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October 20, 2013

15 of my must-have vintage fashion essentials (and one of my top tips for creating a wardrobe you love)

A little over two months ago, when we were still delightfully immersed in the sweltering thick of summer, I received a comment on August's edition of Flickr Favourites in which Uila from the blog The Crazy Ragdoll Cat Lady asked the following:

"Hey doll. I was wondering if you could make a post on the staple pieces that you own on your vintage reproduction wardrobe. And make a list of 25 or 30 (I think 10 can not cover it in the least) vintage reproduction items that are must haves in a vintage wardrobe. You can even break it down to essentials and "Every-vintage-gal-needs-it-because-it-is-too-pretty-to-resist", or something."


Like many vintage fashion fans, my wardrobe is not comprised strictly of genuine vintage, vintage reproduction, or vintage appropriate garments, it's a lovingly curated blend of all three, and my list of must-have items is strikingly similar no matter which of the trio I'm shopping for because my tastes remain essentially the same no matter what kind of vintage or vintage style clothing I'm sporting.

In reflecting on Uila's question, I was instantly reminded of a terrific post that Janey from Atomic Redhead wrote a few months back in which she highlighted 15 Vintage Essentials that are integral in her books to creating a great yesteryear wardrobe (all of which I second completely, and some of whom will be appearing here in today's post, too).
 
Though Uila asked for a list of 25 or 30 items, and I could certainly put together such a lengthy list, I wanted this post to loudly echo my own wardrobe - comprised as it is of vintage, repro, and vintage appropriate pieces - and the honest to goodness truth is that I don't wear (or own) a massive big number of different types of garments myself, so following in Janey’s (super stylish!) footsteps seemed like a good jumping off point.

But Jess, I hear you say, I've seen you wear oodles of different outfits here! That you have, my dears, but if you break each look apart, you will find that at their core, they are comprised, by and large, of a handful of different garments, many of which I own several versions of.

Like most people, it took some trial and error as I worked my way through my teen years and on into adulthood to find out what types of clothing (and accessories) did and did not work well on my (short, curvy) body. There are some styles that even though I love in principle, I know they look like absolute train wrecks on me (mandarin collars, most v-necks, shorts, socks worn with skirts instead of going barefoot or sporting hose, and cloche hats, for example) and so I have either banished them from my wardrobe entirely, or proceed with extreme caution when wearing one of these risky pieces.

In weeding out the bad (again, for my body type) however, I quickly discovered not only the good, but the great, and in trying to make the best of my figure (it, like most peoples', has its own strengths and weaknesses) have attempted to focus the bulk of my wardrobe on these kinds of pieces, fifteen of which I'm going to share with you here today by way of black and white vintage images depicting each of them.


 photo 15ofmymust-havevintagefashionessentialsChronicallyVintagepostheadergraphic_zps3d856237.png

 
{A-line skirts}





{Defined as a skirt that fitted at the hips and then gradually widens/flares out towards the hem, thus resembling the shape of the letter A, such skirts are one of the most universally flatting and classic styles to come of out the mid-twentieth century (where they were especially popular during the 1940s). Hem lengths vary, with some barely skimming the bottom of the knee and others reaching down towards the ankle. A mid-calf length is my personal favourite, especially for during daytime hours.

I love full 50s circle skirts with a burning passion, and certainly own my fair share, but the honest-to-goodness truth is that a-line are typically more figure flattering on me, so I've made sure to include several in my wardrobe. This style of skirt is still widely made today and though it may take a little hunting to find vintage appropriate versions, they can definitely out there - as our pencil skirts, another list entry we'll chat more about later on here.}


 

{Classic style purses}



{Though my handbag wardrobe isn't massive by any stretch of the wardrobe, I have worked hard over the years to find styles with little to no external metal hardware on them (lest it contains nickel, which I'm super allergic to), and which are either genuine vintage or convincing look the part. The latter can be hard to come by in today's world of huge, hardware laden bags, so more often than not, I shop for styles from the 1930s-1980s.

