Let's put 2020 to bed and visit old looks from year's past

What a year this has been - you must admit that nothing about it has been normal. Now that 2021 is here, it is time to put 2020 to bed! Let’s look to a brighter future and take into it all the lessons we learned in 2020. Staying at home, bonding with family and keeping life simple. It was a wake-up call for many. A general ‘stop’ to all the craziness, rush and commotion that we were caught up in.

This year, things will be different too and we look for something familiar. Nothing brings back happier memories than well known and comfortable old looks. They have a unique appeal that has stood the test of time. Dressing simple and classic is the way to go in 2021 and vintage is your go-to wardrobe. Vintage styles are ideal for work and leisure. They can be dressed up and dressed down. You can create a killer night-look or a relaxed casual weekend-look.

The glam gals knew how to style a look!

The glam gals from years past knew exactly how to style a vintage look. We love to revisit old looks from years past.

 

1930’s - Glam after the Great Depression

 

 

Although the 1930’s was overshadowed by the Great Depression, the ladies dressed up in style and glamour. This decade was defined by midi-length dresses, large puff sleeves, even larger yokes and fitted waists with belts, Hollywood evening gowns were long, dazzling, sleeveless and backless, made of silk or velvet. Black was the colour of choice. Unlike today, a genuine fur stole or fur wrap was ‘the’ accessory to show-off. How about draping a fox over your shoulder? Definitely a no-go in 2021. For casual wear, striped sailor pants with a high waist teamed up with a white shirt was a fresh and fun look.

Hair was styled in an angular bob that grazed the cheekbones. Finger waves were a hit in the 1930s, loved by famous movie stars like Betty Davis.

 

1940’s - The years of World War II

 

The 1940’s were defined by World War II. Men left home to fight on the front lines and women suddenly found themselves working in factories, on production lines and in army facilities. Fashion took a turn towards workwear clothing with an industrial look. Boiler suits and overalls replaced restrictive ladylike dresses. During these years, denim and heavy cotton canvas became the fabrics of choice as they were strong, durable and long lasting. Styles were comfortable with button-down fronts, allowing movement when doing heavy-duty jobs.

Hair styles were both feminine and practical. Having long flowing hair get caught up in a machine was not an option. Scarves and caps help to keep hair under control while at work. Victory Curls and Victory Rolls became popular styles. Large curls were piled on top of the head and the length was wound around into a roll. After the workday ended, it could be easily released, allowing it to flow freely.

 

1950’s – Pearls and the rockabilly swing skirt

 

 

Christian Dior, which debuted in 1947 greatly influenced the 1950’s. The style was classic and sophisticated with structured shoulders, slim fitted waistlines and voluminous layered skirts. The skirts evolved into the design we love – the fun swing skirt that forms a full circle and flows seductively as you move. Paired with a Peter Pan collar, this was the ultimate girly-look.

Pin-up and rockabilly were born in the 1950’s. If you wanted a new look, replace your swing skirt for a form-hugging pencil with a teeny slit down the back giving you a sexy wiggle-walk. Halter neck dresses, bustier tops and the Bikini were for the ladies who were not shy.

Polka dots became a trend in the 1950’s and were reinvented in later years by the beautiful Princess Di. Pearls and more pearls - long flowing strands, multiple layers, earrings and hairpieces. After the war years, ladies took to staying at home and looking ultra-glam while doing it. The 50s wowed with hairstyles ranging from tight barrel curls to the iconic short and cute pixie cut that Audrey Hepburn wore so perfectly.

 

1960’s - Style icons Jacky Kennedy and Twiggy

 

 

Jackie Kennedy, Twiggy and the start of the hippie years defined the look of the 1960’s. The former First Lady, Jackie, wowed with her sophisticated, classic elegance and ladies from around the globe followed her trends. She loved the pillbox hat, strapless gowns, elbow-length gloves and the tailored coat dress. One of her most loved designers was Cassini, who created the stunning A-line silhouette and stand-away collar.

In contrast, Twiggy, the waif-like model, wore teeny babydoll dresses that helped women to express their new-found liberation.  This style had a high empire waistline and an ultra-short hem length. For evening, the empire waistline was popular, but in a longer floor-grazing length. Also popular in the 1960’s were shirtwaist dresses and cardigan sweaters. For accessories, pearls retained their popularity and kitten heels were born.

 

1970’s – Hippie love, flowers and peace signs

 

 

The late 60’s and 70’s were defined by the hippie culture born in San Francisco.  Fashion was way-cool with huge bell-bottom jeans that flared outwards at the hems. Headbands, peace signs and loads of flowers made fab accessories. Colours were bold and bright and the more the merrier! Anything crazy and different was considered the norm. The hippy culture swept across the globe and became a cult that outdid any other. Hair was long and straggly, both for ladies and guys. Leather tassels hung down from almost everything from jackets to skirts and cropped tops. Footwear was flat sandals, handmade from leather strips. If you were going out to a disco, platform heels made you at least 5 inches taller.

 

Our New Look for 2021

 

For the New Year, we are super excited to bring you our latest Square Neckline Folded Collar design. You have options – dress by using the zipper at the back or the buttons at the front. It is fun and stylish, ideal for ladies of all shapes and sizes. Take a look at our new collection.