It is with no small amount of giddiness that I gear up to welcome spring's arrival tomorrow (if only on the calendar - actual spring weather commencing is always up to chance and luck!). Though there were a few major snow days, objectively this wasn't an overly brutal winter. It was however, like just about all those experienced here in this northerly country, a long one that is still in play in may parts of of the nation.
Soon enough - thank goodness! - though, winter will vanish like an icicle in the returning sun and we can embrace spring's fashion head on. One of the most appealing things about spring attire - and a point that serves it especially well because of how it ends up working out for those on both half of the equator - is that it shares much in common with autumn garb.
Now, of course, there will often be different hues at play and perhaps more layers (and the use of tights and boots) come fall, but overall the two are quite similar and sandwich the sweltering days of summer with a sort of elegance and chicness that can be tricky to obtained when the mercury is bubbling away like an active volcano.
Spring always screams 1950s fashion to me (I know I'm not alone in associating certain decades with each of the seasons; the warmer months often being more 50-ish for me, the colder, more 40s; though of course I do sport looks from each during both halves of the year) and so as I dash to towards winter's finishing line, I thought it would be oodles of fun to round up 25 of the loveliest 1950s spring looks that I've come across in recent months (I did the same thing last year and you'll definitely want to check out this post for 20 more great 1950s spring fashion ideas).
Which of the following looks are calling your name? I'm especially fond of the first, second and third, but really, there isn't a single one here that doesn't speak to my vintage fashion loving soul on multiple levels.
1. This is a terrific ensemble for the early days of spring, when there may still be snow on the ground and/or rain shower in the forecast. The white and black (snow) leopard print accessory trio at work in this 1951 ensemble is pretty much giving me a 1950s fashion inducing heart attack - it's that jaw-droppingly awesome.
2. Come spring, I pretty much want to pull up a hammock or sleeping bag and live in a garden. Not practical (especially when I don't even have a backyard!), but appealing for sure. Thankfully we can all avail of Mother Nature's blooms with colours and accessories that capture their timeless spirit, like those in this immensely feminine pink outfit from the pages of a 1957 edition of Vogue.
3. I rock novelty print fabrics all year 'round, but they generally come out to play most often during spring and summer, when they're an especially lighthearted mood to fashion. I know most of us would practically swim across an ocean for the 1950s beauties in this swoon inducing ad!
4. Sweater weather still out in full force? Fear not, you can always take a page from these stylish mid-1950s ladies and merge the two seasons care of soft hued separates that have the warmth needed for winter and the happiness inducing colours of spring.
5. Wicker and straw accessories are an absolute must for me from March through to the end of September. Here a sweet little wicker handbag teams up with a full skirted striped dress, lilac hued dress, and cream (likely straw) hat for a spring/summer fifties look that's as pretty as pretty can be.
6. Pastels are a perpetually natural choice for spring, as they're the antithesis of the dark, somber hues many of us have been decked out in for the last few months - plus they help keep you extra cool when the dog days of summer return. Here the primary colours get the pastel treatment in two gorgeous 1950s pleated sundresses.
7. If someone asked me out of the blue which season I most associate the wearing of yellow with, my blink answer would be spring (by a mile!). Though it sees play in summer, fall and even winter (usually in the form of golden tones for that season), it is spring - fresh and alive with daffodils, baby chicks, and sunlight itself that seems to suit the wearing of yellow, especially pale and medium shades, best. This great early 1950s swing coat and hat, partnered with an oversized flower and white gloves would be so wonderful for Easter or any day before, or after, that calls for a topper still.
8. Though dark blue and green may seem better suited to fall and winter, when put to work on a short sleeve shirtwaist dress in the form of a polka dot pattern, they take on a warm weather perfect sense of fun that elevates them to a great spring choice, especially for work.
9. Peach is such a splendidly pretty - and very uplifting - colour for spring and summer. It's reminiscent of everything from the fruit it is named after to the sand on a tropic beach to pastel sherbet. As seen in this charming 1959 matching mother and daughter look, it really shines when combined with hits of crisp white. I also love peach with yellow (as in this outfit), aqua, grey, chocolate brown, navy, and for an unexpected pairing, pine green.
10. Water colour inspired hues and blooms are timelessly gorgeous and as right for spring as a clear blue sky. Dust off of your favourite floral fashions and give them oodles of love this chipper season.
11. Far from being drab, a palette of different shades of cream and/or ivory feels fresh and alive after the dark, heavy tones of winter. Team up your soft hued threads with pearl jewelry, as this endlessly elegant look from 1950 does and you'll be sure garner compliments by the wheelbarrow full.
