October 11, 2014

Classy on Sunday // 1940's for Modern Day

Classy on Sunday // 1940s for Modern Day
Hello Dearies! I hope you're having a splendid Saturday/Weekend thus far! This morning my Dad and I are heading to our local library's book sale (one of the highlights of my shopping year. ;P), and later tonight the girls and I have a singing gig to go to. We've had a pleasant break from singing ever since Remembering WWII, so it will be nice to get back into the "swing" of things. Speaking of Remembering WWII, I'm sure y'all were curious about if we would ever wear our 1940's dresses again. Well, this post is to show you how we styled our 1940's dresses in a more modern way for Church last Sunday.

Classy on Sunday // 1940s for Modern Day
This photo shoot was so much fun! It was cold, blustery, and Charlotte's camera was about to die on us. Miraculously we still got some fabulous shots! Even with all the running back and forth, hair blowing in our faces, and stockings getting wrinkled (mine, if you're wondering. I have a love/hate relationship with those things. :o), we still had some fabulous fun!
Classy on Sunday // 1940s for Modern Day
What Jessica's Wearing: 
Dress: Homemade, Simplicity 1324 / Sweater: Goodwill / Boots: Goodwill, Dingo brand 
Tights: Target / Victory Pin: Remembering WWII / Freestyle Tiara Flexi Clip: c/o Lilla Rose

Jessica styled her dress quite classically, and with different shoes it still could have passed for a 1940's look. However the high-heeled cowgirl boots definitely bring it into the 21st century, along with her polka-dot tights and relaxed hairstyle. Classy, but modern with a vintage feel.
Classy on Sunday // 1940s for Modern Day
What Brigid's Wearing:
Dress: Homemade, Simplicity 1324 / Sweater: ThredUp / Shoes: ShopMieux 
 Hose: Hanes / Trench coat: Kohl's

I just recently got this sweater from ThredUp and I LOVE it! I am definitely going to be wearing it a lot this autumn and winter. It got it's first outing when I decided to wear it over my 40's dress for some extra warmth. The silhouette of the sweater brings the otherwise quite 40's look (red lipstick, oxfords, rayon dress) into the present day, just as Jessica's boots did for her outfit. Another thing to consider when you want to still look very vintage-esque, but not have people think that you just time-traveled, is to not wear a hat. Wearing a vintage hat with a vintage style dress will complete the all around look of vintage-ness, which is a look I like to wear a lot! But sometimes it's nice to not have people stop you and ask if you're participating in a play, am I right? Plus, I try to not be a distraction during Church, especially when I'm playing the piano, so the hats that go well with this dress were out of the question for me to wear, as they would make me feel too self conscious during service.
Classy on Sunday // 1940s for Modern Day
What Charlotte's Wearing:
Dress: Homemade, S&S Patterns' 1940's Swing Dress / Sweater: Gap / Boots: Ruche  
Victory Pin: Remembering WWII / Earrings: F21 / Socks: Target

The silhouette of Charlotte's long sweater and her comfy, modern boots create an outfit that instantly says "modern" instead of "vintage". Pairing knee-high boots with a vintage dress can be a great way to make it feel more modern, while still retaining a piece of vintage class. And instead of wearing a waist-length/cropped sweater, try doing what Charlotte did, by pairing a hip length sweater with your dress. As long as the proportions are right you should be able to pull off a very nice, classic look.

How would you make a vintage dress look more modern without altering it?
Whose outfit is your favorite?
What do you think of stockings/hose? Love them, hate them?

Blessings,

Brigid
for the B. Girls

CREDITS // Author: Brigid Boyer; Photography: Charlotte Boyer; Photos edited with VSCO Film Presets

14 comments:

  1. Hmmm....I think Jessica's was my favorite. The shrug, the dress obviously, the boots and those tights!! All the pictures were so cute, I loved how everything was done :). I like when ya'll do sister posts :)
    ~Theresa

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  2. Anonymous10/11/2014

    This post is so helpful! I love 1940's inspired pieces but I don't want to look too "costumey". You ladies look lovely & darling, as always!

