How to Add a Touch of 1950s Style to Your Everyday Wardrobe

Love the glamour of the 1950s but don’t fancy dressing as though you’re heading to a dance hall every morning?

We understand.

The beauty of vintage-inspired fashion is that you can take the details you love and make them work for everyday life.

Here’s how.

Start With the Swing Dress

If there’s one piece that instantly says 1950s-inspired style, it’s the swing dress.

Defined at the waist with a beautiful full skirt, it’s an easy way to introduce a classic retro silhouette into your wardrobe.

And it doesn’t need to be saved for special occasions.

Pair one of our floral swing dresses with ballet flats for lunch, boots and a cardigan for autumn or heels for an evening out.

For something beautifully nostalgic, the Heidi Floral Swing Dress mixes colourful florals with a fitted bodice and a flowing swing skirt.

Meet Your New Best Friend: The Cardigan

Never underestimate the power of a cardigan.

Button it over a dress, wear it with a high-waisted skirt or simply throw it over your shoulders when the evening gets cooler.

A neat knit such as our Monroe Classic Stripe Cardigan or Élise Knit Cardigan is an easy way to bring a little retro polish to an otherwise modern outfit.

Have Fun With Prints

1950s-inspired fashion isn’t afraid of personality.

Florals? Absolutely.

Polka dots? Always.

Checks? Yes please.

The trick is choosing prints that make you smile.

If you’re new to vintage-inspired fashion, begin with a classic floral or polka dot. Once you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with bolder colours and prints.

Add a Petticoat, or Don’t!

Want the full 1950s effect?

Add a petticoat beneath your swing dress to create extra volume and movement.

Prefer something more relaxed?

Leave the petticoat at home.

The same dress can feel completely different depending on how you style it, which is exactly why swing dresses earn their place as wardrobe favourites.

Mix Vintage With Modern

There are no rules saying vintage-inspired clothes have to be worn exclusively with vintage-inspired accessories.

Try a swing dress with trainers.

Wear a retro cardigan with jeans.

Add a leather jacket to your favourite floral dress.

Taking inspiration from the past doesn’t mean living in it.

Pick the pieces you love, style them your way and create something completely your own.