Fall Fashion from 1959
Inevitably, as the weather starts to cool, our clothing choices alter in turn. The transition from summer to fall brings forth an abundance of rich tones. As the trees start to shed their leaves in preparation for the winter, a beautifully rich color palette explodes into an autumnal melody. Here, I am going to show some of the vintage inspired fashion trends for fall which may be incorporated into a vintage-lovers wardrobe.
As fashion takes its inspiration from bygone times, today there are ample possibilities for connoisseurs of vintage to supplement their closets with. I am sure many of us adore true vintage clothing, however it does not come without its challenges. Price, condition, and sizing are all factors which may often impact negatively when sourcing true vintage pieces. Of course, even the actual finding of true vintage may become an art it itself, with the word ‘quest’ often appropriately used.
There are usually a few recurrent themes and trends that come around with each changing of the season. With the advent of fall and winter also comes the arrival of cold temperatures, rain, and perhaps even snow and ice for some of us. As a result of this, our clothing choices usually move towards layers comprised of cosy, warm fibres.
Vintage Inspired Fashion Trends for Fall – 1940s Pants
Vintage pants can work especially well in the cooler months, providing that all important extra layer of warmth. In the event of temperatures dropping below freezing, tights may also be worn with pants for additional warmth.
Create a 1940s look with a pair of wide leg pants, vintage style sweater or jacket, scarf, oxford shoes and bag in earth tone colors.
Pants of the 1930s and 1940s were worn on the natural waistline, skimming the hips with a loose wide leg. The rise and width of pants varied according to the time period. Generally, in the 1930s pants were cut with a very wide leg and low rise.
By the 1940s, the rise was marginally higher, with the legs also slightly reduced in width. For a more detailed description, see this excellent post by Lauren over on Wearing History.
1940s pants are a key fashion trend for fall 2016.
For fall winter fashion 2016 trends, 1940s style pants are proving popular. Team the pants with a blouse tucked into the flattering waistline or a cropped cardigan. To enhance and emulate a 1940s look, choose a cropped jacket for outerwear with brogue shoes and a scarf.
A 1940s semi casual look with pants. See more 1940s outfit ideas here.
Vintage Inspired Fashion Trends for Fall – Plaids
This plaid blouse from Heart of Haute is perfect for a vintage inspired look!
Plaid holds a timeless appeal, as such is often included in fall winter trends. Plaid, or tartan as it is referred to in Scotland, was historically worn by Scottish highlanders. By the 1820s, the visit of George IV to Edinburgh ensued a romanticized passion for the country – and in turn, tartan.
Choose from these plaid skirts, coats and dresses for a great vintage inspired fall style.
The romantic appeal and versatility of the fabric remain to this day. For a traditional take on plaid, choose a bold red design. Alternatively, there are many weaves and color combinations available. The choices are practically endless.
Team this plaid Unique Vintage dress with these vintage inspired items to create a 1950s look.
For a 1950s style, wear a plaid pencil skirt with a plain sweater and a stylish swagger jacket. Or, opt for a full circle skirt to display the plaid design to the best advantage.
Vintage Inspired Fashion Trends for Fall – 1970s Florals
One of the key fashion trends for fall 2016 is big, bold 1970s florals. On the runway, Gucci championed this trend. The Gucci A/W ready to wear collection featured strong 1970s influences with dashes of trompe-l’oeil motifs that Schiaparelli would be proud of.
Although these bold maxi dresses are inspired by the styles of the 1970s, these may also be worn to suit an earlier 1930s style. During the 1970s, there was a strong 1930s influence on fashion, which can create a nice blend of the two decades.
Wear a 1970s style maxi dress with textured accessories to complete the look.
To enhance the 1970s mood, team a bold maxi dress with various textures and shades. This can create an opulent, eclectic style – perfect for a 1970s look.
Vintage Inspired Fashion Trends for Fall – Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits for fall and winter are altogether different from their summertime cousins. While playsuits for summer may be lightweight and worn on their own, styles for fall and winter are more substantial. The trend for 1970s style continues with the emergence of the jumpsuit. As discussed previously, some styles that may have drawn their influences from the 1970s may also be suitable for a 1930s wardrobe.
Create a vintage inspired fall look with these jumpsuits.
The designs of jumpsuit favoring a super-wide leg are perfect to evoke a 1930s style. During the 1930s, women wore pants as loungewear or leisurewear, especially with beach pajamas growing in popularity.
1930s beach pajamas, overalls and jumpsuits in nautical colors
By the 1940s, women wore the dungaree style of jumpsuit. These were often sleeveless and made to be worn with a blouse or sweater underneath. This type of jumpsuit is perfect for fall and winter, as they may easily be worn with various layers.
Create a vintage inspired style with this amazing jumpsuit from Modcloth.
For extra warmth, add a jacket or cardigan over the top. Or for a sleeveless jumpsuit, wear a sweater underneath. Enhance a vintage style with accessories such as hair snoods for a 1940s look, or perhaps a beret for 1930s style.
With so many fabulous vintage inspired trends out there to choose from, there is a myriad of styles to add to a vintage inspired wardrobe.
Shop Vintage Fall Fashions
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.