I love styles that are neither too big, nor too small, and which I can successfully fit my wallet, keys, cell phone, lipstick, compact, tissues or a hankie, a pen, and a couple of other small essential items into without having it bursting at the seems or unable to stay closed. In terms of styles, I'm open to just about anything, but especially love classic bucket, clasp top, clutch, and 40s style shoulder bags in particular.}



{Cocktail dresses}



{A cocktail dress that fits you well is as enjoyable to wear as its namesake drink is to enjoy as the day winds down. Variety abounds here, though I'm especially partial to wiggle and fitted sheath styles, perhaps in a standout fabric such as lace, sharkskin, satin or velvet to really ensure all who see it know that it's not the same kind of frock I would have been sporting at noon while running errands around town. Cocktail dresses practically beg to be worn with one's favourite vintage bling, from shimmery strands of crystals to oversized gold brooches, rhinestones earrings to Bakelite dress clips and everything in between, so have a blast while accessorizing for an evening on the town or spent entertaining at home.}


 


{Denim capri or pedal pusher pants}




{I don't have the kind of figure that takes kindly to super skin tight pants, especially in thin fabrics, however, come summer, I make a mad dash for my beloved denim capris (seen in posts such as this). They’re worlds more forgiving than most fabrics for this kind of garment, are every bit as versatile as full length jeans, and channel a great 1950s/early 60s vibe that can veer anywhere from Jayne Mansfield-esque sultry to Audrey Hepburn sweet, depending on how you style the rest of your ensemble.}


 


{Gloves}




{If you've been following my blog for any amount of time, chances are you already know I'm wild about vintage gloves. My collection is a delightfully fun rainbow of all kinds of pairs - long, short, in between, sheer, suede, nylon, cotton, embroidered, the list goes on and one - I adore them all! Gloves were once one of the hallmarks of a well dressed woman's wardrobe and that's a philosophy I still embrace, so gloves are a big must for me all year long.}


{Hats}



{Another vintage fashion accoutrement that I'm endlessly crazy about is hats. Much like gloves they may no longer be a mainstay in most modern wardrobes, but I utterly and completely adore them (you can read lots more about said love in this interview post), as do many vintage wearing folks do and they are one of the areas of my wardrobe that really seems to grow in leaps and bounds (I've bought at least seven hats so far this year alone!).

There is a vintage hat out there for almost every setting, outfit, style type, and season, and though (as with nearly all facets of vintage fashion) they continue to rise in price as time goes on, I speak from plenty of experience when I say that beautiful vintage hats can still be had, online and off, for under $50 - and in some case even under $25. If you love hats, wear them with gusto and joy - they are awesome works of art that you're able to take with you wherever you go and can ad such immense interest to any ensemble.}


 

{Lightweight knits}



{Way back in 2009, when Chronically Vintage was just a wee little newborn, I wrote a post devoted to my love of lightweight knits, and in the four plus years since then, my passion for this type of garment has only continued to grow. Just how many cardigans to I have...well, I haven't counted in a few months, but I know the total now comes in at over 35 (including knit shrugs), and I probably have about 12-15 light weight pullover sweaters. No matter the season, whether as a layering piece or solo top, lightweight knits are one of the most important foundations of my vintage wardrobe.}


 

{Pearl jewelry}



{There is a reason why we associate some of the most sophisticated women of all time (Grace Kelly, Jackie O, and Queen Elizabeth II, for example, the latter of whom is pictured above wearing a double strand pearl necklace on her wedding day} with classic pearls, they - like these gorgeous little spheres themselves -  they exude a certain timeless elegance that is so profoundly perfect in any decade.

Pearls might not be worn as commonly today as they once were, but I dare you to go into any reputable jewelry store and not find at least a few pearl pieces. It's almost a given that you will, and likewise very probable that these pieces could just as easily be worn today as they would have been fifty, seventy, even a hundred years ago. Pearls are remarkably classic and truly look good on every single woman. It's merely a matter of finding your favourite pearl colours, sizes, and pieces and then putting them to work time and stylish time again from now until eternity.

My understatedly beautiful strand of cultured cream pearls sees more outfit play than any other necklace I own, and I'd be willing to bet, always will. It is, like most classically designed pearl jewelry, simply perfect - a fact women have wisely known for generations.



