The Pencil Skirt

A true classic in women's fashion. Narrow, fitted skirts have a long established history in western fashion, and for good reason. The slim-fitting design highlights the natural curve of the hips with a hem falling to, or just below, the knee for a modest look.

I find my skirts mostly in tucked away charity stores or as gifts from my mother. Mostly in stores, I’ve been seeing a lot of cheap, slim-fitting skirts made of jersey cotton etc. I don’t like them. I like crepe, skirts that look clean and are lined. Skirts that tuck in at the waist, and don’t feature elastic, are best in my opinion. I like neutral tone and simply printed skirts. They are my favourite skirts.

1940’s Style

Christian Dior introduced the classic modern pencil skirt. He coined the term “H-line” after he used “A-line” to describe pieces in his Corolle collection. It gained popularity among both working and unemployed women. The pencil skirt hem line fell just below the knee and was worn with high heels and sheer stockings or tights.

Pencil Skirt – Temperly London / Jacket – Yves Saint Laurent / Blouse – Pheonix / Shoes - Vintage / Bag – Lulu Guinness /Hat - Vintage / Gloves – Aspinal of London / Brooch - Anthropologie

This look is very office wear inspired. The skirt and jacket look almost like a matching pair, teamed with a white blouse and black handbag. The 1940’s saucer hat and black suede heels make this outfit ‘1940’s themed’, and the gloves and brooch also lend a vintage feel. Together this ensemble is undeniably 40’s.

1950’s Style

During this time, women wore back-seamed hosiery under their pencil skirts, creating an iconic vintage look. Kitten heels, stilettos and peep-toe heels were shoes mostly worn then. Blouses and cardigan were tights, and the whole look gave off a ‘sexy’ vibe.

Pencil Skirt – Unknown brand / Cardigan – Scotch Soda / Blouse – Asda / Shoes – Rusty Zipper / Necklace – Astley Clarke / Pantyhose – Debenhams

Red is the colour of choice! The red pencil skirt and red cardigan make this feel very fifties. Teamed with a short sleeved white blouse and kitten heels, you’re playing the part of a stylish lady of the 1950’s. I've accessorized with a simple black clutch, my go-to pearl necklace and love back seamed hosiery.          

1960’s Style

Jackie Kennedy kept the pencil skirt going during the 1960’s. With the addition of bright colour and large buttons, the conservative classic was given a bright big face lift. It was common to see pencil skirts worn with flats and loafers during the 1960’s for a casual look.

Suit – Vintage / Hat – Vintage / Bag – Mimco / Shoes – Jildor / Necklace – Blue Nile

This would be a fun outfit to wear to a party. Unless you collect vintage items, you probably won’t have anything like it in your wardrobe. I've used a bright pink suit which is reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s suit, you can see in my previous post. The colour scheme is white and pink, as the pink is so bright I needed to give some air to it. 

I hope you enjoyed my post and can see why I love pencil skirts. They’re just so versatile across eras and occasions. I've been posting a little irregularly lately, however it should even out soon once I'm settled in to my new home. Have a nice day.

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

Christian Dior – The New Look

A year after the fashion house of Dior was founded; Christian released his first collection Corolle. Dubbed ‘New Look’ by then editor-and-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, Dior’s designs were controversial. Lovers of fashion and important figures in the industry were divided due many being appalled at the extravagant amount of fabric used, in comparison to what people were used to buying with their clothing stamps.

Dior used slim fitting bustier style bodices paired with full, A-line or bell shaped skirts that were hemmed at mid-calf. When wearing these garments correctly, one would need to purchase a petticoat. Optionally, a waist cincher, corselet or other waist binding undergarment would be worn.

To achieve this look, I've created 3 outfits to wear to various occasions. These dresses and skirts probably won’t be something that you’ll find in your wardrobe. I’ll provide some links on places you could buy these skirts and dresses as they are essential to achieving the look.

Day Wear

For a day wear look, you have the option not only to wear a simple dress, but also to wear a nice blouse and the skirt.

Originally this was set as an office wear outfit, but after looking closer, I've decided it’s more appropriate for everyday wear, despite the fact I've used a dress. The grey woolen dress is teamed with a cute beige trench coat. I've accessorized with a pearl necklace, gold-chain watch and a quilted beige handbag. Lastly some plain black pumps, this outfit would be great for going to the shops, or grabbing a coffee with friends.

Office Wear

In the office, a lighter petticoat would be more practical and work-friendly. This opens up doors to wearing a coat over it, as with a full skirt one should tuck in their top (if it isn't already cropped).

As I said before, this was originally mean to be the day wear ensemble. This means it’s a little dressy for the office, but I’m okay if you’re okay. I've combined a cropped beige blazer with a brown pleated skirt and sleeveless ivory blouse. Worn with a hat and open-toed, beige heels, you could dress this down by switching the heels to flats or nixing the hat (personally, I like the hat for the office look). I've accessorized with a quilted beige handbag (wow, again! Ha-ha),a gold pearl bangle and pearl earrings. I’m quite happy with this ensemble, it’s not often you see an office outfit with a full skirt!

Evening Wear

A dress is mostly appropriate for evening wear. Something made of a luxurious material and featuring short sleeves would do the trick.

I thought about using a silk dress, I did. I even found one that was pretty nice. However, when I came across this chiffon gem, I was sold. It’s just a marvelous evening dress. I paired it with some pale pink kitten heels and a lace cape. The dress steals the show, I’d even go without the cape if it isn't too chilly, which is why I've accessorized simply with pearl earrings, white gloves and a satin clutch. I think in this outfit, you’d want more volume in the petticoat than those previous.

Where to buy full skirts and dresses

-          Ebay – You have to be weary about quality for many stores, however you can find some great vintage pieces for cheap prices.

-          Modcloth – A bit more pricier than you’ll find on Ebay, but probably safer on quality

-          Bettie PageClothing – All new, and more expensive than the other stores. Many of these dresses look amazing.

-          If you want to dip into the pond of alternative fashion, my first and second outfit’s major pieces are from a Lolita fashion store in Japan called Mary Magdalene. Their prices are about double of Bettie Page Clothing, but the quality is perfection.

WARNING: Do not, under any circumstance, buy from the company Milanoo. I have seen way too many horror stories come from this web store. While the prices may look cheap, you’ll end up with a bunch of satin rags stitched together flimsily and called a dress. Seriously, save yourself tears.

Whew! It was great talking about an item and collection that I love so much. I hope you enjoyed reading it, like I enjoyed writing it. My next post is titled ‘Giulietta's Pre-Fall 2013 collection’. Do you like vintage Dior? Or do you prefer the slimmer silhouettes of the 40’s? Thoughts?

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.
Love Claire, xo.