisley print.
Modern Touch: Add a wide-brimmed hat and ankle boots.
Accessories: Layer with modern bangles and a vintage-inspired choker or necklace.
1980’s Power Dressing:
Vintage Piece: A tailored blazer in a block colour with padded shoulders.
Modern Touch: Pair it with skinny stretch jeans and stiletto heels.
Accessories: Add bold earrings and a structured shoulder bag or handbag.
1920’s Elegance:
Vintage Piece: A beaded flapper dress, or a dropped waist soft sleeveless dress.
Modern Touch: Pair with kitten heels and a sleek clutch.
Accessories: Add a vintage headband and long elegant gloves.
By thoughtfully incorporating vintage pieces into your wardrobe, you can create memorable and stylish outfits for dinners and parties.
The role of fabrics and patterns in achieving an authentic vintage look
To achieve an authentic vintage look relies heavily on selecting the right fabrics and patterns. Different eras have distinctive textiles and designs that define their fashion. Learn more about these below:
1920’s
Fabrics: Silk, satin, soft velvet, and chiffon. Fabrics were often luxurious in quality and were used to create fluid, flowing silhouettes.
Patterns: Art Deco motifs, geometric patterns, or bold, abstract designs. Beadwork and intricate embroidery were also popular at the time.
1930’s
Fabrics: Fine fabrics such as rayon, silk, and cotton. Materials evolved into more practical and comfortable for the wearer, yet still elegant.
Patterns: Floral prints, polka dots, and bias cuts. Patterns were often more subdued and feminine compared to the previous decade.
1940’s
Fabrics: Wool, wool-weight rayon, and cotton. Due to WWII, fabrics became utilitarian, with an emphasis on durability and practicality.
Patterns: Plaids, stripes, and small floral prints. Patterns were simpler, but more functional, reflecting the austerity of the era.
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1950’s
Fabrics: Cotton, wool, nylon, and polyester were used, which saw the rise of synthetic fabrics – offering more options to pieces and accessories.
Patterns: Polka dots, gingham, atomic prints, and novelty prints. Patterns transitioned into playful but colorful, reflecting the post-war optimism.
1960’s
Fabrics: Cotton, polyester, and vinyl. Fabrics became more diverse and experimental during this time.
Patterns: Bold geometric shapes, psychedelic prints, and mod motifs. The patterns were vibrant and eye-catching, and often in bright, contrasting colors.
1970’s
Fabrics: Blue denim, nylon, acetate, polyester, and corduroy. Natural fibers and earthy materials were also popular for suiting or coats.
Patterns: Paisley, floral, ethnic prints, and tie-dye. Patterns were quite diverse, often reflecting the bohemian and disco influences of the time.
1980’s
Fabrics: Lycra, spandex, polyester, taffeta and leather. Fabrics were often synthetic and elastic.
Patterns: Animal prints, neon colors, and graphic prints. Patterns were bold and flamboyant – mirroring the exuberance of the decade.
Tips for Achieving an Authentic Vintage Look
Research and Inspiration: Study vintage fashion magazines, old movies, TV shows, old posters and photographs – to understand the look and feel of the era you’re aiming for.
Authentic Fabrics: Where possible, use authentic vintage fabrics or high-quality reproductions to ensure the right texture and drape. Be careful with the quality – especially very old fabrics that may have faded or frayed.
Attention to Detail: Pay attention to the small details like buttons, zippers, and trims that were typical for the era, but may be rare to find if any are presented damaged or missing.
Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix modern pieces with vintage ones to create a balanced look that’s both authentic and wearable. Just be sure to look for similar fabric textures when mixing old with new.
Sewing and Customization: Consider crafting your own clothes, or customizing thrifted items to achieve a perfect vintage fit and style.
By carefully selecting fabrics and patterns that are true to the era, you can create a wardrobe that authentically captures the essence of vintage fashion
Vintage dressing etiquette for winter events
For winter events, vintage dressing etiquette can vary depending on the era that inspires you most. Here are staple ideas that encompass some popular vintage or antique eras:
1920's
For Women:
Dresses: Sleeveless flapper dresses with dropped waistlines, often adorned with sequins, beads, fringes which can be found here through Zapaka vintage online. They also cater for larger sizes here.
Outerwear: Fur stoles, coats, or wraps. Faux fur is a great modern alternative to animal fur – which is no longer used. Capelets and capes can be bought through Zapaka today. Amazon have a great variety of vintage inspired stoles and wraps in various colours and styles – have a look at these.
Accessories: Cloche hats, are available in several styles at Amazon today, whilst long beaded necklaces with chokers can be purchased here, as well as through Zapaka online. and cuban heel lace up or T-strap shoes are at Amazon online.
Colors: Rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby, as well as black and gold.