{Pencil skirts}



{Oh, pencil skirts, captivating, curve hugging, office (and date night!) appropriate, endlessly lovely pencil skirts, how I adore you! Of all the skirt styles around, there is none I reach more often or with greater pleasure than a well fitting pencil skirt. I own at least one in most colours of the rainbow, from lipstick red to navy blue, dusty rose to midnight black and delight in putting them to work in both my 1940s and 1950s ensembles alike. If I could only wear one type of skirt for the rest of time, it would be the perpetually stylish pencil for sure.}



{Princess coats}




{As someone of modest height, relatively slight build, but with plenty of curves to go around, it's all too easy for many styles of winter coats - especially those that hit below the hip, to look like they're swallowing me whole. Swing and boxy styles are the bee's knees on some gals, but rarely do me any favours, so I stick loyally to those with fitted, expertly tailored lines, my absolute favourite of which is the classic (marvelously feminine) princess coat, at least one of which I've owned every winter since I was at eighteen years old.}


 

{Pumps (court shoes)}



{Assuming one is wearing a dress or a skirt (and sometimes even well tailored, dressier slacks), there are exceedingly few vintage outfits where a classic pair of pumps doesn't work like a charm. They can be as plain or as fancy as you like, are available at all manner of price points, are often quite comfortable to walk in (due to their, typically, sensible heel height), and are a true must in my wardrobe. I reach for my brown, black and white pairs with almost the same frequency, and could scarcely imagine getting dressed without all three of them standing by at the ready.}


 

{Seamed stockings}



{Few garments so instantly conjure thoughts of the mid-twentieth century as seamed stockings do, nor will many inject a classic look into your wardrobe with the same kind of lightning fast speed. Whether you opt for genuine vintage or modern replica styles, keep your heels (if wearing styles with Cuban or other types of visible heels on the back of the ankle) and seams straight and you're good to go, anywhere, anyplace, anytime on the old school hosiery front.}


 


{Shirtwaist dresses}




{Equal parts practical and polished, the shirtwaist dress was a true wardrobe staple for many women in decades past and its classic lines, wide spread availability, (commonly) inexpensive price tag, and versatility helped to make it one of the most popular and iconic garments of the 1930s – early 1960s. My own wardrobe is peppered heavily with 1940s, 1950s and 1980s does 40s and 50s shirtwaist dresses, both short and long sleeved, in a wide spectrum of hues, and they get worn with great frequency (in outfits such as this, and this, and don't forget this :)).}

 


{Skirt suits}




{Sophisticated, hard working, and so incredibly becoming, a skirt suit that fits you well is one of the best investments in your wardrobe that you can ever make. Whether you're mad for the streamlined, long lined styles of the 30s, adore the broad shouldered looks of the early 40s, go gaga for the wasp waist, full skirted (Dior inspired) look of the tail end of the decade, or swoon over the curve hugging - or conversely, boxy - styles of the 1950s and 60s, there is a skirt suit out there for every vintage loving lass. Though I do find that it can take a while to unearth one that fits me well - or can be altered to fit properly - when I do, it's like hitting wardrobe pay dirt!}


 


{The right underwear and foundation garments}




{This entry really is a whole post (or series of posts) unto itself, and is one that many vintage bloggers have written at length about before - and for good reason! The right underpinnings are of great importance when it comes to ensuring the proper lines of your vintage ensemble. Most yesteryear garments were not designed to be worn with today's high tech Victoria's Secret offerings, they were created to be partnered with the bras, panties, girdles, slips, garter belts, crinolines (petticoats), and even, in some cases, corsets of their day.

This doesn't necessarily mean that you must buy and wear vintage undergarments, lovely as they are, but rather that you should strive to find modern brands that still, or intentionally (as in the case of sellers such as What Katie Did}, create such garments that are in keeping with classic vintage styles from your decade(s) of choice. I almost always wear vintage or vintage appropriate undergarments beneath my clothes and can tell you, it really does help just about any mid-century garment fit and lay better than if you had modern counterparts on instead.}


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



♥ ♥ ♥


This list is one that works really well for me, my body type and my lifestyle (there are other garments and accessories in my closet of course, too, such as high waisted repro jeans, wedge shoes, bangles, sundresses, shrugs, black tights, and oxfords, but again, these are some of the really key players that you've seen - and will continue to see - time and time again in my vintage outfit posts).