12. Though heavy wool, velvet and tweed versions are best brought out with the Christmas decor, capes and caplets can work for spring and summer, too, provided they're lightweight and easy to jauntily throw over your shoulders as you would a cardigan or sweater.
13. Elevate capri pants from being merely comfy and casual to cutting edge (in a vintage context at least) chic when you combine them with a figure flattering wrap top and pearl jewelry. Extra bonus points for a floppy 1950s sun hat and generous use of seashell pink.
14. There's that aforementioned springtime yellow at work again, along with sweet, gorgeous shades of mauvey-lavender in two timelessly elegant suit looks from 1951 that instantly call to mind the sophisticated stylings of my dear friend, Joanna from the blog Dividing Vintage Moments. Note the collar placement of the brooch worn on the purple suit - that is such an great little spot to tuck a beloved vintage pin.
15. Floral themed cardigans and and sweaters are a fantastic way to inject a hefty dose of springtime style in your vintage wardrobe. I own a few - some vintage, some 21st century - and can hardly wait to slip them on again this season.
16. Bold stripes and neutral hued bottoms make for an unexpected pairing that feels starkly contemporary, yet has very classic roots. If you like to blend old and new together in the same outfit, this look may be of particular interest to you.
17. White accessories are a springtime must that will see you through in classic style until (at least!) Labour Day. Think gloves, hats, handbags, shoes, jewelry, scarves, and belts to compliment just about every other piece in your wardrobe during the coming roasty-toasty months.
18. Darling details and spring go together like bunny rabbits and Easter. This outfit featuring a sleeveless striped dress abounds with sweet touches. From the bow and ruffles of the frock itself to her dangling charm bracelet to her lovely little blue earrings, it's a well coordinated, happy-go-lucky look that sings with the spirit of spring.
19. Here's an outfit that most mid-century vintage wearers are bound to love - and easily be able to put together. Combine a classic, solid coloured dress, a vibrant belt (and optional scarf), wide brimmed hat, and an arm full of bangles for a stylish ensemble that will stand the test of time.
20. Gingham is an immensely natural choice for sun-kissed months, but why not up the ante and pin a sprig of fresh (or faux) blooms to your bodice, collar, waist, shoulder, hat - you name it - for a spring/summer accessory choice that couldn't possibly suit the season any better.
21. I fully acknowledge that this eye-catching red and white polka dot look from 1950 with its lace front bodice and wide shoulders might be a touch OTT for some folks, but remember that you don't have to interpret these styles literally. Instead, why not be reminded of how fun dotted styles are for the warmer months and then, if you're feeling ambitious, try to track down a fabulous spotted umbrella like the one our whimsically attired model is holding.
22. If you're digging yellow for spring by now - or feeling your existing love for it multiplying - but aren't quite sure what to style it with, let this handy page of 1950s accessories offer up some top-notch suggestions.
23. Though it resembles a vest, I think that this is a shawl draped across her shoulders, which helps to keep one warm, especially in a halter style top like this beautiful orchid hued example with its marvelous bow neckline. Shawls are one of my favourite warm weather accessories and are great for events like picnics, evenings at the beach, and even just taking a stroll around the neighbourhood after the sun has set.
24. To my mind, spring is a season that suits being very coordinated from head-to-toe particularly well. Doing so creates a clean, appealing look that's snappy, elegant and lovely, much like this season itself. If you really want to gild the lily, look for matching (or very similar) shoes to coordinate with your favourite springtime fifties frocks.
25. Okay, technically this is eight looks, not one, so it could be argued that the title of this post should be "36 fabulous 1950s spring fashions", not 25, but as they're all contained on one page, I think we can let that point slide and instead focus on enjoying these wonderful, classic 1950s warm weather looks featuring shorts, capris and peddle pushers. If they don't make you yearn for a day at the beach, I don't know what will! :)
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Each of these looks is fun, fashionable, becoming, inspiring and worth taking a serious inspiration cue from. Again, as with autumn, spring tends to be fairly short lived - winter and summer dominating the calendar, as they're prone to in many parts of the world. Thus it really pays to take advantage of these days, with their longer hours of daylight, mild to gently warm temperatures, suddenly-green-again landscapes, and lighter garments that can be donned and enjoyed without having to worry about the risk of frostbite.
Spring won't last forever, but we're fortunate to be at the very cusp of it this week and to be able to garner inspiration from past decades of looks from this very season to help us get the most out of our mild weather wardrobe in the coming months.
I don't know about you, but that point makes me an even more happy (vintage) camper who will be sporting breezy sundresses, flower bedecked Easter bonnets, and lightweight layers with gusto and glee all season long!
