Category Archives: early 1960’s

True Vintage Ladies’ Sweaters 1940’s – 1970’s

Just a few examples of the many styles and varieties in my archives, but this assortment is a good beginning. The most classic, and probably the most numerous of my discoveries, have been cardigans. Finely made cashmere sweaters, like my mother’s yellow one with appliqued flowers, were a staple for the college coed in the late 1930’s to 1940’s. Plain styles were often worn in reverse, with the buttons in back. Up through the 1950’s to the early 1960’s beaded and embroidered cardigans were hugely popular and the designs were endless. Most were commercially-made, many of the best ones in British Hong Kong, but some women decorated theirs at home. My mother bought this yellow sweater jacket by Banff in the early 1960’s.

Of course, there were v-neck, crew neck, and collared sweaters in all sorts of variety. Most were nice, but casual styles made to wear with skirts and, later, with slacks. Wool sweaters provided the most warmth for colder months and, until Orlon became available, almost all sweaters were made of wool. Synthetics were really given a boost during WWII because of the government’s requisitioning of wool for military uniforms.

The turtleneck that we love now didn’t seem to show up too much in everyone’s closets until the early 1960’s. Until then, it was a little more avant guarde or unconventional for the average gal though they were on the scene from the 1920’s. Always a sportswear item, especially from the time women began to dress more casually in the 1940’s, women’s sweaters became less dressy. We’d begin to see themed sweaters like this Las Vegas souvenir from the 1970’s or with prominent monograms, mostly in the ’50’s. Of course, many mid-century women knitted and crocheted tons of styles at home, from super-casual to evening styles.

True vintage sweaters from before the 1970’s when acrylic yarn took over are a rare and fabulous find. Moth damage, pills and snags usually took most of them out of circulation. Though I have many, it’s only possible to show sample at one time. A few ladies’ casual Spring jackets tomorrow – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FEW TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S SWEATERS, WOOL SHIRT AND 2 JACKETS FROM THE 1960’S AND 1970’S

Here are a few of the iconic everyday styles seen frequently in menswear from the early 1960’s until the mid 1970’s. The 1970’s styles, shown in the center panel, are still probably in production. Cardigans and pullovers have been popular for men at least since the 1940’s. The styles produced in the 1940’s and 1950’s were most interesting, with colorful knitted-in patterns and leather inserts.

In the top panel, first shown is a woolen knit cardigan with embossed metallic buttons. It’s an imported European style. Second is a wool shirt, which has been a cold-weather casual staple for men for decades. The Henley neckline closure makes this one unique. After that, an iconic suede leather jacket with sweater-knit collar and sleeves. I have several of these in the archives, in different earth-tone colors. They are beautiful pieces which have, surprisingly, survived the decades in excellent condition. Next are 2 plain, standard cardigans which have been a part of almost every older man’s wardrobe (often with leather elbow patches) and younger mens’, too, especially when they have been designed as golf sweaters. The first, with patch pockets, is made of wool and is older – probably 1960’s. The second, in burgundy, is acrylic knit as is the light blue Izod V-neck. Standard 1970’s construction and fabric.

Finally, I picked this iconic Ted Williams hunting jacket to include in the post. Ted Williams was a famous baseball player and lent his name to this jacket sold by Sears & Roebuck in the early 1960’s. The label tells the marketing story and you can see the heavy knitted neckline. Cuffs are made of the same material. In front, the jacket zips and has standard-looking pockets. I have shown the back view because the rear “game pocket” is most visible. It extends across the lower back and opens with a zipper on both sides.

This find was an education for me, as I’d never heard of Ted Williams or seen this type of jacket before. What great clues in any investigation! Women’s styles tomorrow – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE TRUE VINTAGE HATS FOR MID-CENTURY ENSEMBLES

Aren’t these fun and beautiful! From the 1940’s to the early 1960’s, women would hardly leave the house without a hat. Straw, suede, velvet, synthetic mesh, wool felt and ribbon were all used frequently. Artificial flowers and real feathers were, too. The combinations and designs were almost limitless. Finding a hat that flattered you and accented your clothing was an epic quest.

Even though I’ve been told that numerous groundhogs predicted an early Spring this year (yay!), I’ll be leaving the Spring fashions for a bit while concentrating on some beloved and practical vintage wardrobe items that have kept women and men warm on frigid days like the one’s we’ve been living with. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE STRAPPY PUMPS TO WEAR WITH SPRING ENSEMBLES from the 1960’s and 1940’s

Basic neutral tones will take you around the full year, so these pretty shoes can go along even with some pastel outfits. Back in the day, a pair of black shoes and a pair of brown ones were sometimes the only options a gal had to choose from but, even now, beige and mid-gray will go with almost anything and lighten things up a little. Cutaways, sling-backs and ankle straps have been enduring styles for many decades. Don’t you love the 1940’s high heel take on the traditional black Mary Jane?

I understand that today stiletto heels and open designs are not a good choice in the freezing temps and snow that we have in so many places now. However, in the past when fewer people owned cars, many gals carried their indoor footwear and left snow boots at the door. Public buildings, stores and churches used to routinely have special places to do that. Winter fashion had to start giving way in February, in spite of the weather!

I’ll continue with showing some accessories as well as giving a nod to some cold-weather staple vintage clothing for both women and men. After that, we can’t avoid launching on clothing for the traditional winter vacation before swinging back to Spring dresses. Stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED 2-PIECE DRESS, COORDINATING JACKET AND HATS!