Many of the items on it will likely work for you as well, but do not fret for the tiniest of moments if not all fifteen of them do. By the same token, you do not have to look at this post like a shopping list to be followed to the exact letter. Embrace instead the categories of garments listed here and find the best one (or ones) in each for your own body and lifestyle.

On of the best wardrobe tips I can ever bestow on anybody the world over is is this: don't feel like you need to own a thousand and one different types of garments and accessories, instead find the ones that truly look fantastic on you and then buy multiples of those in different colours, fabrics, slight variations, and seasonal weights.

If you know that at least 90% of what's hanging in your closet and tucked away in your dresser drawers fits you well no matter what items go into creating a certain look, you can honestly get by with far less than 15 different must-haves.

The more you fine tune the selection of items that look the very best on you, the more your own signature style emerges. This style will help define your appearance and guide your future shopping trips. It can can reduce the number of "mistake purchases" you encounter, speed up the daily process of getting dressed, and even help you grown considerably more confident in your own appearance (because you love how you look in your own group of vintage wardrobe essentials).

Don't get overly hung up on whether a piece is vintage, repro, or vintage appropriate. I will never thumb my nose at any of these and highly recommend that you don't either - why limit your wardrobe's maximum potential by excluding one or more of them just because you might think that you have to wear all genuine vintage or all vintage reproduction?

There is a vast world of garments and accessories out there for those of us who love old school fashion to choose from. Avail as much as your budget, closet size, and other circumstances will permit. Each of these three categories offers a huge abundance of items to choose from, and chances are there are many in each that could - and will - work splendidly for your own wardrobe.

Thank you very much, dear Uila, for your wonderfully nice post request. I hope that my reply here has helped to show you that one doesn't necessarily need a wardrobe with 25, 30, 50 or more different types of garments (though of course, it can have that many, if you so desire, don't get me wrong), but instead that one of the best ways to create a killer wardrobe is with different multiples of the kinds of pieces that look best on you and which channel whatever kind of vintage look you're after.

To Uila and one and all, I enthusiastically say have fun, experiment, do a bit of closet editing, and some more shopping, if needed, my dears, and wholeheartedly embrace those items that are absolute must-haves in your own awesome vintage wardrobe!


58 comments:

  1. I love a good list post and this was no exception! I love the images you chose to include with each item.
    I also loved Janey's list - similar, but different. And my list would have some differences as well. It just goes to show that a wardrobe is truly a personal thing and can only be broken down into a formula as a jumping off point.

    Lisa.

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    1. Excellently said, my sweet friend. I always try to veer away from creating posts that insist certain items are a absolute must for anyone's wardrobe. There aren't too many true musts, ultimately, just the pieces that we each find work the best for our lives, tastes, and circumstances, and these are 15 of mine. I'd be super interested in seeing your own list like this any time.

      Have a stellar Sunday!
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. I absolutely loved this post :3 I'm particularly fond of A-line skirts and pencil skirts, even though I don't own that many yet ^^

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  3. This is a great post! It gets me thinking on what to keep and what I need to weed out.......

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  4. Thanks for the link, Jessica! And what a fantastic post! I agree with so many of the additions that you have here! And if I did a longer post, I would have included them myself! And you are so right! Essentials change for every woman - because every woman is different! Body type, decade preference, even location! Excellent as always!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. Hi Janey, you're very welcome. Thank you very much for the fabulous post jumping off inspiration point. I loved going back and rereading your piece recently when I was working on this one. I adore it that you and I share so many wardrobe "musts" in common. I bet if we both wrote a second edition, many of our choices would overlap.

      ♥ Jessica

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  5. This is such a helpful list. I love how you included exemplar photos of each item too. Thanks. :)

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  6. Great post, I love that it hits all of the iconic staples of mid-century fashion.

