Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

1950's style evening wear

13 replies

snowlie · 15/10/2013 15:21

I've seen lots on rockabilly type sites but I'm looking for something more formal, probably not vintage as getting the sizing and the style right is too much of a challenge. The occasion will be black tie. Budget around £200.

OP posts:
MrsFruitcake · 15/10/2013 15:33

Phase Eight do some lovely circle skirt dresses in pretty prints and gorgeous fabrics. I bought a long formal 50s style dress on eBay in the summer which was made to measure and cost about £75.

emsyj · 15/10/2013 18:22

I would take a look at Whirling Turban. They are based in Bali but I think the woman who runs it is actually American. I have bought from there and their dresses are beautifully made and lovely quality. They do bespoke sizing and fabrics - I think you can actually send your own fabric to them if you want something specific (not sure tho).

I am dying for an excuse to buy the 'Peggy Would' dress. I have a slim skirt style in a polka dot fabric with a matching bolero but would love more from them.

Inthebeginning · 15/10/2013 18:30

lady v have got a beautiful new one in that has a bow on the side. Let me see if I can link.

Ujjayi · 15/10/2013 18:36

Etsy is awash with 50s inspired formal dresses.

Mumelie · 15/10/2013 18:57

Beautiful 50s dresses at Deadly is the Female.
I have the Alika, and have tried on the Billion Dollar Baby (never looked so thin and curvy)!

Pinupgirl · 15/10/2013 19:14

Collectif have some stunning dresses in that would be perfect for a party. Have a look on their site for the velvet Delilah,Helen or Claudette dresses. They are also getting some new stock in shortly.

I can't sing their praises enough-75% of my wardrobe is Collectif!

Vivien of Holloway is also nice although I try to only buy when they have offers on-the Jezebel dress and the Grace dress are insanely flattering imo.

awaywego1 · 15/10/2013 19:17

I've just ordered this:
www.bettiepageclothing.com/wiggle/lime-drop
I'm not sure if ill be brave enough to wear it yet and it's still elevating for me to collect from the po at the moment!

Original poster
snowlie · 15/10/2013 21:09

This one comes closest to the kind of thing I'm after, but I can't order online, I just can't take the risk of it not fitting or not suiting, the dress would need to be altered before I would know whether it worked.
This is the other option, but I'm not as keen on the neck line, it may look fabulous on.

OP posts:
Original poster
snowlie · 15/10/2013 22:07

The shape's good beginning but the contracting colours make it look too informal. It's a fairly conservative black tie do....I can't go too far off script.

OP posts:
emsyj · 16/10/2013 19:47

I had forgotten until this moment that I saw some fabulous 50s style formal evening dresses in House of Fraser last weekend. If you search on their website for Eliza J there are quite a few options. This one was my favourite - I looked and picked it up and looked again and eventually had to walk away because it really is a black tie level formal dress and I have no prospect of needing a dress of this style anytime in the foreseeable future, sadly. It was much MUCH lovelier in real life IMO. Worth a look?

rachyconks · 16/10/2013 19:50

I have worn the black Vivien of holloway circle dress with two petticoats to black tie dinners before. It looks amazing and I always get loads of compliments. One petticoat is fine, two is awesome. I had red, but any colour works. I co-ordinate DH's bow tie to match the colour of the petticoat. Yes, we are that sad.

goodasitgets · 16/10/2013 20:00

Definitely Collectif
Stop Staring have good stuff
And pin up girl clothing

New posts on this thread. Refresh page