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  3. What scrumptious photos girls! Please do, use this darling line-up idea again! :)

    Each of your outfits has wonderful inspiration and highlights; Jessica's sweater, Charlotte's new boots (craving a pair so much!), Brigid's Oxfords... I dare say you three will never post an outfit of either modern or vintage style that I could frown upon! :)

    I hope all goes well tonight during your singing engagement! And a dashing time, I wish you at the book-sale (we too have a couple that we are always in anticipation for each year).
    May you have a blessed, refreshing weekend friends!

    love,
    Cassie

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  4. Love your outfits:) so original:) and so creatively matched with the boots:)

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  5. It's so hard to pick a favorite between these three outfits! They are all just fabulous! But I might have to say Charlotte's this time...

    I especially love how you posed for these photos. I love how, in order to focus on each outfit, one of you would stand up front, and the rest would pose in the background. It's perfect--not distracting, but giving a wonderful touch. :)

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  6. Anonymous10/11/2014

    Hmm...not sure if I can pick a favorite (they're all beautiful), but I think that the overcast weather in my part of the world is making me gravitate toward Brigid's sunny yellow dress today :)
    as to modernizing a vintage dress, I tend to go with the standard answers...a vintage dress with with edgier shoes, jacket, or jewelry.

    Megan

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  7. I love all your outfits, but I especially love how Charlotte wore brown boots with hers (I have similar ones from Target). With some of my vintage (or older style) dresses, I'll wear modern shoes and a modern sweater or jacket with it. :) And accessories can make it more vintage or more modern, depending on what they are (just like you said with hats). And as far as hose go, I generally don't like them...haha. ;)
    Have a blessed day!

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  8. Anonymous10/11/2014

    This is my first time commenting, but I've been a ardent follower of your blog for a while now! I love all three outfits, but I have to say my favorite would be Jessica's. I love the polka-dot tights, cream boots, and cheerful sweater. I've never really "modernized" my vintage clothes. I like to go all out! But, as you say, if I want to be less conspicuous, I go without a hat.

    I actually have a question for you girls! I've been thinking about getting my hair cut into a vintage style for quite some time, and have researched it a bit. Do you all three have the middy, or do you have different cuts? Thanks!

    Sarah

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    Replies
    1. Hello Sarah!

      Yes, isn't it fun to go all out with clothes sometimes?

      As far as hair, I once got either a middy or a baby plus, and so did Charlotte. Since then, we've just had it trimmed, with the occasional extra "chop" and now mine is closer to a baby plus, and Charlotte's is I don't know what. :) Jessica just has hers pretty much cut to her shoulders with some layers. Reading through Daniela Turudich's book on 1940's hair really helped deciding what cut to get, and if your hairstylist (unless you cut it yourself) can read the diagrams, then you should be good to go!

      Blessings,

      Brigid
      the Middle Sister and Singer

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  9. You three look so lovely!! :-) And always so sweet and happy!
    I wish I had a sister...or two.
    P.S. Along with all of your dresses, I love your shoes, Brigid!!

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  10. Absolutely gorgeous girls! I can't pick a favourite because each outfit is beautiful in its own way! :) And you ALL are so beautiful (really). :)

    Have a joy-filled week,

    Acacia

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  11. So fun to see another way you girls styled your new dresses! These "sister flair" posts are some of my very favorites of the categories you post. :)

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  12. I love all of your outfits and your tips! I have one vintage dress, and I typically wear it with a longer sweater, wide belt, and modern shoes. I love Charlotte's boots, Jessica's sweater, and Brigid's creative shirt-over-dress combo. :) As for hose, let's just say I love the look, but hate the feel. :D

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  13. You ladies look lovely as always! :)
    -Emily

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