Sweet Separates, 1955

I've talked many times in the past about my love for coordinating separates from the 50s and you've heard me complain that companies no longer do this.  Just take a look at these sweet separates from 1955.  I don't know who the manufacturer is, as this is just a random image I found online.  But look!  The little running people are cut out from the print and appliqued onto the solid pink blouse.  You could wear the print blouse with the print skirt and it would look like a dress.  And the pink shoes are just perfect!  I want.

11 Pieces Make a Wardrobe - 1954

Fall has arrived and with it the traditional colors of brown, orange, and gold.  Take those shades, add a couple of prints that co-ordinate and you've got endless possibilities to mix and match.  Two dresses (the solid brown at the far right and the print shirtwaist next to it combine with a solid brown vest, brown straight skirt, brown bolero jacket, brown Bermuda shorts, a solid gold blouse, a print blouse and skirt, and an orange knit sweater jacket and skirt for a week's worth of outfits.

If you put your mind to it, I'll bet you could come up with an entire month's worth of outfits from these 11 pieces and not repeat the same one twice.  How would you mix it up?  I'd wear the brown bolero with the darker printed shirtdress.  Or I'd pair the gold blouse and orange jacket with the solid brown skirt.  Or I'd.............fill in the blank in the comments!

Skinny Pants - 1963

Today we call them skinny jeans, leggings, tights, what have you.  But narrowly cut pants are nothing new.  Neither are leggings.  With the advent of the new "miracle" knit fabrics in the early 60s, knit stretch and stirrup pants were all the rage with young women.  Make note, though, that pants like these were strictly for casual wear and would not have been worn to work, to a meeting with a professional or to a restaurant.  Many women wouldn't even wear them for shopping or to class.  Today's photos are from 1963.

Above at left:  Davenshire rayon/nylon stirrup pants came in 8 colors and were offered in short, medium and tall lengths.  At right:  Davenshire wool worsted plaid skinny pants, fully lined of course.

Tiger brand pants and coordinating blouses.  Left:  Black wool flannel pants (fully lined) worn with a printed acetate blouse.  At right:  Wool/nylon stretch pants with stirrups worn with a cotton blend blouse.

Koret of California introduced jacquard textured skinny pants in Permathal cotton knit.  Supposedly, the pants were tough enough to be tackled by football players!

 What did one wear with skinny pants and leggings?  Flats and only flats!  Shoes with heels would have been considered too "trashy".  Cute flat shoes and ankle boots were called for and the style choices were plentiful.  Above, 9 styles of flat shoes and booties, all by Sandler of Boston.

Three menswear style boots, all in leather.  At the top, Pappagallo buckle boot.  In the center, a laced bootie by Sandler of Boston.  At the bottom, A loafer extended into a boot by Trampeze.

Back to School Separates - 1955

If you were a teen or young 20-something in 1955, this is what you wanted for back-to-school, back-to-college, or for casual wear.

Jantzen separates were offered in lots of co-ordinating colors. You could mix-and-match their sweaters with pants, skirts, and Bermuda shorts. Prices ranged from $7.95 - $19.95 in 1955 ($65.00 to $164.00 in today's dollar).

More separates from Jantzen.
Orlon sweaters from various manufacturers were worn with pants and skirts.

Thermo-Jac "boy-inspired" khakis, plaid shirts, and plaid lined jackets. Pants sold for $5.98, shirt $4.98, and jacket $6.98 in 1955 (about $49.00, $41.00, and $57.00 in today's dollar).

Cotton long sleeved blouses by Laura Mae were so well priced, you had money to burn! All sold for $2.98 in 1955 (about $24.00 in today's dollar).

All photos from 1955 advertisements.

Vintage Versatility

Last weekend I cleaned out my closet. I got rid of several things that were past their prime, made note of holes in my wardrobe, and put together a list of things I need. I spent the entire day Friday at the mall searching for those few items. What a disheartening experience - especially after spending my days immersed in vintage fashion magazines. Fabrics that make you go, "ewwww". Colors that are jarring to the nerves. Shoddy workmanship galore. And prices I'm unwilling to pay for all the above. Give me vintage any day.

Whatever happened to easy shopping? Whatever happened to co-ordinates that you can mix and match to form a capsule wardrobe? Why do I have to go downstairs to buy a dress, but then wander all over the 2nd floor trying to find a cute cardigan to wear with it? Why can't this season's colors work with last season's? Is it too much to ask that said cardigan also work with a skirt and top already in my closet?

Needless to say, I ended up tired and cranky, and a few of the items I purchased in desperation will have to go back. I dread returning to that hellhole mall.

Here is what delights me this morning, both from the summer of 1954.

Toni Owens cotton separates in a dalmation print. You could buy the shirt, shorts, skirt, and sash belt, then mix-and-match to your heart's content. Going out for the entire day? Wear the blouse and shorts and carry the skirt in your tote bag. When you're ready for cocktails or dinner, slip the skirt on and you're all set!


In a similar concept, Bonwit Teller offered this cotton swimsuit with a matching skirt. Wear the swimsuit to the beach in the morning, slip on the skirt for lunch on the patio. Rinse out the suit, then take an afternoon siesta. When you're ready for cocktails or dinner, slip the swimsuit and skirt back on, add a touch of jewelry and you're set to go! If the moonlight beckons you for a midnight swim, slip off the skirt and jewelry. What could be easier?