Retro Dee is a regular contributor to The Grooveyard’s website, writing about music, fashion and other trends of the 1950s. Check out her blog, Retro Dee’s Guide to the Best Era Ever here, and her column here every Wednesday.
Hello everyone! Welcome to a Special Edition of Fifties Fashion Fix!
This edition is a tad behind schedule, as it’s a year-end compilation. But better late than never! Here I’m showcasing the Top 6 Retro-Styled Outfits I wore in 2020. The ranking of these outfits was determined by the amount of likes they got on Instagram last year. (I got these results out of my Top Nine. However, one of the Top Nine liked photos was a pair of Holt Howard Cat Salt and Pepper shakers, so needless to say, that doesn’t qualify.)
So without further ado, here are
Dee’s Top 6 Retro Outfits of 2020:
Number 6: True Vintage ca. late 1950’s summer dress by Pat Hartly
I just love the neckline of this dress, not to mention the quirky oh-so-50’s pattern. The colors are nice too, a neutral gray with a pop of yellow. It’s also really comfortable on a warm day. It’s a great example of Pat Hartly. I love it so much, I even wrote a whole post on it!
Number 5: True Vtg ca. early 60’s purple and off-white print sundress by London Originals
This true vintage dress is probably from the early 1960’s. I love the bright purple color and the pattern. I added the belt to cinch in the waist a little. The fabric of the skirt falls full enough to not need a petticoat!
Number 4: Reproduction 50’s-Inspired Blouse and Skirt Ensemble
I wore this outfit for Thanksgiving. The blouse is by Unique Vintage and the skirt is by Lindy Bop. They are both spot-on repros. The skirt is probably the most authentic reproduction clothing item I’ve ever seen. It’s just so 50’s! I love the colors in it. Perfect for fall!
Number 3: Retro-Inspired Polka Dot Top and Skirt Set by Movint.
I wore this set for Memorial Day. It looks like a dress, but it’s actually a two-piece! When you wear them both together they create a dress look. The two pieces are fastened together with large buttons, which you can’t really see because they blend in with the polka dots! This is the only garment I’ve ever seen like this and the design is so clever. (I also wore the top separate with a pair of light blue vintage clam diggers.)
Number 2: True Vtg Ca. 1950’s Red Lace Party Dress by R&K Originals
I wore this for Valentine’s Day. I didn’t have a date, but I posed with some fake pearls, a pair of white gloves and voila! Instant virtual popularity! In all honesty I don’t know where I’d possibly end up wearing this dress to, but I’m glad I found it none-the-less. With the lace and the satin cummerbund, it is truly a beauty. (The photo here doesn’t do it justice, but you get the idea.) It looks elegant with and without a petticoat!
AND NOW… The Number ONE Retro Outfit of 2020…
Number One: True Vtg ca. 1950’s Gray Sharkskin Party Dress by Henry Rosenfeld
I wore this on Shark Week, just for the FIN of it! (Get it?) I figured, what better time to wear a shimmery material known as “sharkskin” (which is actually a material similar to taffeta). I never expected my followers to be so impressed. The dress is definitely a fantastic example of the 1950’s era. It looks elegant with a petticoat and BOY can it twirl. Perhaps I should have worn black pearls with it instead, well, maybe next time!
So there you have it, my Top 6 most popular retro outfits from 2020.
If you want to see more of my vintage duds, please follow me on Instagram @mariepascal82
Have a stylish day!
— Retro Dee
The Grooveyard 