For Men:
Suits: Three-piece suits with wide lapels, often in wool, tweed or pin striped. Some suit styles can be bought here today. Waistcoats can be purchased through Zapaka vintage for a variety of styles and colours.
Outerwear: Long overcoats or trench coats, often with belts or fur collars. Some of these coat styles can be purchased today through a selection at Amazon
Accessories: Bow ties, neckties, or cravats. Fancy bow ties, cravats and pocket squares are now purchasable through Amazon. Fedora or homburg hats are seen so learn more about these today.
Colors: Dark shades, such as navy, charcoal, and brown.
1930's
For Women:
Dresses: Dresses that have been Bias-cut with flowing lines, often in silk, satin or velvet. If you scroll through these styles, you can find some soft flowing dropped waist styles here.
Outerwear: Fur-trimmed coats or capes. Learn more about these gorgeous fur trimmed capes and capelets today.
Accessories: Gloves, berets or fascinators, and Art Deco jewelry. Berets and fascinators are found here online. While long evening gloves are right here.
Colors: Soft pastels and muted tones, and with metallics for evening wear.
For Men:
Suits: Double-breasted suits with padded shoulders and wide pleated or cuffed trousers. These suits can be available through Amazon simply search these today.
Outerwear: Overcoats with wide lapels. Search online through these lovely overcoats to find the best style for you.
Accessories: Trilby hats, patterned ties, and leather gloves. An assortment of leather gloves are right here. Whilst trilby hats can be sourced as well. Choose a patterned tie from this selection here.
Colors: Earth or neutral tones, and classic black and white.
1940's
For Women:
Dresses: A-line dresses with defined waists and knee-length hemlines can be sourced here, learn more about these through Zapaka Vintage. As you scroll through this selection at Amazon, you will find classic styles to choose from. Vintage vixen has some lovely styles as a seller through Amazon, why not have a look at these, also larger sizes.
Outerwear: Utility coats or swing coats, often with fur collars and large buttons. A few styles can be found as you scroll through this Amazon store online.
Accessories: Pearl or cameo Jewellery, victory rolls or snoods for hairstyles, short gloves by day, and seamed stockings. 1940’s inspired jewellery pieces are available online today. Stockings with seams can be bought right here.
Colors: Military-inspired colors like khaki and navy, as well as bright reds and greens.
For Men:
Suits: Exaggerated Zoot suits for a bold look, or more conservative single-breasted suits. Men’s single breasted suits in various materials are purchasable today.
Outerwear: Pea coats or bomber jackets. Buy a classic bomber jacket today through Amazon.
Accessories: Wide ties, fedoras, and leather dress shoes. A selection of fedora hats can be found today, look at these varieties. Dress shoes in leather including oxfords are bought here. Vintage wide ties are purchasable today.
Colors: Dark, neutral colors – often with pinstripes.
1950's
For Women:
Dresses: Full-skirted dresses with petticoats or tight wiggle dresses – for a more fitted look. Pencil and full skirted dresses including larger sizes are bought through Amazon, look at the gorgeous designs available. But at Zapaka you may find some other full skirted styles as well. Lovely day and evening designs are also available through vintage vixen.
Outerwear: Swing coats or short bolero jackets. You can purchase boleros through Amazon, simple scroll your selection of styles available.
Accessories: Pearls, kitten heels or oxfords, and pillbox hats. Faux pearls or cultured pearls can be purchased today, look through the selections available. Oxfords or kitten heels can be found here, while pillbox hats are also bought through this same online store.
Colors: Pastels, polka dots, plaids, and floral patterns.
For Men:
Suits: Slim-cut suits with narrow lapels. A variety of men’s slim cut suits are bought here online.
Outerwear: Leather zip jackets or tailored overcoats. A wide variety of men’s leather zip jackets can be found here today.
Accessories: Skinny ties, pocket squares, and brogues or loafers. You can find these skinny ties right here in great styles and colours. Pocket square selections can be found here as well. Shoes such as brogues or loafers are too available online.
Colors: Bold colors and checks, alongside classic grays and blues.
General Tips
Fabric Choices: Opt for warm, winter-appropriate fabrics such as wool, tweed, velvet, and silk.
Layering: Use layers to stay warm while maintaining a stylish appearance. This could include cardigans, vests, or thermal undergarments.
Footwear: Ensure your shoes are both stylish and practical for winter weather. Consider vintage-inspired ankle boots or court shoes with good grip.
Headwear: Hats were an essential part of vintage fashion, providing both style and warmth. Choose era-appropriate hats that complement your outfit and announce a WOW factor.
By following these ideas, you can create a chic and authentic vintage look for any winter event.
Celebrity and influencer vintage styles to inspire your winter wardrobe
To inspire your vintage wardrobe, look at what these celebrities and influencers wore at the time:
Audrey Hepburn
Style: Classic and elegant
Key Pieces: Tailored coats, turtlenecks, A-line skirts, cigarette pants, ballet flats, and oversized sunglasses
Inspiration: Think of Audrey in her iconic black turtleneck and trousers, paired with a long, tailored coat and a pair of chic gloves.
