Does anyone (successfullly) wear 1950's style/swing dresses/outfits?

[SurlyCue]

Ive always loved the style but never been brave enough to try it. Ive always stuck to jeans and a jumper but i would like to branch out a bit and maybe break myself in gently, however i am worried about wasting money on things that dont suit and looking ridiculous. I love the dresses but they arent very practical for day to day wear so would love advice on what sort of outfits i could wear. Are there any websites i could go to for ideas or advice?

[StatisticallyChallenged]

I wear them a lot, and love them. I don't wear them in a costumey way though if that makes sense - no victory rolls going on.

What about a more modern dress but one which still has a full skirt - a fit and flare type - to break you in?

For not too expensive swing type dresses I've just got a few from LindyBop which I quite like.

[SurlyCue]

I have a couple of dresses and an underskirt but they are really dressy for something like a wedding so not at all for day to day wear.

How do you wear your dresses in colder weather or do you not? What do you wear instead?

[SurlyCue]

Oh and lindy bop has some lovely stuff. Thanks for that.

[iklboo]

I love 50s style dresses too, but mine are all evening / cocktail style.

Lindybop & Janeswear do some lovely 'secretary' style 50s dresses. Wear a bolero cardi over the top in colder weather.

I order mine via Amazon, mostly.

[SurlyCue]

Thanks iklboo, i'll have a look on janeswear too.

[iklboo]

I've gone a bit mad & got some Mary Jane shoes & 50s style handbag. I already collect compacts.

[SurlyCue]

What do you wear if you arent wearing a dress or do you just wear dresses? I love them but i just know i wont wear dresses everyday. What sort of casual wear is nice in 50's style?

[workadurka]

I have an original 50s skirt which I wear with a boat neck T-shirt or Bardot top tucked in. I feel anything too overtly 50s from head to toe looks too much like fancy dress. I also have some high waisted full skirted 50s inspired dresses, which I dress down with a sweater over the top.

[CointreauVersial]

Have a look at Forever Amber's blog - she wears a lot of this style and looks fantastic.

[SurlyCue]

I feel anything too overtly 50s from head to toe looks too much like fancy dress.

Yes this is what i am worried about. I dont want to look like im going to a convention or something.

Thanks cointreau will check that out.

[goodasitgets]

I wear a lot of lady v london (also their range lady voluptuous) and Collectif

[iklboo]

I only wear them when we're going out somewhere nice. Otherwise I just dress in my normal clothes.

[SurlyCue]

I found forever amber blog, she does it really well!

Thanks goodasitgets

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Yup, second lady v and collectif. And wee cropped cardis are perfect for over them, I have several from fever london which I wear all the blooming times!

I pretty much only wear dresses. I think my colleagues would faint if they saw me in trousers!

[SurlyCue]

Some gorgeous outfits on those websites. Think i might have to hide my credit cards!

[Pumpkinette]

I have a few 50's style dresses but mainly evening type so not on a day to day basis. I also have a corset that I wear a couple of days a week. My hair is cut in a 50's-esque style with a super short fringe. For day time I sometimes do tea dresses which can look a bit 40's / 50's without being costume like. I love the 50's style but I don't think it's an everyday look (although some people can pull it off). For shopping I tend to use local shops (the goth/ alternative ones) as I need to try stuff on first. eBay can also be quite good for 50's stuff, particularly the people who do made to measure 50's style dresses and tops.

[FortySixandTwo]

I wear swing dresses shorts and blouses and love them, Didn't have much success with Lindy Bops fit. I'm obviously a curious shape.

The shorts and blouses or shorts coupled with a T shirt in summer have a much less dressy feel if you are just out walking or socializing and feel really flattering with a pair of pumps.
I dont often do victory curls etc but on the occasions I have, Ive felt much more of a glamour puss than when Ive been to black tie dos with an evening dress :)

www.vivienofholloway.com is a nice shop if you are in London but can be a little pricey

[JeanneDeMontbaston]

Yes, sometimes. I don't style it all 50s, though.

I find collectif and lindybop to be cut 'modern' so they never look all that 50s (which may be a good thing).

I've recommended these people on MN before - I love them, though their dresses are stupidly expensive. They're cut a bit more realistically 50s (ie., go in and out more) www.victoryparadecollection.com/

[JeanneDeMontbaston]

(Oh, and ignore lindybop if you're over a B or a small C cup, I'd say.)

[StatisticallyChallenged]

I'm a HH cup and have several lindy bop dresses which fit...

[JeanneDeMontbaston]

Oh ... I must be a peculiar shape like forty, then!

Sorry.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

I have one which is a bit wee in the boobs, but it's got a sweetheart neckline and, erm, DH kind of likes the look it gives so it gets worn anyway! Once the belt is on it's not obvious that the waist is being pulled a little too high. But I have 3 others which are great on the boobs.

[NewTwenty]

I find that Boden often do a few flared style dresses - look on ebay.

[FortySixandTwo]

Jeanne We can be peculiar together.

Statistically I find if they fit my bust they swamp my waist and with the belt on they look terrible on me :( I'm quite sad about that as they have some gorgeous styles. Do you have a link to some of the ones you've bought ?

Another favourite of mine is Hellbunny they do some alternative print too if you fancy a bit of skulls and roses style theme :)