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  7. yes yes yes this would absolutely be my vintage must list too;) the only thing i haven't found in ages was the perfect coat, but lucky me right this weekend i found one in the interwebz and just ordered it;) beautiful selection of pictures as always, i´m in love with the cocktail dress and the star print blouse to that a-line skirt

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  8. Just beautiful to look at Jessica, and well said. It's taken me a long time to find 'my' look...I admire those who find it at a young age....

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  9. Lots of good information in this post. The reason I'm finally commenting (after reading your blog for a couple of years) is that I was glad to see Marsha Hunt at the beginning of the post! I was fortunate to meet Ms. Hunt back in the nineties at a fundraiser that I was involved with. If you ever have the chance to read her book "The Way We Wore" it is full of wonderful late 30s and 40s fashions. And there are lots of details like shoes, purses and etc., that aren't always visible in other pictures.

    Dee

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    1. Hi Dee, thank you very much for your lovely comment. What a fantastic experience that must have been for you. Mrs. Hunt is one of the few remaining actresses (or Powers models) of her era that are still with us. It must have been wonderful to get to spend some time with her back in the nineties. I haven't read that book but will definitely look into tracking down a copy. Thank you for the suggestion, and again for your comment. It's always a joy to "meet" long time readers who opt to comment for the first time.

      Have a beautiful Sunday,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. She was lovely, and the couple of days around the fundraiser were a lot of fun.

      Hope you have a great Monday!

      Dee

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  10. this is great advice and a wonderful list. I have been eyeing the what katie did undergarments and am sorely tempted by them. My only concern is that they wouldn't work right under the 1930s style dresses I favor but as I do have some 40s or 50s looks Ive been thinking a girdle and bra from their site might be in order. Id love to hear more about how you select your foundation garments and how you find ones for different eras

    kate the old fashioned way

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Kate. I don't own any items yet from What Katie Did (when the conversion rate, shipping, and important taxes are factored in, they become fairly steep, as do most repro items from the UK, for me here in Canada, though I do fully believe I'll splurge order from WKD at some point), but I've heard only great things about them for years now. I highly suspect you'd love their offerings.

      My old school underpinnings aren't necessarily as interesting as those of some vintage gals (as I have to keep various health related concerns in mind when selecting them), but I can certainly write more about them in a future post. Thanks so much for the question/post request.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Wonderful collection of essentials and see how everyone of them is perfectly incorporated into your fabulous wardrobe.

    You're so right about finding the styles that suit you and focusing on having those in your wardrobe. It can take a little while to figure out what works best for you but once you do, stick to it. I know I did! :)

    xo

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  12. Jessica, what a marvelous post! Of course, upon seeing the Lilli Ann ad, I smiled and had to take extra time to look at this beautiful ad. Oh my to see this wonderful suit in person. I don't believe I've ever seen this particular style for sale. I love the wasp waist as it very figure flattering and you don't feel smothered. It is amazing what a well-tailored suit will do. I also am so much in agreement about princess coats. I just adore them. I bought a Lilli Ann swing coat at the beginning of summer and had to let it go as it was just so overpowering for me ..but still a beauty. This is such a great list. Thank you for all your wise words. You are a wealth of information.

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    1. And you are a wealth of sweetness (and knowledge, yourself), darling Joanna. Thank you so much! I was thinking of you as I included that ad - and every time I see anything Lilli Ann related - so much. You're the brand's present day model (of yesteryear styles) in my mind, bar none. I couldn't agree more, a well fitted suit is one of the most figure flattering garments a woman (or man, for that matter) could ever own. I could wear well fitted suits all year round, if the weather would permit, and would never tire of them. They just look so lovely, elegant, and classic - three of my favourite descriptive words ever when it comes to fashion.

      Though I've eyed plenty, and do feel more of a pull towards them as I get older, I've never bought a full on swing coat myself, so I really understand where you're coming from. Maybe one day, but for now I'll stick with my princess toppers and the wonderful things they do for my hourglass figure instead.

      Big hugs, my super stylish friend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Fascinating list :) I love many of the things on here! Especially hats and the skirts ;)

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  14. A vintage princess coat has been on my wishlist for so long! I know I will find one...someday. Excellent list!

