Drawing Vintage Style Inspiration from Dance Halls and Film

They often say: vintage is timeless fashion. In this era filled with farewells, a strong sense of nostalgia makes vintage style the only refuge for boys and girls wanting to pause time. If there were a dance that could easily transport you to that swinging old world, would you try it? Let’s draw inspiration from sock hop outfits and swing dance attire and let the clothing take us back to the carefree, joyful jazz age.

Whether it’s the 50’s sock hop outfits or the swing dance outfits of the 1940s, vintage style has no fixed definition, but it usually seeks smooth lines, bringing a gentle, approachable vibe. The color palette is mainly warm tones like earth tones, reds, and pinks. Choosing more saturated colors makes the vintage feel even stronger. Many people use red, yellow, and blue primary colors to create a distinct vintage style. 

When it comes to romantic musicals, many people immediately think of “La La Land”! The female lead often wears brightly colored dresses, with flowing skirts that look especially captivating while dancing. In the mid-20th century, women wearing 3-5 cm heels seemed to be an essential fashion element.

In that era, besides bright colors and flowing skirts, fabric patterns also had a unique flavor. Whether it’s polka dots, geometric shapes, or classic stripes, these elements began trending at the time. Many vintage elements are now considered classics, especially the soft brown vintage curls, which have become a popular choice in hair salons in recent years. Whether it’s the big waves of vintage curls or the so-called mermaid retro small curls, they were common on the streets of the 20th century.

The movie “The Great Gatsby” is set in a time depicting the lavish lifestyle of high society, with parties every night. Everyone’s attire was extremely luxurious and dazzling, adorned with jewels and pearls. Paired with vintage curls or chic short hair, using lots of gold and black to express nobility, it was a distinctive and glamorous era. The chic short hair of the female lead in the film highlights her delicate features, with vintage curls at the ends leaving a memorable impression. This sleek yet elegant vintage hairstyle became a trend, inspiring many modern brides! The gentlemen in the film wear black-framed or gold-rimmed vintage glasses to signify their social status and professional demeanor, sometimes wearing semi-transparent vintage sunglasses when going out, exuding elegance and adding a touch of mystery.

The charm of the 1920s lies in the fact that what seems extravagant and impractical today was everyday wear back then. Adorned with various accessories, feathers, tassels, and lace were favorite elements for women. The “Great Gatsby” style has become the representative attire of the 1920s and is a popular theme for modern parties and weddings.

The movie “Titanic,” set in the 1910s, marks the opening of the fashion door, shedding the suffocating large skirts and corsets. Women’s skirts finally began to lift off the ground, showcasing the beauty of natural draping. Dresses generally had high waistlines, often using wool and linen as materials, marking a significant departure from the previous era’s vintage trends. The short vintage curl style also started to trend from this era, moving away from the exaggerated heavy curls of the previous century. The 1910s vintage curl style is more favored today, often paired with extravagant hats to display personal status and fashion taste.

Vintage wide-brimmed hats with striking bows and feather decorations, along with gloves, were highly recognizable elements of the 1910s. Men preferred top hats to complement their suits. In the late 1910s, designs like batwing sleeves and tiered skirts began to emerge, considered early expressions of Art Nouveau. During this period, vintage glasses were not very common, with men often wearing metal-framed round vintage glasses, which are cherished treasures for vintage accessory collectors 

Despite numerous changes in fashion trends, vintage attire remains an undefeated classic. Fashion lovers, do you have a cherished vintage piece in your wardrobe? Just play some jazz, sip some fine wine, and enjoy the ball atmosphere right at home! Gather your friends or loved ones and experience a vintage party at home!