Style me for a 1940's evening!

[Dragonbutter]

So I need an outfit for a 1940s themed evening with a big band.
Am not sure what angle to go for.
I want to look sexy but am concerned that the reality of the 1940's is lots of homemade clothing and dull fabric.

Will definitely need some of those stockings with the seam up the back.

Then there's hair and make up.

Any vintage fans out there who can help?

I am a size 14, big bottom, medium sized boobs, and shoulder length hair.

TIA

I've found a real 1940's brooch in black here. If you can't find a belt you like, just buy a length of 2" wide grosgrain ribbon and tie it in a bow or pin it in place. Black seamed stockings + black chunky shoes.

vintage specs???

Db haven't forgotten you, just can't get to the PC to upload the pics (Aaargh teenagers). I will upload them this weekend, I have a couple of brooches that I reckon would be perfect.

2loudboys, what is grosgrain ribbon?
I have a black ribbon belt that came with another dress. It looks ok with it tied in a bow at the back. Although am still keeping an eye out for a belt the right width.
Have found some seamed stockings in the shops.
Think i will stick with the black court shoes i already have.

So, what about gloves?

Does anyone know where i can get some clip on earrings? what style?

Domesticslattern? How are you getting on with this?

also. I think the dress would look nice with an underskirt.
Would adding volume to the skirt make it too 1950s?
Where do people buy these things?

DB, grosgrain ribbon is that sort of stiff, ribbed ribbon that posh shops tie your glossy bag up with. Hang on. Here but you can get it wider than this in most haberdasher's.

like on bags from Coast?
my black ribbon is silk i think. any good?

Try it out on something and see if it kind of folds over, 'cos if it does if it's a contrasting colour it can sometimes be a bit unflattering (like a cheesewire round your waist). Grosgrain is thicker and stiffer (as the actress said to the bishop) and doesn't fold over so easily. Don't know if you can starch silk, or maybe iron some of that iron-on stiffener onto the back of it?

I went to one a couple of years back. Got seamed stockings from Primark for about £1. I bought a black and white polka dot tea dress on Ebay.

have a look at this one from Oli

too expensive for me, but think i've discovered a liking for vintage clothing i never knew i had.

the model is weird though.

this is good to teach you how to do your hair - quite funny, too - 5 minute tutorial

Or this one even easier as you don't need to buy the foam things (result might not be so good though?) - 3 minute tutorial

is that the 'in under 5 minutes' hand up, foot stamp one? yeah, she's good.

God, DB that Oli dress is gorgeous - too poor to buy it though . Also, no social life to wear it .

The picture in the catalogue is even better. Better model, not being so weird.
I love it too.
Shame.

Vaguely related. I've just found a brilliant book on vintage clothing that not only shows you what sort of things they wear between the 1920s to 1980s, it also gives you tips on buying vintage, how to spot flaws and which ones are not too bad etc, how to spot a good quality item of clothing, clothes care and which sorts of accessories to go for. It's called "It's vintage darling!" I borrowed it from the library about two months ago and have been hogging it for so long that I decided to invest in my own copy from Amazon.

If you live in the North West, Liverpool has loads of vintage shops especially on Renshaw Street.

Ooh oh oh oh, anybody around? I've found these gloves on ebay.
25 minutes to go. should i bid?

nobody around?

Saw this just in time!! I too am heading for a 40's themed ball / fancy dress - mine is at the beginning of September. I have been desparately seeking an outfit. Hubby has suggested we go as evacuees.

What do you think?

Thankyou!!

what would you wear as evacuees?

Tags round your neck I suppose? Boxes for gas masks? Carrying a teddy all night?

Dragonbutter, my forties night has been and gone. It was great fun. I wore red Mary Janes, a flowery tea dress, vintage diamante earrings and (wonky) seamed stockings.

I would have rolled my hair if DD/ babysitter combo had given me more than 15 minutes to get ready!

What was interesting was that most people didn't take it perfectly literally. The one girl that did looked a bit dowdy to be honest, as she was wearing "utility" wear. My advice would be to wear really really fun glam clothes even if you do stray a tiny bit into the fifties. Channelling Dita Von Teese... Definitely it would be the wrong shape though to wear an underskirt.

Am so excited. The dance is this saturday. Outfit is ready. I'll post pictures as soon as I can.

Ok, photo's on profile for a limited time.
Thanks everyone who gave advice we had a great night.
I even had an old lady who must have been 80 come up to me to say that i looked just like her mother did in the 40s. we chatted for ages about what she remembered about being evacuated.
Thanks!

bumping, where did all the helpful people go?

You look fantastic, gorgeous hair! Glad you had a good night