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  15. Dearest Jessica, what a wonderful post. Your advise works well for both vintage and modern day styles. Your passion for your clothing and accessories comes shining through in this post. While reading it I was able to relate your words to my own wardrobe and accessories. I adore clothes, accessories and jewelry. Like you I find the things I love and the pieces that make me feel good. Wearing what I love and feel the best in makes a big difference in how I feel and react when I am out and about. I have found that even though I am chronically ill, it helps to dress in what I love and it certainly helps me to feel better. Gentle Hugs, Beverly

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    1. Thank you deeply, my sweet friend. Absolutely, the general advice here rings true no matter what eras and/or styles a person gravitates towards - goth, vintage, steam punk, boho, preppy, indie, minimlist, you name it. The key is to own your style and learn what what does - and doesn't! - work on you, then embrace those winning pieces as often as possible.

      I'm very much the same way. I find that wearing the clothing that makes me most happy and dressing up when I go out (or have people over, and on my better days when I'm home just with the pets and hubby) truly helps lift my spirits and act as a visual polar opposite to how my health leaves me feeling 24/7 inside. There is an uplifting, joyful quality to dressing the way that one most loves, and it's so awesome that we've both been able to discover and embrace this to help us in our daily battles with chronic illness.

      Tons of gentle hugs right back at you,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Your selection of vintage clothes and accessories is lovable, as usual ( you have accostumed your readers to such a high standard!! )
    Very fascinating photos ( and useful words to learn more about fashion. . . )

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  17. Delightful post as always, Jessica!! :D Very informative! <3

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  18. I agree with most items on your list. The ones that I own are definite staples and everything else is on my wishlist. I have been wanting a pair of seamed stockings for ages! I really agree that the right undergarments are neccesary, but they can be hard to find. Even to get a decent undergarment that can be worn with most things, that covers everything can be hard to get (probably because I'm so small too) my town has one department store (a small one) and a few boutiques, so to shop anywhere else, Involves a 45min-2hr trip depending on where you choose to go. I woun't buy that stuff online because it'd unlikely fit and i'd have to pay the postage to return it.

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    1. Seamed stockings are the bee's knees. I almost feel strange now, after so many years of wearing them frequently, if I go out in hosiery and don't have seamed stockings on (it's like, "Oh, right, these are opaque black tights, I don't need to keep checking to see if my seams are straight!" :)), and must say that they're one of the most frequently worn garments that I own.

      It can be tricky to hunt down good vintage or vintage appropriate undergarments garments offline in a small town. Save for thrift store finds and the occasional "old lady" bra (which we vintage gals know can do wonders for our vintage outfits) there's nothing like to be hard around my area either. I buy almost all of my underpinnings, from bras to stockings, slips to crinolines online and have had pretty good luck with fit over the years. I make sure to buy from reputable sellers (on eBay and etsy) and sites elsewhere online, and to check, check, and triple check my measurements on the day I order, as well as the measurements listed on the site. If I have any questions, I email the seller or shop before ordering, as returning things from Canada (to the US, UK, etc) is very, very pricey usually too, and not a situation I'm keen to run into, if it can be avoided.

      If I can ever help you try to track down something specific, please don't hesitate to let me know.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Thanks for the offer. Oh and the seam stockings... I have considered using a sharpie pen to make fake seams. lol

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    3. You're very welcome - I always love trying to help other vintage fans out however possible. Though that wouldn't be a million miles away from the ladies who drew seams on their legs with things like eyeliner during WW2, when stockings were often very hard to come by, you can also sew seems on modern stockings yourself, if buying the real deal isn't feasible for you, or if you'd just like to try some stocking DIY. Here's a really good howto on the topic:

      http://vintageinamodernworld.blogspot.ca/2011/02/diy-seamed-stockings.html

      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* I buy most of my seamed stockings online from repeatable sellers on eBay for less than $10 a pair. You really don't need to break the bank to wear seamed stockings (sure, higher end ones and many genuine vintage pairs cost more, but for day-to-day wear, I'm more than happy with the ones I get off of eBay. Let me know if you'd ever like links to a couple of my fave stocking sellers.

