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October 10, 2013

Why I love, and wear, 1980s does 40s and 50s fashions


Last July, in celebration of the fact that I was born in the 1980s and that my birthday was the very next day, we took a look at 29 Things I Love About The 1980s. Today we're going to spend a few minutes focusing on another.

Generally speaking, vintage clothing is classified into three main camps: authentic vintage (that is to say, pieces that were produced during several decades ago), vintage reproduction (modern pieces which have been modeled in the style of, or created using original patterns for, vintage garments), and vintage appropriate clothes (modern pieces that, though not intentionally designed to be repro garments, are so classic or in keeping with the styles of a certain era, that they can be effectively incorporated into one's vintage wardrobe).

There is another category however, and it's one that a fair number of us vintage loving lasses avail of: 1980s does 1940s or 50s clothes.

This is a bit of a simplification of this category, as one can sometimes, for example, find 1970s does 1940s dresses, 1990s does 1930s dresses, and so on, but generally speaking, it was the 1980s - with its passion for some of the iconic styles and ageless tailoring of the mid-twentieth century that means you're most likely to unearth 1980s garments that very much look as though they could have been from the 1940s and 50s.

In a way, these pieces can be viewed as a type of vintage repro clothing, though few were actually made using yesteryear patterns or with that goal in mind. No, the wave of nostalgia that washed across the world (especially North America) for the forties and fifties during the exciting eighties is at the heart of these pieces, which though not always dead ringers for the clothes they were made to resemble, can be woven with great success into many a modern woman's vintage wardrobe.

Up until very recently, with notable exceptions made for certain famous designer brands (such as Laura Ashley), most 1980s does vintage garments could be had for a song (or nearly so), because they were seen more as being 80s styles than they were forties or fifties one. Over the past couple of years, online in particular, however I've noticed a sharp increase in the price of such garments, as their popularity has spread amongst the vintage fashion world.

That said, it's still often easier to find a great deal on mid-century inspired piece from the 1980s than it is on a similar garment from the 40s or 50s, and as a long time shopper (and wearer) of this category of clothing I cannot begin to encourage you enough to give it a spin yourself, too.

While there's nothing like the real deal when it comes to vintage. 1980s garments have a lot of advantages to them which one should not be too quick to dismiss out of hand. For starters, they're often sturdier (having existed for far fewer years) then some mid-century vintage pieces, frequently cost less, and are commonly made of materials that are a snap to launder.

Another point in their favour, as LandGirl 1980 discussed in her excellent post on this subject last year, is that they can often work splendidly if you don't have the kind of measurements that tend to jive well with pieces from your favourite mid-century decade(s).

Those who are new to world of vintage fashion and/or haven't had a lot of experience with 1980s garments, may wonder how to tell pieces from the eighties apart from those of earlier decades. Some very good signs that you're dealing with a later piece (by which I mean, not a garment from the 30s, 40s, 50s, or early 60s, but instead one from the 80s) are as follows:


-The fabric is polyester (which was invented in 1941), a poly blend, or another synthetic material that was not yet invented or in wide spread use during the mid-century.

-The fabric feels (and/or looks newer). Many vintage fabrics has a distinct quality, weight, texture and/or sheen to them which diminished or was seen less commonly amongst mass produced items of clothing as the decades wore on. If you have experience with handling and/or wearing 1940s or 50s garments, you'll likely be able to tell a 1950s cotton or a 1940s rayon, for example, apart from its 1980s counterpart simply based on how it feels in your hands (often the newer material will be thinner, for starters).

-The seams aren't finished or they're finished with a simple zigzag or similar stitch. While many earlier garments had finished seams, not all (including some handmade pieces) did, unlike those of the 1980s which almost always had finished seams (unless leaving them unfinished was part of the garment's design). By the same token, does the fabric on the seams have serging (which, though around in the 50s, wasn't nearly as common as it's become in more recent decades), or was the material pinked? If it was cut with pinking sheers, instead of being serged, you may have an older garment on your hands.

-The logo on the tag is more modern looking and/or there's a garment tag with washing. For more on dating vintage labels, I'm a big fan of this post from Sammy Davis Vintage on the topic.

