The most common and recognizable Vintage Costumes

1800s

When women choose to emulate the styles of the 1800s, they typically choose the most elaborate hoop-skirted dresses, channeling Scarlett O’Hara and other southern belles. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and vintage parasol to complete the look. A Civil War uniform is one option for men wishing to accompany the fancy dress costume of a nineteenth-century lady.

1920s Flapper

An old sheriff’s suit or Victorian dresses are both fun choices that allow you to take a step back to yesteryear. The same is true of a flapper dress which can carry a woman back to the 1920s.

The style of the 1920s was the decade of the flapper dress. This free-spirited time saw hemlines rise and waistlines disappear. Women often wore cloche hats. Men wore suits, commonly in the wide-breasted, pinstriped gangster suit style associated with movie gangsters. The fedora was a popular hat for men.

1930s and 1940s

Women looking for glamor can mirror the long, satiny dresses of the 1940s starlets. World War II costumes can mean uniforms for men, khaki skirts and blouses for women, or a recreation of the Rosie the Riveter look.

The world was then fresh out of the Great Depression and the ladies of those days wanted to look well dressed, but on a conservative budget. As a result, designers came out with women’s clothes which, while chic, were also classic. Neutral colors, navy, black, brown and beige formed the backbone of the typical woman’s wardrobe. Plainly cut, but elegant designs were all the rage.

1950s Clothing

Regardless of our age, most of us remember the distinctive 1950s clothing styles, predominately from popular TV shows, such as ‘I Love Lucy’, ‘Leave it to Beaver’ and ‘Lassie. The primary signature of this decade of fashion was the wide, below the knee skirts and dresses, comprised of yards and yards of fabric not seen on the fashion scene since Victorian times. So much fabric! Decorations of lace and other big trimmings to hems and sleeves were also usual additions. These garments were the height of fashion and lasted in popularity for a full decade.

The fashions of the 1950s have been immortalized in movies and television. When you think of 1950s costumes, you most likely think of poodle skirts, letterman sweaters, and leather jackets for the “guys from the wrong side of the tracks.” Another popular costume choice is the 1950s era prom dress, typically a strapless gown made of a light, frothy material with a full skirt.

1960s

1960s vintage costumes vary greatly depending on the specific year. Clothing from the early ’60s is similar to clothing from the 1950s. Women wore tailored dresses or skirt and sweater sets and idolized the look of Jackie Kennedy. Men wore suits and cardigan sweaters for a very Ward Cleaver-ish look.

In terms of popular costumes, the later years of the decade belonged to flower children and mod fashion. While hippies wore long, flowing dresses or bell bottoms, open-necked shirts, and vests, others turned to mini skirts, go-go dresses, and boots. Fashionable men wore paisley shirts and grew their hair long.

1970s

While the early ’70s mirrored the styles of the late ’60s, the latter part of the decade definitely belonged to disco. Polyester was the fabric of the day, and leisure suits weren’t yet considered a questionable fashion choice. Women wore loose dresses suitable for dancing the night away.

The ultimate must-have piece for the biker look is the chic motorcycle jacket. The details to look for are zippers or quilting. Pair the jacket with a pair of leather pants with panels, zippers and quilting that take them beyond the traditional, dated skin-tight pants resembling last year’s leggings.