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  19. I need that knitting pattern...wow!

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  20. What a post Jessica, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    I want it all.
    Perfection.

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  21. I have a severe lack of four of these! I need to get on that asap! Gloves, pearls, a line skirts, and denim. I'll be keeping an eye out now.
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  22. Great post, and you chose such beautiful photos to illustrate it too - I especially love the first one for the A-line skirts section...what a gorgeous look! Funny that you mentioned the skirt/sock combo in the beginning, as that is also something that looks soooooo unflattering on me! It can look so cute as a daytime look on so many girls, and I have often wanted to sport that style, but alas, I have no business letting my socks and skirts mingle!

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  23. Great must-haves! I love everything you highlighted, and it perfectly builds a picture of you in my mind. So many of the things you mentioned would be on a list if I did something similar, but (as you probably have noticed by now) I never wear vintage hats nor gloves, save woolen ones when it gets cold. And I'm sure there would be items on my list you wouldn't consider mainstays. Isn't it interesting to think about how many of us overlap in some areas, but then not in others-- like making a big wonderful Venn diagram of vintage fashion! :D

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    1. Hi sweet Tasha, thank you very much for your terrific comment. It really is fascinating - and fantastic - how most vintage gals have at least a few items that we all love/sport, but others that are more unique to our own tastes. The world would be a much more boring place, IMO, if we all wore precisely the same thing. I adore your style (to no end!) and would love to see the pieces that topped your list. Even if they weren't all ones I wear often myself, I'm sure I'd love (and swoon over) them all the same. Some of my very favourite vintage pieces are items that actually don't look good on me (1930s bias cut dresses, for example), but which I admire just the same and always enjoy seeing other people sport.

      Big hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. Lovely post honey, especially love hats and pencil skirts, and underpinning, well all of it. mustard yellow is the colour to look good with your hair I think. oh and by the way I won I won, the lovely petticoat from Rosy, only cause of your blog, so thank you so much for that too. warmest thoughts as always ally x x

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Alison! How how completely wonderful!!! I'm thrilled for you about winning Rosy's crinoline. Yay!!! I hope you love it as much as I'm crazy about my bespoke frock from her. Big congrats on winning!

      I agree, mustard yellow would be a lovely colour to partner with my auburn-red locks. Thank you! This is all so exciting. It's fun how you're sharing more and more with me about the hat in each of your new blog comments. :)

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  25. Very well thought out list.
    I have almost everything here, except the capris which i recently discovered were not working for me... and the gloves as i have no need for them.

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  26. Fantastic list! You did an awesome job putting it together. Thanks!

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  27. Gorgeous, informative post! I love the capris - so true that you can work them in whichever way you like. I'd probably veer toward Jayne Mansfield. :) And I love the skirt suits and shirtwaist dresses too!!! I'm an avid wearer of lightweight knits - they are so lovely to wear and can jazz up anything! :D

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  28. i love this post! i agree, it takes a while to figure out what works best for your figure and sometimes even if you love a certain style of dress or skirt or whatever it may be, it's best to avoid them altogether. i can't wear anything oversized or in a smock style because i'm a pretty curvy girl and if i do it just makes it look like i'm ALL outward curves and no inward curves, haha. i basically have to accentuate my waist in every single outfit or else i look really big and boxy.

    anyway, so many great items in here, of course good underwear and seamed stockings are always lovely, and a pair of low, comfortable pumps and a few pencil skirts are staples of any vintage-inspired wardrobe. :) x

    little henry lee

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    1. Yay! I'm delighted to know that you loved this post, honey, thank you for letting me know (I've got another somewhat similar one in the works for a few weeks time which will focus on some of my favourite winter wardrobe staples, which I hope you'll enjoy as well). Definitely, I can't wear oversized, shapeless or super bulky garments usually either. They just make me look so much larger (and often shorter, too) than I really am. Something I think most of us wonderfully curvy girls quickly learn as we grow up and start finding our own style voices. I find pieces that fitted, but not completely skin tight, are usually my best bet when it comes to flattering my shape. (Which, it should be noted, though there are elements of my body I'm not too keen on, I do love - curves heighten the feminine aesthetic that I'm constantly aiming for with my wardrobe choices)

      Thanks again - tons of hugs!!!
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. I still am in desperate need of some of these items. I would kill for a princess coat and a lilli ann suit. Will just have to keep hunting! Stocking a vintage wardrobe requires patience...and I am not actually very good at that.