Marilyn Monroe
Style: Glamorous and feminine
Key Pieces: Fur coats, pencil skirts, cashmere sweaters, silk scarves, and high heels
Inspiration: Emulate Marilyn’s glamorous winter look with a fur-lined coat, a fitted pencil skirt, and a cozy cashmere sweater.
Jackie Kennedy
Style: Sophisticated and polished
Key Pieces: Pea coats, structured blazers, wool dresses, pillbox hats, court shoes, and pearl necklaces
Inspiration: Channel Jackie’s timeless style with a well-fitted pea coat, a chic wool dress, and a stylish hat.
Twiggy
Style: Mod and playful
Key Pieces: Mini dresses, knee-high boots, bold patterns, colorful tights, and oversized coats
Inspiration: Capture Twiggy’s mod vibe with a patterned mini dress, colorful tights, and a statement coat.
Grace Kelly
Style: Graceful and sophisticate
Key Pieces: Trench coats, silk blouses, tailored trousers, leather gloves, and elegant scarves
Inspiration: Embrace Grace Kelly’s elegance with a classic trench coat, a silk blouse, and a pair of tailored trousers.
Jane Birkin
Style: Effortless and chic
Key Pieces: Knit sweaters, straight-leg jeans, oversized scarves, and ankle boots
Inspiration: Mirror Jane Birkin’s effortless style with a cozy knit sweater, straight-leg jeans, and a large scarf.
Brigitte Bardot
Style: Bohemian and bold
Key Pieces: Flared pants, bohemian blouses, wide-brimmed hats, and faux fur coats
Inspiration: Get inspired by Brigitte’s bohemian look with flared pants, a flowing blouse, and a statement faux fur coat.
Influencers with Vintage Style Inspiration
Alexa Chung
Style: Modern vintage
Key Pieces: Plaid coats, vintage-inspired dresses, loafers, and berets
Inspiration: Alexa’s style often includes modern takes on vintage pieces, such as a plaid coat paired with a beret and loafers.
Dita Von Teese
Style: Retro glam
Key Pieces: Corsets, pencil skirts, vintage dresses, and luxurious outerwear
Inspiration: Dita’s wardrobe is a treasure trove of vintage glamour, perfect for winter with luxurious outerwear like a Russian styled coat with fur collar and cuffs, but with classic silhouettes.
Jeanne Damas
Style: Parisian chic
Key Pieces: Wrap coats, vintage jeans, turtlenecks, and ankle boots
Inspiration: Jeanne’s Parisian chic style often features vintage jeans, maxi skirts, trench coats, and cozy turtlenecks, perfect for a stylish winter look.
By incorporating these vintage-inspired pieces into your wardrobe, you can create a winter look that is both timeless and fashionable.
shopping sustainable fashion and repurposing garments.
Sustainable fashion focuses on reducing the environmental impact made by clothing manufacturing production and consumption. Two popular strategies within this movement are shopping for vintage clothing and repurposing old garments.
Shopping Vintage
Benefits:
Environmental Impact: Buying vintage reduces the demand for new clothing production, which often involves environmentally harmful practices, or may promote sweat shops.
Unique Styles: Vintage shops offer unique, often high-quality pieces that stand out from mass-produced fashion and are often “one of a kind”.
Historical Value: Wearing vintage can be a way to celebrate and preserve fashion history and have nostalgic appeal.
Tips:
Quality Check: Inspect garments for any damage or wear, ensuring they are still in good condition, including any hardware on the item.
Sizing: Vintage sizing does differ from modern sizing, so trying items on is important to establish whether it came be altered?
Alterations: Consider tailoring vintage items to fit perfectly. Weigh up the costs involved, but get advice before purchasing.
Repurposing Old Garments
Benefits:
Creativity: Repurposing allows for one’s creative expression and personalized fashion.
Waste Reduction: Extends the life of existing clothing, which can be worn many times over in different ways, and reducing textile waste.
Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than buying new clothes, depending on where you purchase it.
Ideas:
Upcycling: Transform old garments into new styles, such as turning a dress into a skirt or a shirt into a tote bag.
DIY Repairs: Fix holes, replace buttons, or add patches to extend the life of clothes, adding your personal touch to it.
Dyeing and Printing: Use fabric dyes or prints to refresh and personalize old clothing items.
Conclusion
Both, shopping vintage and repurposing old garments are effective ways to participate in sustainable fashion. They offer environmental benefits, allow for unique and personalized style, which can often save money. Embracing these practices contributes to a more sustainable and mindful approach to fashion.
I hope you enjoyed this post on winter outfits for special occasions or events, please feel free to leave any comments below, or contact us via our socials.
Regards Helen