Sportswear, day outfits, professional attire, dress-up events – you name it. Beaded or ribbed, plain or patterned; the combinations were endless and all set off that full skirt to perfection. Many would also look great with your Capri’ pants, a straight skirt or even short shorts.
Of course, some needed special accessories . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whether daily shopping, a rockabilly event or dressy dance, circle skirts were a style front-runner and showed up everywhere. This trend had started with some peasant styles in the 1940’s, but really took off after the war ended. Of course, it called for a new kind of blouse and top. Favored styles were close-fitting, whether tucked-in or extending over the hips. The natural stretch of knits made them perfect for the job.
The upper photos show casual tops that worked well for warm or cold weather. Needlework magazines published both patterns for these tops and instructions for making and decorating the skirts. Below, we see two-piece dresses in another iteration of those we’ve recently looked at. The apricot-colored dressy skirts pictured met the need by including matching tops in the patterns. The striped outfit has a cap-sleeved blouse for tea-time and one for an evening event with longer sleeves and a plunging back. The solid-color dress is a bit more demure. All of them carry the added possibilities of separates to be mixed and matched within a wardrobe.
And, what a wardrobe! We’ll see how many looks the home needle-worker could create with a few pieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The first midi blouse appeared around 1910, according to fashion archives, and was styled after sailors’ uniforms. Over the years the style stayed with us but the design was modified. This version looks reminiscent of the 1940’s or 1950’s but was made in the 1980’s by Esprit. The classic blue and white nautical colors are iconic and always seen in Spring. I also love polka dots – another favorite vintage print.
I like this particular style and have a pair of white pants, styled after those that sailors wore, with wide legs and buttons at the hips. So, perfect! Maybe I’ll add some modest shoulder pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whether in the parade or afterward, at the big game, some high-school girl or coed strutted her stuff in this set. Sorry that I don’t know what school it was associated with, but she must have kept her letters as memorabilia. Styling and construction put it in the Sixties or Seventies.
Again, a super-seasonal find which makes it all the more fun. Won’t be a keeper in the long run, but we were approaching Halloween when this turned up. I’ve got lots of “new” things which could make dynamite costumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Completely different from yesterday’s cardigan but so much fun! It’s another must-have vintage sweater to wear with cigarette pants. A pretty open-weave Orlon sweater knit with metallic thread design to be worn with a black skirt or slacks at some mid-century party event. It is absolutely amazing that it’s survived for 60 years in almost unworn condition!
Just like the women of the 1940’s onward, I’m grateful for these lovely acrylic yarns that can be washed in a machine (with care) and don’t have to be stored in a moth-proof container. Orlon was a revelation and major time-saving blessing to wartime and post-war ladies who still did most of their housework by hand.
Although we’re so used to acrylic fibers now, these early ones were really special in terms of their quality or, perhaps, it is the garment itself that is made so well that the fabric looks great after more than half a century. I’m sure that I also, again, have to thank the first owner of this elegant top for taking such good care of it.
I’m over the full moon again, and wondering what will turn up next . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Lovely nylon knit sweater-blouse in soft green. Perfect for making a transition to the cold weather. By Canterbury – a company which was known for beautiful cardigans, too. What’s the special magic about this one?
Look at the fit. The knit drapes so nicely and it is full-fashioned, which always improves the way that a sweater fits the body. At the neckline there are many tiny vintage shell buttons – the kind that are substantial and well-shaped, even though they are very small. They do allow you to close the neckline, if desired, but are mostly for decoration. I just love that button detailing.
As long as you protect it from snags and stains, an item like this is very easy to care for. Hand washing (or delicate in a newer machine) is best, with similar colors. This avoids stretching and, also, protects the color. Nylon can absorb other colors in the wash so it’s always best to wash it alone or to avoid washing it with contrasting shades. If you want to change the color of a nylon item, they accept dye very well. Just be sure to follow the directions very carefully because they may end up streaky if you don’t.
With any kind of pants or a pencil, a-line or pleated skirt (depending on your figure) it looks wonderful. This is how it was worn back in the day. Put a scarf at the neck, or pearls. Perfect for every-day or dressed up – clothing of this quality is always elegant.
I found this at a small vintage shop, on the sale rack. I usually find the best things in unlikely places and at unheard of prices! I wonder who wore this one and where? You just never know . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another rare find! This one was not a high-end item when it was made, but it is an iconic piece with mink-trimmed sleeves. I have a few of these garments with sleeves like this but don’t find them often.
Metallic thread on sheer black fabric, with “Autumn Haze” mink cuffs. Buttons up the back. Back in the day, companies that produced medium-priced clothing still made some “luxury” items that the average woman could afford, and they made them well.
What a pleasure to discover this one!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION
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