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Original poster

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

79 replies

SurlyCue · 22/04/2015 17:32

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?

OP posts:
StatisticallyChallenged · 23/04/2015 17:20

this one and this one both work for me in a 14 on 30HH ish boobs.

I think you probably want ones with either a bust friendly neckline - like the first, or a decent amount of stretch like the second. I have to admit though, I really suit belts and bloody love the things - the first one should be worn with a belt, the second one would work without.

I think I'm probably going to try one like megan, I might also try this as I think the buttons are fake and the fabric has some stretch. polly has more stretch and a good boob friendly neckline.

this looks like a dupe of Lady V Isabella which is one I really like on. Also fancy trying a PUG Heidi at some point

I think it is a bit hit and miss - at least for me, but I have a fair difference between boobs and waist and then an even bigger difference between waist and hips. Belts are my friend!

StatisticallyChallenged · 23/04/2015 17:24

Oh I have a Hellbunny Vivien coat, I love love love it. And found their sizing info to be spot on too.

JeanneDeMontbaston · 23/04/2015 17:24

Absolutely, forty. Grin

And yes, Hell Bunny is fun stuff.

stat, some of your links don't work for me, but the polly dress is a gorgeous fabric. I might give that a go as the ones I've tried that didn't fit my bust were all higher-necked than that, which may be the problem.

StatisticallyChallenged · 23/04/2015 17:34

First two are Vivi and Elsa, followed my Megan, Rebecca, Polly and Alanis.

The one I have which didn't really work has a very fixed neckline, I think the slight crossover like Polly has really helps if you're not buying specific boob friendly brands. The one which is snug would still fit reasonable sized boobs though - it's a 14 and I think would accommodate up to say a 30FF/G and sister sizes OK. It's not so small it won't do up or anything, just squashes me (and therefore creates too much cleavage!) and lifts the waist a bit.

Original poster
SurlyCue · 23/04/2015 17:38

oh i am loving all these links! I have no idea what body shape i am or what style dress would suit. I am 5'2", size 10/12 with 30EE boobs. No idea about waist or hip measurements. Must hoke out the measuring tape and take note of them.

OP posts:
JeanneDeMontbaston · 23/04/2015 17:48

Oh, you need the measuring tape! Loads of 50s stuff is cut differently from standard High Street, so it really helps. But by the sound you would look lovely in these styles.

I know you said you're not doing 50s styling, but this is a great blog that does, and the woman in it is beautiful. I want all of her clothes! missvictoryviolet.com/

Original poster
SurlyCue · 23/04/2015 17:59

Wow she looks amazing! So much inspiration there.

OP posts:
FortySixandTwo · 23/04/2015 20:15

Statistically those dresses are gorgeous. You're the same as me with a bigger difference between waist and bust and hips im 32g 27 waist and 32 hips I can normally go for a size 10 / 12 top but in the dresses I end up looking like busty mc busty. The Lindy Bop one I had I actually ended up with a shelf i could rest a pint on .. not a joke it became a party trick by the end of the night Blush

Jeanne That blog is gorgeous !

Surly I second Jeanne here you must drag the tape measure out or if you visit one of your local 40s / 50s style shops then they should help with your sizing and styling :)

Is it just me or is anyone else now thinking of spending every penny they have and more on some of the gorgeous dresses on this blog.

This is my latest purchase www.vivienofholloway.com/women-c70/dresses-c10/1950s-halterneck-blue-anemone-dress-p1591

And these are the shorts I wear for a casual look www.vivienofholloway.com/women-c70/trousers-c14/shorts-black-stripe-p592

StatisticallyChallenged · 23/04/2015 20:23

OOOH I love the Viv dress. Love love love.

mayfridaycomequickly · 23/04/2015 20:33

Statistic I'm a 34hh and size 16 - can I ask which lindybop dresses you have that are a good fit? The boob thing puts me off ordering!

mayfridaycomequickly · 23/04/2015 20:35

Ignore me statistic I didn't rtft!

FortySixandTwo · 23/04/2015 20:48

Statistic their dresses are beautiful but quite costly so not an every day option for me.

However just found this on LindyBop Vanessa Which I would love to wear and is reasonably priced too .. Honest opinion ladies is the detail around the bust going to be too much of an eye draw ?

StatisticallyChallenged · 23/04/2015 21:07

I don't think the bust detail is a problem - but I suspect it might not be boob friendly. It looks quite solid and structured

FortySixandTwo · 23/04/2015 21:51

Yes I think you're right on closer inspection it does look structured although at first glance I'd assumed it was elastic armed with a lot more give. That's such a shame I'd love to wear that with a pair of killer heels

I wonder realistically how much it would cost to get one made ...

FortySixandTwo · 23/04/2015 21:52

That would be elasticated ?(sp) not elastic armed thank you autocorrect

StatisticallyChallenged · 23/04/2015 22:09

Rather than get it made could you buy a size up and get it altered? taking the waist in would be pretty straight forward I think

Original poster
SurlyCue · 23/04/2015 22:13

Forty that is a gorgeous dress Smile

OP posts:
FortySixandTwo · 23/04/2015 22:21

Statistically Now that's a possibility. I think I'll take a picture to the lady who does alterations tomorrow and see what she thinks.

Surly Thank you. it's so pretty and such a lovely fit I can't wait to be invited to something nice to wear it to :)

Original poster
SurlyCue · 23/04/2015 22:24

We should have a MNer swing dress meet up!! Grin

OP posts:
dylsmimi · 23/04/2015 22:34

Hi I have a few (lots) of the Lindt bop dresses some Audrey style the Juliet one and Iona
All really pretty
If you are hesitant I find wearing a little plain cardigan fastened up over your dress helps and also without the big net underskirt unless you are at a party etc
However there is a colleague who has started coming to work in full hell bunny dresses wih big net underskirt on and while she looks nice it's a bit ott for office wear IMO
However I could just be annoyed as I introduced her to the style and now she is copying and being so ott its taken the shine of my dresses Sad

FortySixandTwo · 23/04/2015 22:36
Grin
FortySixandTwo · 23/04/2015 22:39

Oops sorry the smiley was for surly not aimed at your situation dyls.

Take it as imitation is the highest form of flattery :)

dylsmimi · 23/04/2015 22:58

Hmmm I guess so. Just a small office and it annoys me that someone wears the clothes I would wear for a rare night out just to sit in the office but I need to get over it and have a look at the lovely dresses you are all going to be wearing this summer Smile

StatisticallyChallenged · 23/04/2015 22:58

I wear lady v dresses to work sometimes, but without underskirt and with modern accessories, hair etc. Full fifties get up is possibly pushing it

loveableshoulder · 23/04/2015 23:01

I wear this dress to weddings. Absolutely love it :)

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