Retro fashion: Mix & matching periods

by Rai

Retro fashion: Why not combine 50s skirts and cardigans with 1920s art deco belts and jackets? Or a 30s-style mini trilby with 1920s t-bar heels? Span decades with your attire.

As a retro-loving girl on a tight budget, I find the recent trend for 1950s clothing (and therefore the rising price-tag) to be a strain on my kitsch cat shaped purse. Then an idea struck me; what about combining 50s skirts and cardigans with 1920s art deco belts and jackets? The 1920's heralded the introduction of the finger wave hairstyle as well as cute bobs and cloche hats which offers more of a variety than long with finger waves or long without finger waves.

If you're looking for rather lovely ideas for outfits, consider combining a 30s-style mini trilby with a 1950s dress and 20s t-bar heels, or for a more casual look a 20s (fake) fur coat with a 30s pencil skirt and a 60s style blouse. The possibilities are endless, depending how many decades you're willing to span!

1920s fashion staples (think Louise Brooks)

• Short, bobbed hair
• Loose tops
• Drop waist dresses
• T-bar shoes
• Cloche hats

1930s/40s fashion staples (think Veronica Lake)

• Padded-shoulder jackets
• Leather gloves
• Mid-calf length skirts
• Long, soft hair
• Military jackets

1950s fashion staples (think Marilyn Monroe)

• Full, 'swing' skirts
• Tailored jackets
• Pearls
• Peep-toe heels and courts
• Pencil Skirts
• Bolero Jackets
• Long, curled or finger waved hair
• Don't forget rockabilly chic! Gotta love those fake flowers, neckerchiefs, tight tops and capri pants. Follow this link to Get Go Retro for rockabilly clothing.

1960s fashion staples (think Twiggy)

• Minidresses/skirts
• Boxy Jackets
• Oversized Buttons
• A-line skirts
• Long, straight or very short hair

More alternative style tips

• More: Alternative style | Health and beauty tips

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