-Garment size: As discussed here in a post here about vintage clothing sizes back in January, the numbers one finds on vintage clothes sizes have generally gotten smaller over the years. If a garment has a tag that says size 16, but it looks (and fits) more like a modern day size six, it's most likely from the 1930-50s. However, if it says size 10 or 12 but looks/fits more like a six, you're very likely dealing with a piece from the 1970s through the start of the 90s. There are no hard and fast rules about how much sizing has changed over the decades, but if you start (or already own) clothing from the 80s, you'll likely soon be able to determine which size, or sizes, from that decade fit you best and can then keep an eye out for such while on the prowl for your vintage inspired 80s pieces.

-The brand name stated on the tag is one that had yet to be formed during the 40s or 50s (for example, Ralph Lauren, was founded in 1967, so if you were holding, for example, a sweater from that brand, you could safely say at the very least that it’s impossible for it to be from the 1950s). The Vintage Fashion Guild has a stellar directory of vintage fashion labels which can be extremely helpful in dating a garment, so long as you have a label in place still.

-The zipper is plastic, not metal (this however, is not always a telltale sign because it's always possible to have a vintage garment whose original zipper was replaced with a more modern one at a later date). As well, zippers in garments from the earlier decades often tended to be sturdier, heavier and have larger “teeth” than those of more recent years.

-What shape and size are the pockets? As well, whereabouts on the garment are they placed? Pockets on the 1940s and 50s skirts and dresses were often generously sized and sometimes slanted; as well, it's not uncommon on such pieces to only have one pocket (frequently on the hip or front of the thigh), whereas 1980s styles commonly had smaller (slash or hidden) pockets on skirts and dresses, and larger pockets on one or both of the chest.

-How vivid are the colours? While it's certainly possible to find vintage pieces that are just about as vibrant today as the day they were first made, and conversely, 1980s pieces that have faded a great deal over the years (especially if they've been washed many times), how bright, crisp and fresh the colours do, or do not look, can sometimes help indicate if a garment is more recent or not.

-A dress (or skirt, or other type of garment) has an elastic waist. Though one does occasionally find elastic waistbands in mid-century clothes, they are much, much more common of those from the 1970s onward (especially those which allow for several inches of expansion).

-The over all look of the piece. Though this is something that will come with experience more than anything, if you've been wearing and/or studying vintage fashions for some time, you'll likely have developed an eye and ingrained sense of what era a piece is from. A huge part of the appeal of 1980s does 40s and 50s pieces is the striking resemblance they bear to their earlier counterpoints, however upon closer scrutiny, one can often tell - through the detailing, cut of the garment, hem length, and all the other points previous stated here - if a piece is in fact newer or older.


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I cannot stress highly enough that, generally speaking, all of these points are merely possible indicators, and that the dating of each specific garment will likely depend on a number of factors. Just about anyone could be duped, no matter their degree of expertise with vintage clothing, but if you have a keen sense of how the genuine articles of clothing from a certain era looked (and felt), it's often relatively easy to tell older pieces apart from newer ones which were designed to channel the spirit of the past.

Case in point, let's take a peak at the following two similar red shirtwaist dresses (both from etsy listings), the first of which is from the 1950s, the second from the 1980s.


 photo il_570xN278737906_zps6f062753.jpg

This dress is as classic in cut as the day is long. It's buttons are hidden by a band of fabric (a fairly common sight on this style of dress from the 50s and early 60s, though you'll certainly find scads of shirtwaist dresses from that era with exposed buttons as well), the collar is simple and in keeping within the common range of the 50s (were it more elongated and/or pointed, or conversely, rounded, it might indicate that that this dress was from the 60s or 70s), the label (shown in a different photo in the listing) is aged looking and lists the size as 13/14 (the listing tells us that the actual measurements are a 33/34 bust and a 27 waist, which is in keeping with this size range for the 50s/early 60s), and the skirt is gently pleated (interestingly, which an unfinished hem).

The dress doesn't have too much in the way of structured lines to it, but the overall cut is relatively figure hugging (especially the top half), and the sleeves hit (depending on one's arm length) right above/at elbow length. Both of these elements are common of shirtwaist dresses of the era.



This dress shares much in common with the general style of the one above, however they're not dead ringers. This cheerful lipstick red frock features two large pockets over the breasts, both complete with metal snaps on them. Though you do occasionally see two pockets on the chest area of 1950s dresses, it was not an overly common style for the era at all, nor was the use of exposed metal snaps (which on this dress, also appear instead of buttons for the closures down the front).

