It Figures

Want to wear vintage but don’t know where to start?

You need to know what era suits you. Curvy figures work well with the fitted silhouettes of the 1940s and 1950s.

If you have a a straighter figure, then the boxy shapes of the 1920s and 1960s will be more your style.

You may like the glamorous bias-cut styles of the 30s, as seen in the films Atonement and Gosford Park, but be aware that those figure-skimming dresses are unforgiving on a round tummy or large bust.

Keep your own figure in mind to avoid ending up with a wardrobe full of beautiful clothes you’ll never wear.

Be realistic. Don’t go into a vintage dress shop hoping to be turned into Audrey Hepburn. Only Audrey can be Audrey.

Ignore the label sizes. Try on the garment. Know your measurements or carry a tape measure if you are not able to use a fitting room.

Faille What?

Vintage dresses are often described by the type of fabric used in their construction. "Red Chiffon Dress", "Green Taffeta Gown", "Black Faille Cocktail Dress".

'Faille' what?!

Faille is a type of fabric which is woven with a faintly ribbed pattern, creating a distinctive textured feel. Typically a heavier grade fabric that is designed to stand up to hard use. Cotton, rayon, and silk can all be used to create faille, which is also called bengaline in some regions of the world.

The texture of the fabric is like that of grosgrain; it is ribbed and slightly stiff. The stiffness makes faille incredibly useful for clothing, as it tends not to deform or wrinkle, and it can be used to create supportive garments or snug-fitting bodies which will look good after hours of wear. It has an excellent drape, which is why it often appears in wedding gowns, and it was very popular during the 1940s and 1950s for gowns and dresses. This fabric is durable and often quite rugged being very resistant to stains and tearing.

Strapless Black Faille Dress With Rhinestones, C. 1950s

Wild Man?

How would you pronounce this label?

It took me a minute to realize, but I was pronouncing it as "Wild Man" rather than "Wildman" with a short 'i'. Oops!

Vintage 'lingo' can provide some chuckles, even on dress labels!

Wildman Original 1940s Cotton Day Dress

Peplums Anyone?

Have you ever seen a description of a dress with the word peplum in it? Glossed over the term because you just liked the picture of the dress?

A peplum is a short fitted circular skirt attached to a waist seam of a bodice or jacket. Peplums are cut in a circle and then draped for desired effect. The peplum has been in and out of fashion for a long time being very popular in the 40s and again in the 80s.

Variations

Miss Canada 1954 Gray Day Dress with Peplum

Retro Red & Black Coat Tails, c. 1980s

1940s Satin Bedjacket