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  30. What a fabulous list! I love every piece of it, and really need to be on the look out for more of these items. Thanks for sharing this!

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  31. Such a well thought out list. I like everything on it even though I don't own one of everything. I can see some gaps in my wardrobe which will need filling after reading this. I love all your illustrations but the stand out one for me is the knitting pattern, that top is gorgeous, I would definitely knit it. I totally agree with you about pearls, they are my go to jewellery and never fail to improve an outfit. I have a couple of brooches, a single strand necklace and some pearl studs which I love. I also agree with the buy more than one of the item you love just in different colours approach. It has served me well with cardigans and either a couple of modern but look 1940s dresses.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Kate. I swear, I was thinking of you and your love of vintage knitting patterns when I found that image. I know you'd knock it out of the ballpark if you knitted up a version of your own.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. How lovely of you! I am completing a couple of garments for others and then I am looking forward to choosing a beautiful vintage pattern and knitting something for myself.

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  32. Such great advice, and I love that you make something that an be overwhelming so simple. I am curious about keeping warm in cold weather. I get so cold just in stockings. How so you stay warm?

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    1. Hi Sarah dear, thank you very much your lovely comment and question. I have a post in the works for December all about some of my cold weather vintage wardrobe staples, which I hope you're enjoy and find helpful. To touch on your question now however, layers, layers and more layers! Tights, a crinoline or slip (crinolines do an awesome job of keeping you warm in the winter), heavier weight skirt or dress, cardigan or sweater, and vintage winter coat make up my usual cold weather attire, with heavy weight repro denim (I swear by my beloved Freddies of Pinewood jeans) for my causal days or if I'm going to be walking though much snow. A pair of vintage wool ski pants really does the job there, too. Vintage wool, felt, or other heavier weight hats can also go a long ways towards keeping your head warm, and are one of my winter wardrobe musts.

      ♥ Jessica

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  33. What a fabulous post. You must have worked on it for days, dear. I would never be able to choose between a pencil skirt or circle skirt with a petticoat under. What I love is that they're so different. Thank for making this lovely illustrated list. Have a lovely weekend. :)

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  34. Oh dear Jess, you really are a doll indeed. *hugs*

    Thank you for making this post, you are such a great source of knowledge and an inspiration to me, I can only thank you for that.

    xoxo,

    Uila

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    1. You are so very welcome, Uila dear, thank you again for your question and post request. Please feel free to send more my way anytime you like.

      Tons of hugs & happy weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post, Jessica! Thanks for doing this. I have loads of these on my wish list and already have some in my wardrobe {lightweight knits and shirtwaists. I even was gifted a 1950s batwing vintage coat from a friend. I can't wait to share it with you all}. Like we've discussed, I can't wait to plunge into the world of full time vintage and I love your many lists on how to make you vintage wardrobe both things you love and functional and efficient.

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Sean! I'm super happy to know that you adored this post. Your batwing coat sounds awesome! They were one of the funnest cuts of the fifties, if you ask me. I have some batwing/dolman sleeve tops, but no jackets or coats at present. I usually like to wear them with something fitted (such as a pencil skirt) on the bottom to help balance out the volume up top. (A little silk or chiffon scarf tied round one's neck also really calls to mind how they were often worn during the fifties.)

      Thank you again very much - I hope you have a stellar weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  36. great post...ill use it as a check list :)

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  37. I've been working on slowly transforming my wardrobe to be more retro. This list was a lot of help. Thank you so much for putting it together!

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    1. Hi Betsy, you're sincerely welcome. I'm delighted to know that this post is proving so helpful to you. If you ever have any specific questions pertaining to vintage fashion that I haven't covered (or delved into far enough yet) on my blog that you'd like to chat more about, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm always here to be of assistance however I can.

      Wishing you a beautiful Sunday,
      ♥ Jessica

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