As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I visited the delightful Dressmaker costume exhibition at Rippon Lea estate and the requirement was to dress in 1950’s get-up. I looked to my history of fashion books for inspiration on the design classics of the 50’s, and naturally had a bit of help from Google. The fashions were classy, accentuated a petite waist and typically involved bags that matched with hats. Fur was a necessity in the winter time, and hair was of utmost importance. I wouldn’t mind travelling back into the 1950’s for fashion purposes, as I love the elegance and femininity that it exuded. There’s a hypnotic power that is conveyed from some of the 1950’s fashion photographs, as the women pictured appear untouchable and formidable with their armour of graceful clothing. The dramatic effect of the black and white filter definitely enhanced that.

I dug deep into my wardrobe and produced a blue mint A-line skirt from Forever New, a vintage lace top from a market and a shapeless winter coat from Asos. My accessories had to be matched with my crutches, so I chose metallic silver for my bag and sparkly loafers.

I stumbled on this issue of hair. I overreached and hit 1960’s territory with this Jacquie Kennedy inspired hairdo. There wasn’t much time to get the curlers out so I let my hair do what it did once I blowdried it, which happened to be flicking up at the ends.

Everyone abided by the dress code and it was so wonderful to see the effort each person had exerted to look as though they had jumped out of a 1950’s film. Women had borrowed their grandmas’ fur stoles, home-made dresses were worn and some must have spent the afternoon wearing hair rollers. Complete with champagne and dancing, it was a fantastic evening of going back in time.

Coat: Asos

Top: Vintage

Skirt: Forever New 

Shoes: Aldo 

Bag: Nine West 

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