Can you imagine making your own travel wardrobe for that ocean voyage overseas? Well, that’s what some ladies were doing in the early 1960’s!
Springtime, beginning in February, was traditionally the season for international travel – after the Christmas season was all tied up, and before Easter. Although some North Americans jetted off for ski or beach vacations, the true “Jet-Set” or those planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip headed for Paris & London, East Asia, South America or the Caribbean.
Our grandmothers thought that an ocean cruise was one of the most glamorous ways to travel – and it was, then. What more elegant attire than a wardrobe of custom-made clothing. If you weren’t in a position to visit a couturier and had good do-it-yourself skills, a McCall’s Magazine needlework pattern would have been just the thing!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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In a lovely fabric that looks like linen, this dress would have gone to church, to work, shopping or on a date. It’s a simple, a-line style – so popular then – with stylish seaming around the bust-line and a fold-over collar.
Plus, there is a full lining. Although this frock can be casual, it is very elegant. Today it’s difficult to find any dress that would meet these standards unless it is custom-tailored by an expert.
You can see why I love sleuthing for treasures like this one . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This time it’s a formal gown – more like a mother-of-the-bride frock than for Prom, but who knows. Some girls used to like the more conservative styles.
It has the hallmark Sixties neckline, metal zipper and custom-tailored details of a home-sewn garment. The sheer butterfly sleeves that create an attached cape over the shoulders of the sleeveless gown are very pretty. See the back view, where the tail ends tie at the waist.
The skirt is in two layers, with the sheer on top and adds to the float-factor when you walk. Love the color, too. Aqua is always a favorite of mine.
So, more and more fun! I’ve got a couple more recent discoveries from the same era that I’ll show in the next few days and who knows what else is just around the corner . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
In the 1950s, this style of shirt-dress in a very sheer printed material was popular. I have found several of them here and there. Usually they were belted and, of course, would be worn over a slip. Imagine this one with a lovely true vintage nylon slip underneath (but not a fussy slip). and a covered buckle belt or tie belt. . . . . . . . . . .your skirt swaying in the breeze as you walk down main street on your shopping errands for the day. A pretty little ’50s bag and peep-toe slingbacks might be nice. Or, you can mix it up. I love a full-on vintage look, especially with dresses, but mixing decades is also fun. Vintage accessories with modern clothing really works for me sometimes. I find the mixing easy with casual looks. The great thing about many true vintage items is that their…
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A very pretty example of mid-century style and tailoring.
From shopping, to work, to date – meeting or picnic, this dress is very simple, but stylish and feminine, too. In pale blue, there are two layers of fabric. The outer layer is somewhat sheer with embroidery all over.
The bodice has an interesting shape, with deep pleats along each side that give it some fullness and a cap sleeve effect. This frock definitely has style and could be dressed up or down – very versatile.
Many of the dresses from late ’50’s to early ’60s have elegant details like this. The form-fitting cut of that era seen in sheath dresses is so flattering! True vintage garments are rarely run-of-the-mill and often show these style surprises and very pleasing lines.
That’s one reason why they’re so much fun to find. Each one is a surprise and you just never know . . . . . . . . . …
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Magicvintagespy 