In Rococo fashion
Research is important when creating vintage costumes. However, feel free to pull together and adjust pieces as necessary for the occasion. Gather all the essential elements to complete the costume by browsing local vintage shops and online sites. Present yourself as a figure in the 18th century, when opulence and extravagance were everything. Replicate the days of WWII, when women joined the workplace in great numbers, replacing the men who left for war. Or go Hollywood elegant with costumes from the 1930s.
18th-Century Rococo
Step back to the days of Marie Antoinette with a brocade sack (sacque) gown, loosely fitted at the back with double pleats. Accessorize with a bowed stomacher or decorated triangular panel for the front. Authenticate the look using hoops or panniers underneath the gown.
Hunt for a fashionable Marie Antoinette wig with large side curls. Accessorize with Georgian-influenced chandelier earrings and matching necklace. Finally, capture the Rococo style with delicate satin shoes with a "Louis" heel.
A shirt with ruffled cuffs and an elaborately laced neck wrap make an authentic man's costume. Wear a brocaded waistcoat over the shirt. Add a velvet, collarless coat that buttons down the front. The shirt's ruffles must peek out at the wrists. Full-legged breeches will complement the rest of the costume. White opaque stockings with high buckled shoes complete the look.
WWII & Rosie the Riveter
Bring to mind WWII with the iconic Rosie the Riveter. Start with 1940s-style cotton, high-waist trousers or overalls with a sweetheart bodice. Select a blue cotton camp shirt with rolled-up sleeves to accompany the trousers. Knot a red-and-white polka-dot scarf in typical '40s style.
For men, there's a U.S. Army uniform, considered the most widespread uniform of WWII. Authentic clothing may be available from Army-Navy stores or online sites. Start with olive-drab wool trousers or a cotton look-alike and a khaki webbed belt with brass buckle. A 1940s cotton khaki tie complements an olive-drab Army-issued shirt. Add a khaki cotton field jacket with unit patches or striped cuffs. Finish it all off with an olive-drab garrison hat and "russet-brown" shoes.
Slip into the 1930s
For a visit to the 1930s, start off with a vintage chiffon or satin bias cut gown. Drape a wrap or feather boa around the neck. A 1930s velvet hat worn tilted to the side adds a jaunty look. Enhance the costume with an Art Deco glass-bead necklace and matching earrings. Rounded-toe pumps with wide, thick heels or strappy evening shoes with open toes complement the hat and gown.
For men, try something classic, like a tailored men's shirt such as tuxedo-style with detachable collar and French cuffs. Add a silk cravat or black bow tie. Select a silk kerchief for the front pocket of an ivory double-breasted dinner jacket. Attach suspenders to front-buttoned black tailored trousers. Complete the look with a matching silk cummerbund, Art Deco cuff links and black lace-up oxford shoes. Top it off with a smart fedora.
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