Wednesday, June 17, 2015

The Vintage 1950's Housewife Wardrobe. 10 Essential Pieces.

Dressing vintage is fun and unique. I am a former vintage clothing and accessory seller. I started selling in 2001 when it wasn't "cool", I sold items from the 1940's to 1980's. My sales came from vintage buyers from all over the world. I have shipped vintage sweaters, knick knacks, magazines, books, boots, shoes, and fur coats. You name it, I have probably had it in my store at one time or another.



My own clothing collection has come from thrift stores, ebay, etsy, and of course I have handmade skirts and dresses that I have sewn  myself. A lot of women in the 40's and 50's could not afford a store bought wardrobe, so it was necessary they knew how to sew. I'm no seamstress, but I can make a drndl skirt and circle skirts quite well now.

In the past few years vintage 1940's and 1950's clothing and accessories have become more in demand and harder to get. Many time specific dresses are selling for $200+ on etsy. Of course etsy does have some reasonable prices and sales going on all the time.  I notice vintage dress prices go up in the Spring and Summer.


Ebay is varied with pricing on 1940's and 1950's dresses. I will admit I love finding a "true" vintage 1940's or 1950's dress in my price range. I'm a thrifter so I am always on the look for a deal.

Thrift stores or "vintage malls" are the place to go for the basics without breaking the bank. Not all of your clothing items have to be vintage. There are a lot of modern clothing pieces that can be used for your perfect look. If you are set on wearing only vintage, don't forget to check with older relatives. Many times they will have a closet or trunk full of things from those eras.  Here are some items to look for on Ebay or Etsy or while out Thrifting.

 1. Vintage Slips - Full or Half Slips.



2. Crinoline - Preferably vintage (some newer versions are quite "puffy") 



3. Vintage Full or Circle Skirt. (These can be purchased on ebay "new" quite cheaply in all colors and novelty prints)
5. Fitted Blouses & Tops and Short Tight Sweaters - modern or vintage.



 6. Pencil/Fitted Knee length Skirts - 


 7. Cardigan Sweaters Vintage or Modern - add beading or embroidery


8. Belts - Thick & Thin - wear with full skirts, dresses and pencil skirts


 9. Shoes - Kitten Heels or Comfortable Slip on shoes with small heel. Modern or Vintage

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10. Vintage Apron. Every vintage housewife should have one or 100..lol



Thanks for reading! Happy Housewifing.
Begin your search for vintage aprons on ebay....



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6 comments:

  1. Southern LadyeJune 17, 2015 at 6:44 PM

    So glad to see a post from you. I am slowly building my vintage wardrobe and have quite a few of these items. I would love to have a novelty circle skirt and a suit from the era. I am learning to sew because most vintage clothing is for women smaller than me but I have lucked up on a couple of vintage items. Thanks for the post.

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    1. UnknownJune 18, 2015 at 7:55 AM

      Hello! Thanks for stopping by :). It's so fun when we find a certain piece from the past. My favorite are the "novelty" skirts and dresses. I also am on the look out for a suit from the era. Just the right one. I'm sure you know what I mean. Keep up with the sewing, as will I. One great way to build our own one of a kind pieces..kind of like vintage.

      ~Jenn~

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  2. AnonymousJune 23, 2015 at 8:54 PM

    Just found your blog and love it! I will certainly be back. :-) I grew up in the 50s so really enjoy that you enjoy it too! Sarah

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    1. UnknownJune 29, 2015 at 8:01 PM

      Thank you so much for your comment. I am so happy you like my blog and I am a bit jealous you experienced the 1950's. I was born in the early 70's and ended up being an 80's kid. We of course had hair bands, heavy metal and the like..lol. I love to research and try to recreate all the things I missed out on. I also tend to try to live like the "TV mom's" of the 50's that's quite a lot of effort, but fun. I hope to blog more and more. I am rearranging some priorities so I can devote more time to this. I get busy living and need to share my days with others that are interested in this lifestyle.

      Thanks for the boost.

      ~Jenn

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  3. a traditional housewife against the worldAugust 4, 2015 at 3:32 PM

    I'm definitely an apron addict! Nothing feels as good as matching a darling vintage apron to your cute vintage dress or outfit!

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  4. Vintage RetroJune 23, 2020 at 6:12 AM

    Love 1950s womens fashion, thanks for your article, great collections

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