1950's Wardrobe: The Basics

[Fleur De Guerre]

all the Swirl collectors are going to hate me and all the dealers will love me.
I have about 8 Swirl dresses. Make sure about the measurements. I have one that would look fab on Fleur as she is tall. I am about 5.1 3/4.

Ah, you're a tease madam! Oh I love Swirls!

I'm probably not classified as a collector, yet, but I have two genuine Swirls and one that's Swirl-esque in every way except it's handmade! My second Swirl was deadstock, even had a little paper production ticket in the pocket. It fits me like it was made for me, torso length and everything.

[nico demouse]

Oh dear. I just found a Swirl dress on eBay with my exact measurements. I can see how they could become addicting.

This thread has been very helpful! A question about shoes...

The Loafers that would have been worn -- would those be similar to the loafers worn today with khakis/trousers? Leather with a low heel? I'm thinking about what we called penny loafers in the eighties except the pairs I see today don't have the slot for the penny.

And I've seen Keds mentioned in a couple of threads. Would these be the basic, white tennis shoe? Or were they different "back then"?

[LizzieMaine]

Penny loafers, exactly. The original "Bass Weejuns" are a good example of the style. For Keds, look for the style called "Champion," which is still pretty much the same today as it was then. They came in various colors, with white and blue the most popular.

[Mrs. Merl]

I would say that if you are cold in what you wear, that maybe a good coat is something that should be added to the list. I own numerous coats (it is like an obsession - too bad I like coats so much I rarely have anything nifty to wear under them...) and I find that when I dress in skirts and stockings if I wear my long wool coat with scarf, hat, gloves - I am really quite comfortable no matter the weather. And I used to work in the downtown area of Colorado Springs where snow, wind and dipping temperatures are rather frequent in the winter. So I guess my addition to the list would be appropriate outerwear!

[Mrs. Merl]

I have a question - a little off topic - but it is just little and should be quickly answered. How do the Swirl dresses close in back (aside, of course, from the waist tie?)

[Fleur De Guerre]

They have a button at the top and ...that's it!

Beware of sudden gusts of wind.

[Mrs. Merl]

Wow!!! I guess you had better wear a good slip on Swirl days!!

[Inky]

I bought a pair of burgundy leather Bass Weejuns at my local Bass outlet store this summer for a song (less than $20 if I recall) I wore those all through elementary school (catholic) in the 1960/early 1970's and loved them then and love them now.

I found a 1940 penny for one shoe and a 1972 penny for the other (husband's birth year). If I can find a 1960 penny someday I'll replace the 40's one for my birthday year, .

They are so comfy and are my "go-to" casual shoe now. They look terrific with this winter's wool skirts and trousers.

[Blondie]

Hey Inky, i LOVE Bass Wejuns too !

[Caity Lynn]

this thread is quite helpful for a starter!! also, did anyone answer the question about mary janes? I'd love to know when they're peak was! (if anyone's looking for a pair I believe GoJane.com has them)