Here’s another 3-season dress with known history. That’s always SO wonderful. It was passed on to me by the mother of a friend, who made it herself. It is of a lightweight wool, fully lined and beautifully tailored. The lightweight but lined blue and green jacket is a commercially-made piece which I discovered separately, but is a perfect accompaniment in color, style and era.

With this ensemble or with the skirt suit shown yesterday, an early Sixties cellophane hat would also be a perfect accessory. Nothing looks more like Spring to me, and I think we’re more than ready!

A little heads-up: I’ll be having guests over the next month so, though I will try to post daily, the times may be erratic and I may skip a day or two. But, there’s still lots more in the archives, not to mention possible new evidence, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL KENNEDY ERA SKIRT SUIT IN BOUCLE’ WOOL

It’s not designer, but still worthy of any gal who loved Jacqueline Kennedy’s elegant fashion style. A straight below-the-kneecap skirt and boxy short jacket say early 1960’s and Coco Chanel-style in a big way. You can’t see the loopy boucle’ weave in this photo. It was very popular in the early Sixties – I’ve found several, all in pastel colors.

The tailoring is remarkably good, too. In this case, you can see the fabric-covered buttons down the front and at each cuff. The little slash pockets that are finished off with binding are meant to be ornamental and add a lot to the design, even if they aren’t practical. Bracelet-length sleeves let you show off a charm bracelet, pretty watch or any other statement piece. Even a slim gold bracelet of fine quality is a statement piece, and perfect with an outfit of this kind.

One of the unique features of these suits is how the necklines are treated. I have a pink example with a rounded Peter Pan style collar. A yellow one I’ve found has a crew-style neckline with a slim mink collar. This example has an attached piece that buttons in place and forms the matching blue neckline filler. The wool fabric is perfect for late Winter and early Spring. More pastel wool tomorrow, and hats! Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Mod-style Special Event Long Dress from the Early 1960’s

From just a year or two later, compared to the frock shown yesterday, look how different the style is! This dress would have been made in 1962 or 1963, when the blue plus green craze was all over the marketplace – in clothing and home fashions. It was a thrilling find because I know it’s history since I got it from the seamstress who made it. She regularly tailored dresses to wear to faculty events at a university.

Medium-weight synthetic fabric, with a brocade-look weave. It just says Spring, and the beginnings of Mod. Sleek and slim, rather than fussy or poufy. A new kind of feminine style. We’ll be in totally different territory again tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Early 1960’s Pleats! A Semi-dressy Pleated Skirt on a Wasp Waist Party Dress

Pleats have been popular fashion for centuries (think Scotsmen’s kilts!) but they seem to have trendy moments once or twice a decade. The early 1960’s was one of those times. We’ve also got the repeatedly ever-popular shirtdress style and the lace overlay, which were also mega-popular in the Kennedy era. The unique feature of this frock is the contrasting color underneath the lace bodice and sheer fabric of the skirt. We’ve got a dark robin’s egg blue hue over a rosy lavender color that gives us a light magenta tint. You can see a bit of the under-skirt liner peeking out below the hemline. So unexpected! I’ve found only one other dress of that time that did this lace overlay color play, so it was a fad to a small extent.

Sheer over opaque again. That will never stop, but every few years produce a very different look, even if some features remain the same. Staying in the ’60’s but with very unique designs coming. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Pretty Mint Green Semi-formal Dress from the early 1960’s

Bows and bell-shaped skirts were popular in the early ’60’s, as well as some elbow-length sleeves. In this picture I have taken down the hem to the correct length for someone as tall as Stella. It would have been below-the-knee on the original owner. So very early ’60’s. I can see a vintage Barbie doll in this costume.

These gorgeous dresses I’ve been showing all have looked similar, but each has it’s own unique details and style. We’re staying in the Sixties for the next couple of days, but the styles become very different. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

For a Far Dressier Occasion, a Sapphire Blue Fur-trimmed Frock from the Mid-century

I’ll write up my opinion below, but first a focus on the dress. Because of the sizing, I am guessing that this garment was made for a teen – or possibly for a very small woman with very little bosom. Stella’s figure fills it up too much in front, which is why the waist seam and hemline are higher than in the back. The fabric is a medium-weight brocade-look that would be appropriate for Winter or very early Spring weather. The fur is probably rabbit, but I can’t swear to that. I’d date it in the 1950’s but it could possibly have been from the very early 1960’s when that was still a sign of luxury. Pretty color, pretty dress BUT . . . . . . . . .

As an animal rights activist, I am not at all in favor of this dress but as a fashion historian, it deserves a place in the line-up. Fur trimmings on dresses, suits and coats were very popular up into early 1960’s and continued to be seen frequently on coats almost to the present. Fortunately, the fur trade has diminished in the last 10 years or so, especially in Western countries, but it’s still a big problem. Wool, cashmere, snake, lizard, eel skins and silk remain popular and they are also animal products which sometimes or always cause the death of the animals. In every case, they cause suffering and don’t belong in human clothing, in my opinion. We now have excellent replacements for them, both in appearance and performance, so no excuses. These alternatives are often still expensive, but let’s support them and they will become less and less so.

That’s the end of fur-trimmed dresses for now so stay tuned for more pretty party frocks . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM