June 2, 2013

Ten warm weather vintage wardrobe staples


For most us in the western hemisphere, the chilly, rain soaked days of early spring are quickly fading faster than a mud puddle in the hot June sun. The sweltering weeks that will hit-mid summer are still a little ways off, but in all likelihood, the prospect of snow - at the very least – is no longer a particularly big threat (says the girl who has experienced snow in June here in Canada before).

You've probably already carefully and lovingly packed away your winter coats, thickest sweaters, heavy duty boots, and woolen scarves (or soon will). In their place come the garments of summer and the prospect of several gorgeous weeks - or months, depending on whereabouts you live - of weather that would cringe at the mere thought of a toque, snow boots or long underwear.

This is the season for linens, cottons, jerseys, silks, and lightweight knits. It's a time to have fun with what you were, dress gorgeously and with gusto, and when one often feels as though their closet can do know wrong.

Be that as it may, it's always wise to take a moment before we really and truly launch headfirst in summer and access the state of your current vintage summer wardrobe. You may have a swimsuit (or ten!), which is a great start, but beyond that, how just how well are you faring? Even if (like me) your warm weather togs outnumber your winter ones, that doesn't mean that there aren't still garments that you're missing or which you could do with more of.

Of course everyone's summer wardrobe needs will vary depending on where they reside, the kind of life they live everyday, how often they travel during the summer, and myriad other factors. Only you know best what you need more of and which summer fashion items you can easily do without.

No matter your lifestyle and location though, there are certain items of clothing that are always fantastic to have on hand for this sunny, glorious time of the year, ten of which I'm going to shine the spotlight on in today's post with the help of a vintage fashion photo or illustration for each one.


{Sundresses}



{The workhorses of many a vintage gal's summer closet, sundresses can be as practical or fanciful as your heart desires. Look for cute novelty prints, pinafore styles with ruffled sleeves, and cute pockets to stash sunny weather essentials in.}




{Capri pants}




{Also known as clam diggers, crop pants, and capris, these cute 3/4 length pants generally hit anywhere from below the knee to mid-calf, and are the perfect answer to those summer days that call for pants (such as a morning of yard saling or an evening of fishing).}



{Sunglasses}


{Equal parts practical and stylish, sunglasses are an absolute must as the sun glares down on us this season. Whether you opt for vintage or vintage appropriate sunnies, make sure that you get a pair (or two!) that fit well, don't allow much sunlight in on the sides, and which are your correct prescription, if you were glasses due to a vision problem. Extra vintage style bonus points if you go with an adorable cat eye pair!}



{Peasant blouses}


{At first glance one might think that the looser cute of many peasant style blouses could be unflattering, however on the majority of figure types, nothing could be further from the truth. Whether sleeve-less (tank top style), short sleeve, 3/4 or even long-sleeves, peasant blouses are an airy, wonderful vintage wardrobe staple that work well with everything from pencil skirts to high-waisted repro jeans.}



{Sun hats}


{Much as in the case of sunglasses, a great wide-brimmed sunhat - in straw or any other summer weight material - a must both for sun protection and also for enhancing just about any summer outfit you can dream up. Whether you opt for an understated classic sandy straw hued number or prefer something more elaborate, the key is to keep your neck and face shaded from the sun, especially if you're venturing out near - or on - the water, or if you plan on being in the direct sunshine.}


{Playsuits}


{These really have to be one the most charming vintage ensembles ever dreamed up, and the array of style variations they come is pretty much limitless. You can go for anything from a wee little pair or bloomer shorts and a crop top, to a swimsuit with a matching skirt and blouse. No matter the degree of coverage you prefer, there's a vintage - or reproduction - summer playsuit out there to suit nearly everyone.}



{Summer weight shawls}


{Certainly one of summer's biggest draws is its sublime sunshine, but on those overcast days or when the sun sinks come dusk, it never hurts to have an extra layer on hand to help you stay nice and toasty. One of the most elegant options to do just that this time of the year is with a lovely vintage - or vintage appropriate - lightweight shawl. You can go with anything from cotton to satin, jersey to crochet yarn, depending on the rest of of your outfit and how much warmth you're expecting your wrap to provide you. I for one really like the look of gauzy crochet and knit shawls for when the sun sets on a hot summer's day. ***Calling all crochet fans*** this image is from a page with a free crochet pattern to make this pretty 1950s shawl.}




{Patio/squaw dresses or sets}


{A beloved wardrobe staple of many a gal during the 1950s and early 60s, patio and squaw dresses both take their styling cues from Southwestern Native cultures, though with a wholly twentieth century twist. Both are available as one-piece dresses or two-piece sets generally consisting of a skirt and matching top. After years of dreaming about owning a 1950s patio dress of my own, I finally bought a cute dusty rose one with silver trim earlier this year that I just know is going to see tons of play this summer!}



{Beach/bathing suit cover up}


{Whether you love to swim, like to dangle your tootsies in the pool, or simply bask in the rays on the sand, it's always a good idea to bring some form of cover-up with you when you go to the beach. Terrycloth is a great option, but don't discount cotton and linen options either, especially if you're packing for a trip and have limited space in your luggage. }



{Breezy a-line and circle skirts}


{If you're anything like me, you love to feel a warm summer breeze waltz across your skirt, ruffling the hem and warming you through and through. On those days when you want a change of pace from sundresses, shorts, or capri pants, a wonderful vintage a-line or circle skirt is just the answer. I often toss a crinoline under my fuller skirts for extra swish, fullness, and style, but if the mercury is really boiling and you can't bear to think of wearing two layers, don't feel obliged to go the pettiskirt route. A sweet a-line skirt and peasant blouse (perhaps partnered with a straw sunhat) is an especially charming warm weather look that channels the 1940s in particular.}


{To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}


♥  ♥  ♥


This is by no means a complete list of every possible summertime vintage garment of course, nor does it encompass each option that various decades offered up (for example, if you're a big 1930s fan, you'll likely want to add in a pair of beach pajamas), but it's a handy jumping off point - and potential shopping list - as you access your warm weather vintage wardrobe both this year and for future summers to come.

Of the ten items highlighted here, I for one am on the hunt for a lovely warm weather shawl, more capri pants, and a great all-purpose vintage straw sunhat. Which are you in need of and what items not mentioned on this list of summer staples are you shopping for as we round bases on our way to greet summer once again?

Though there are elements of the season - like all others - that can be less than ideal, one thing that I do love with a passion about summer is the clothing it allows me to wear. Free from the shackles of heavy overcoats, seven layers of clothes, and utilitarian footwear, my vintage loving Canadian soul is free to reach for the lightest, dreamiest, most enchanting garments in my closet once again.

I may miss my velvets, corduroys, tweeds, and industrial strength knits a touch at some point over the course of the season (say, when Labour Day rolls around). Right now however, I'm far too busy deciding which sundress and pair or sandals to wear this morning to give cold weather clothes another thought for many a week to come! :)

44 comments:

  1. I love those squaw dresses even though I am more 1930s then 1950s, Ive always wanted one, and I am sure yours is beautiful. Your list is very good and Im sure you are going to look lovely all summer. Interesting that you mentioned the beach pajamas for the 1930s because thats my decated and I ordered a pair from time machine vintage on ets, I cant wait to get them. I love all the stuff she makes

    kate the old fashioned way

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  2. All except for sunglasses, I want all of them! Yes, this is a wonderful list of a variety of items for a vintage loving gal to chose from. Most of these are already on my wishlist!

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  3. Oh, they all look so dreamy! I am down in Australia and with the start of winter will have to pack away a few of these items... *sad* but will definitely be referring to this list when November rolls around :)

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  4. Great choices! I love the straw hats with the built in scarves, they are so pretty. I love the patio dresses as well. Can't wait to see yours. Have a beautiful day my friend. ~Kim

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  5. Love your list!! I wish I could wear capris...maybe inside the home? I think vintage shawls would have to be made? I never asked-do you knit? I need to get back to it asap hehee Whoooaa summer is coming! xox

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Bunny. Not all capris look good on me, but I've found that denim ones have been the best bet so far for my figure. Perhaps they'd do the trick on you, too?

      No, much as I admire the art and love a classic knit garment, I'm not a knitter myself. I never learned and haven't felt compelled to try to learn yet as an adult (I suspect it would be challenging for me, as I have very limited arm strength and stamina, but wouldn't turn down lessons of course if I had someone I knew who wanted to teach me). I know you'd started learning a while back. How has that been going for for you?

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Woo Hoo! According to this list I am set!! ;) Bring on the warm weather!

    The only thing I don't have is a patio dress, but they're not really my style, so I'l leave it out. :)

    Lisa.

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  7. I really want a squaw dress! I just missed out on one in my size quite reasonably priced on etsy. :( I also need some good summer layers for chilly summer nights.

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  8. This is a great list - I might start working my way through it as there are a few things on here that I don't have. I feel like I need at least 500 more pairs of capris though because they are fabulous.

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  9. A great 10 piece summer wardrobe, I would have one of everything ;)

    xox

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  10. Great post! I need to make more breezy blouses and skirts. I love the feel of a breezy stirring the skirts. I also love the feel of a petticoat brushing my knee. There's something so beautiful about it.

    I'm going to California next week and will be looking for some nice pedal pushers and blouses when I go shopping.

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  11. oh i looove those suggestions! especially the peasant blouse and the playsuits!!! i only wish the weather would be finally good enough to wear something like that without freezing :(
    kiss,mary
    http://www.maryloucinnamon.com/

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  12. I love pretty nautical themed items and summer color schemes in addition to sundresses and sunhats!

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  13. Love, love, love your post. As we speak, I have been searching out fabrics for a vintage playsuit. I love the idea of a nice wrap skirt to go around shorts. I'm also on the hunt for one of those big straw hats. I've seen a couple but haven't quite yet committed:) It seems we all are starting to feel the summer bug:))

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  14. Great list! I just bought three early 1950's sundress patterns, so I'm looking forward to trying to get some made before the temperature starts to rise. Also, but not on the list,I definitely would like to find some vintage appropriate sandals.

    Hooray for warmer weather!

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  15. To say I love this post is an understatement and the timing is amazing! I am secretly planning (not so secretly now!) to make some vintage style garments to wear at a couple of events I have coming up this summer and was going to ask you for style advice! Can't wait to see your squaw dress btw, it sounds beautiful!

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  16. Hi sweetie

    Showed your blog to the girls that day we all got together. Oh my gosh were they ever ever ever impressed. And they all said how gorgeous you are. They truly did love it.

    I so love the art work back then. My gosh this must take you so long to plan and lay out and write. I have to say that I love your style of writing so so much. Like I have said many times before, I would love to sit and read a whole book of your thoughts.

    But I have a question for you. I recently bought a pair of jean capris. They are ladies ones, but the zipper does up on the other side. Which is kind of weird. Feels so differently. I know that these are for girls but how come they do up like guy ones. Never the less they are comfy, cute enough, and were cheap so I will still use them.

    I love you so so much and am so proud of all you do. You are amazing and beyond talented.

    Love Mom xoxoxoxoxooxo

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  17. Great post Jess! I'm not much of a beach person (I tend to hide from the sun in summer!) but I am 100% a sundress person and I can never have enough of them. Though sometimes it can be hard to choose which one to wear… I hope you found one to wear with your sandals.

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  18. It's always funny to see summer dresses when we're coming into our winter months down here, it's freezing! Love these clothing ideas though, especially the cute skirts! have a wonderful weekend honey! xx

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  19. LOVE this!! As a fall weather girl I am always at a loss for what to wear during warm weather!You totally reminded me of things that I had forgotten I needed!! YAY!

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  20. Great tips, fun images. I swooned over the playsuits!

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  21. What a fabulous round up of summer wardrobe staples! I was really impressed by the shaped and semi fitted shawl...tres chic! I'm thinking about making a play suit for next summer- we will have to see if time permits. I wish you warm summer sunshine and soft balmy breezes in your corner of the world. xx Shauna

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  22. So glad you are feeling much better kitten! You are looking well and wonderful! I hope you have a lovely June! love and best wishes Zoë xxx

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  23. Oh, I love this list, every pieces looks really lovely! I wish I had them all in my closet. I don't know why but it's much easier dressing in the autumn and winter, (the more clothes the better), but finding pieces in the summer that keeps you from melting away can be difficult. :) Have a sweet Monday, dear Jessica!

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  24. What an awesome checklist! I have a feeling I'll be sewing up a storm this summer -- skirts and sundresses here I come! WAHOO! Have a very, Merry June, sweetie! Sending you big hugs from NYC!

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  25. What a terrific post, Jessica. As you know, I'm always ready to dress for summer! My big problem is NOT wanting to wear summer clothes in the dead of winter. (My Florida blood is used to wearing warm weather clothing nearly year-round, and my body rebels at not being able to do so where I'm currently living.)

    I love sundresses. They are my absolute favorite wardrobe item for summer. I have several little shrugs (in different colors) to wear with them. I usually add a fun brooch.

    Those bathing suits in the hat ad are to die for!!

    I hope you are feeling completely well again. Have a lovely day.

    Hugs,
    Patti

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  26. What a fantastic list! I love how the items get increasingly particular and ingenious as you go along. I have a Stop Staring! playsuit that's been beckoning from the back of the closet for months and months! :D


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  27. Those are some great ideas for a stunning vintage summer wardrobe - I'm particularly in love with the peasant blouses, summer dresses, capri hats and sunhats myself. So much to love! Glad you're feeling better.

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  28. We have had sunshine for four days in a row which practically counts as summer here! I love the green and white spotty play suit although I would not be brave enough to wear it! I am considering making a circle skirt as I think that is what my summer wardrobe most lacks. The summer shawl is great, I might knit a bolero to take it's place.

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  29. Those were the days.... 1.00 USD for a pair of sunnies ?!
    I have many of these (meaning pieces that resemble) mostly because i live in summer all year long.
    One garment I find mindblowing in the most spectacular way is the summer shawl!

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  30. I LOVE this blog Post Jessica! I have been putting together my own "summer must haves" and this just helped me to ensure I missed nothing. Wonderful post, one of my absolute favs :)

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  31. i will look for squaw dresses in the states ... i love these kind of skirts/dresses so much. hope i will be lucky :)
    this post is totally awesome!

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  32. Excellent list! Being in Arizona, I would add, "...and sunscreen!" I found a squaw skirt/top set at a yard sale last year for ONE DOLLAR. The hubby looked at me like I was mad. Granted, the thing was about 4 sizes too small, but I just had my awesome seamstress goddess friend drop the waist in the skirt and it fits!! It's turquoise and pink and fabulous.

    ~Katie
    www.katiemullaly.com

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  33. i love this post! sundresses are so perfect for summer (obviously) and of course light capri pants and big, breezy circle skirts! i have to be in the right mood to wear pants but the rest are all staples for me along with cat eye sunglasses. it can be a bit harder to dress in this style when the weather gets too warm but these are great tips for keeping it up! :)

    little henry lee

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  34. Absolutely great list of warm weather vintage staples! I can't live without my sundresses and skirts in the Summer!

    Adrienne
    What Lola Wants

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  35. I'm totally with you on the sundresses and playsuits - though these days the "summer" weather in the UK isn't always warm enough to get use of my playsuits. I really want a pair of Capri pants but I don't know about vintage sizing for this type of garment - I really need to find a repro pair that I can return if the fit isn't good enough! I'm still on the look out for the perfect pair!

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    1. Hi dear gal, thank you very much for your comment. Though, it does focus on vintage US sizing, perhaps this post I wrote back in January will be of help to you when it comes to navigating vintage sizing: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2013/01/vintage-clothing-sizing-101.html

      I haven't tried their capri pants, but I have adored everything else I've bought from them, so I'm keen to recommend you check out Freddie of Pinewood's classic capri pants (they're UK based, so sizing, pricing and returns should probably be a cinch): http://www.freddiesofpinewood.co.uk/categories/ladies/28-capri-pants


      Thanks again & have a fabulous weekend, honey!
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Thanks for those sizing tips! I always go on measurements now to avoid any online vintage disasters! I'm often asking sellers to add in extra measurements into their listings (the 'shoulder to fitted waist' often gets neglected!) I totally agree with what you said about Marilyn Monroe - when I saw some of her dresses at an exhibition - the waist was tiny!

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    3. You're very welcome, dear gal.

      ♥ Jessica

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  36. I can check off most of your great list, but one can never have too many shawls, so thanks a bunch for the free pattern. I'm crocheting to help me relax (I've been seriously down with stress), but have not yet tried an English pattern. It might be my next project, since I have found a term translater. :)

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  37. AMAZING POST:) I lika vintage
    I love your blog and Im now following.

    If you want some cute Swedish decor and fashion inspiration..check out my blog:)

    Have a wonderful weekend dear

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
    (sweden)

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  38. Great list :3 I'm still in search of a good hat to wear during summer. I do find hat shopping hard though, because I feel like most hats don't really suit me x'D

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  39. I would love to know if you want to wear vintage sunglasses, how do you know if they are safe...some have no uv tags on them. I see so many pretty vintage glasses but always wonder if they are safe. I love your blog!!

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    1. Hi dear, thank you very much for your question. I don't presently wear vintage sunglasses, but I happily would. The main reason why I don't have any vintage sunnies at the moment is because I wear prescription lenses, and haven't found a pair of frames I love (and that look good enough on me) to invest in prescription lenses for. I really, really hope this happens one day though.

      You can usually have modern lenses (be they prescription or nonprescription) put into vintage frames, so if you're concerned about UV protection, this is definitely the way to go.

      Have a wonderful summer!
      ♥ Jessica

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