One of my goals for 2020 was to take a few months to revise and update the 300+ articles on VintageDancer. I have new research, more pictures with diversity, and a more mobile-friendly layout to implement. It is a HUGE undertaking that will be worth it for you my loyal readers, even if that means fewer new articles to enjoy temporarily.
I won’t share every update with you but I will share the biggest ones that I feel are worth reading again:
** Web browsers don’t always update to the latest article revision (especially Internet Explorer), so you may need to use the “Reload” button or Control F5 on your browser to see the updates.
1970s Outfits – The ’70s continue to be one of the biggest party themes for 2020. I gave this article about ’70s outfit ideas more pictures and a few new outfits to consider. Have you heard of a Yacht Rock party? Apparently its a new thing involving sparkling disco outfits or ’70s nautical clothing and a captain hat (yacht cap). I am jealous I haven’t been invited to a Yacht Rock party yet so I can wear these fun outfits. I also need to find some retro tracksuits and running shorts so I can pull off the iconic ’70s workout look while exercising.
1950s Outfits for Men – Oscar has been wearing 1950s and 1960s clothing on a daily basis. These are more casual looks than he would wear to a themed event. Since everyone keeps asking for casual men’s vintage clothing ideas- he was happy to oblige with new photos and outfit tips.
The entire 1920s series is undergoing revision. Here is what I have revised so far:
1920s Fabrics – I have heard from a few home sewers that they are having trouble finding period-correct fabrics from local craft fabric stores (me too!) I took a look at my resources and added to the list of fabric types all of the acceptable 1920s fashion fabrics you can still find today. Cotton voile is my favorite for summer but I am itching to make something in jersey for fall/winter.
1910s Men’s Tuxedos and 1920s Men’s Tuxedos – I am glad to see more people are attending formal galas and white tie parties and wanting to dress accurately for the occasion. Gentlemen who want to dress formal but different will have a hard time being historically accurate. Men wore black tuxedos. That’s about it. The details changed over the decades but not enough to escape traditional black or white tie (which I think is very handsome.) I highlighted these nuances, answered frequently asked questions, and offered some ideas on non-tuxedo outfits gentlemen could wear to an evening event.
1920s One Hour Dress Pattern – I asked some ladies who have made the 1924 One Hour Dress pattern to share their finished dresses and the things they learned about using the pattern. Take a look at the fabulous designs they made!
Vintage Maternity Clothing– I expanded this article with more photos of women’s maternity clothing from the 1900s to 1960s. I also revised this other article and included more photos of myself dressing in the different decades while pregnant: Vintage Maternity Clothing Guide
1920s Outfits for Men – I frequently update this popular article with more 1920s themed outfits for men. Recent adds are the Boater/Barber Shop look, Banker/Bartender, Swimsuits/Strong man, and more gangster types. It is always expanding so if you want to see something not included, drop me a note.
Did Women Wear Pants in the 1920s? – Men are not the only ones asking how to dress more casually. Ladies are wanting to wear pants… in the 1920s. While it wasn’t common or acceptable for most women to do so there are some exceptions. I added new photos of female pants wearing rebels in the 1920s and offered up some outfits anyone can easily put together.
1920s Men’s Suit History – This article was given a facelift with new research and a section on suits worn by men of color.
1920s Evening Gowns History by Year – A plethora of new photos were added to this 1920s timeline of evening gowns and dress history. I also updated the 1920s Afternoon Dress/ White Tea Dress and 1920s House Dress and 1920s Daytime Dress articles with more pictures and history. Phew – that was a lot of work!
1920s Dances – I found a few more pictures to add to the history of 1920s dances
1920s Plus Size Fashion – My collection of photos of real women with curves continues to inspire more ladies to find their perfect 1920s outfit. See the latest additions.
1920s Hairstyles– New photos of long hairstyles and hairstyles for black, Asian and Latino women.
Enjoy these updates and keep your eye out for the next round of revisions and new articles.
~Debbie
Debbie Sessions has been teaching fashion history and helping people dress for vintage themed events since 2009. She has turned a hobby into VintageDancer.com with hundreds of well researched articles and hand picked links to vintage inspired clothing online. She aims to make dressing accurately (or not) an affordable option for all. Oh, and she dances too.
