It’s a fact that hot summer days in good old Blighty are as precious as the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It may well be that our summers are getting shorter, but we can still lap it up when those golden rays dare show themselves. If you have a passion for classic fashion or simply like to wear something unique, vintage clothing can be a great addition to your wardrobe. Here are some style tips on how to achieve a truly vintage summer…
The vintage dress
A classic shaped vintage dress never goes out of fashion and is a real investment buy. Floral print tea dresses offer an elegant option for a daytime function and there are many sleeveless cuts that will leave you looking and feeling cool during the sunny season. Gen up on the different styles here and find out what’s right for you. Originally worn in the 20s, shifts were made super chic in the 60s, epitomised by supermodel of the day, Twiggy. The silky, crêpe de shine fabric makes it perfect for a dressy event on a balmy summer’s evening. Or if you’re a full-on vintage gal, go authentic with this sassy 1950s teal party dress with full skirt by Huzzah Vintage . Mela Mela Vintage and Huzzah Vintage have an amazing array of gorgeous glad rags, including dresses and accessories.
Shade from the sun
The vintage way to do this is with an eye-catching titfer, and the bigger, the better. Team an oversized floppy straw or felt hat with another summer essential, the maxi dress. Make the hat as individual as you by wrapping a ribbon or floral chiffon scarf around it to create a simple but striking sun-friendly accessory.
Girly sandals
It’s time to ditch those killer heels in favour of something more manageable for a warm summer’s day. This doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style either. Vintage shoes will pretty up any outfit. A sparkly mid-heeled peep-toe is versatile enough to wear with capris or cropped trousers. Couple a pair of precious pink sandals with a floral skirt for an ultra-feminine look, or for a nod to 70s style wear bold-coloured cork wedges with shorts for a picnic in the park.
The essential cover-up
This cute metallic linen cropped edge-to-edge jacket by Mint Velvet is a modern take on box jackets of the 60s. This would look equally as good dressed down with a laid back tee, skinny jeans and ballet pumps or worn with a pretty embroidered neutral coloured blouse and statement vintage 50s skirt. If this little beauty is coming away with you, remember that linen needs some TLC after travelling, so grab an iron to restore to its former glory.
Florals
Vintage florals can be rocked to the maximum by day or night. J’adore Vintage has a massive choice of floral day dresses, playsuits and skirts. Get that ‘Land Girls’ look this summer with these very cute vintage floral print dungarees. Made popular by celebs such as Alexa Chung, Pixie Lott and at House of Holland’s SS13 show, dungarees are back. Simple overalls these are not. Sales are set to soar this summer as trend-setters make them an essential part of our summer wardrobe.
Bathing beauties
It’s beach season, and vintage cut swimwear will do nothing but enhance those curves! Vintage swimwear conjures up images of 50s and 60s bombshells such as Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield oozing sex appeal in figure-flaunting costumes or bikinis. That tradition continues with more subtlety in trends for 2013, with an infusion of vintage cuts and both modern digital and traditionally vintage prints. Look for cinched-in waists, sweetheart necklines and halters in playful prints such as polka, Hawaiian florals and gingham checks. Not forgetting those bikini babes of course… for an on-trend two-piece, look for fuller cupped tops and high waisted bikini bottoms such as this pretty Lotus flower vintage inspired bikini by Lisa Blue… a subtle vintage feel into otherwise modern swimwear.
About the Author
Lisa Black is a journalist and busy mum to pride and joy Sonny Edward. For the last 15 years, in between family life she has been working as a lifestyle magazine editor and has written many true life stories for well-known women’s mags and national newspapers. You can follow her on Twitter @LisaLashy70.