The material is 100% wool, which certainly many vintage dresses were made of too, however label reveals that it's from Liz Clairborne (a popular ladies wear brand that was founded in 1976) and that's a size 6 petite (while petite garments existed in the 40s and 50s, a size 6 for an adult would have been nearly unheard, as most brands - and do keep in mind that the size of the garments were smaller than what we associate with these numbers today - started their lines at a size 9, 10, 10 or 12).

As these two dresses illustrate, it's possible to find 1980s pieces that share much in common with similar garments from 30 to 50 years earlier (note, for example, the slanted front hip pockets on the eighties dress, a style that was certainly common in the 1950s, too), but it's also good to be able to spot the differences between the two so that you aren't likely to unintentionally overpay for an eighties piece or be fooled by an unscrupulous - or innocently mistaken - seller who is listing an eighties item as one from an earlier decade.


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Terms like "1980s does 1950s" or "80s does 40s" have become well known amongst vintage sellers in recent years, so be sure to use them yourself if you're searching for such pieces online.

Though some are quick to turn up their noses at 1980s throwback pieces, there's zero reason for this kind of snobbery, or to view them as being any less worthy of a place in your vintage wardrobe as a genuine vintage garment, well made repro piece, or vintage appropriate item of clothing, the later of which "1980s does" items can certainly be viewed as in a roundabout way.

I have numerous 1980s (and a couple 70s) does 1940s and 50s dresses (and other garments) in my closet, spanning from classic shirtwaists (which were wildly popular during the eighties and can often be found still at local thrift and secondhand shop - not to mention potentially in the closest of some of your female relatives, if they held onto their eighties garb) to a slinky purple jersey number (seen here) that is just about the most comfortable garment I've ever owned.

Below are four photos from past outfit posts, all of which feature a great 1980s does 40s or 50s dress at their heart (note: while dresses are certainly one of the most common 1980s throwback pieces, virtually any type of garment, from swimsuits to blue jeans, can be found in this vast category).




On top of the points already discussed above, some of the other reasons why I really like many mid-century inspired fashions from the decade of my birth include the cute patterns (from charming novelty prints to tropical florals), fact that they're still relatively easy to find both online and off, and that I don't generally worry as much when I'm wearing them that I might accidentally rip, soil or stain my clothes as I go about my day.

In fact, if I know that I'm going to be someplace, say, where little kids, pets, lots of dirt, or the potential for grease are present, I'll very often opt for an 1980s garment over a genuine vintage (or pricey repro) piece, because - even if I love it dearly - I won't be quite as heartbroken if, goodness forbid, something unpleasant does befall it (especially because I’ll likely be able to launder it heavily without having to worry about accidentally doing further damage to the piece in the cleaning process).

As the years roll onward and prices continue to skyrocket across the vintage spectrum (not to mention the number of genuine vintage pieces on the market dwindles), I suspect that the popularity of 1980s does 40s and 50s pieces will only continue to grow, as more and more yesteryear fashion loving lasses develop a fondness for this category of clothing and the many benefits it can offer anyone's vintage wardrobe.

If you've not already done so, I urge you to consider picking up a great "80s does" piece or two for yourself. Style them with genuine mid-century accessories (and/or other articles of clothing), your usual old school inspired hair and make-up, and see for yourself just how lovely and vintage appropriate many of these pieces can truly be.

55 comments:

  1. great post!
    i have some pieces of this category, a flowered full skirt, a coral (kenzo!) shirt waist dress, some jackets. i love them all because they´r much more comfortable for wear&wash then the real deal often is.

    IN the 80´s i wore my grannys 40/50`s stuff to simulate elegant 80´s clothes which where not available in eastern germany.......

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  2. I wasn't aware of this. Which isn't a surprise but a delightful discovery. As before, you've opened a new door for me and I thank you for that. Your information is so valuable.

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Ally. I am absolutely delighted, and touched, to know that I helped introduce you to another faucet of fashion.

      ♥ Jessica

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  3. What a great post! A lot of what helps make an 80s does vintage look more vintage than 80s is the style. And you certainly have that down!

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  4. I love "1980s does" pieces! Easier to find, less expensive to buy, and a bit more durable. Since I do a lot of "in and out of the car" in all weather, it makes for less fear of completely ruining a genuine vintage article. I am more likely to find 1980s pieces in the local donation/thrift shops. I also heard on a television documentary that the 1980s (fashion-wise) were 1940s glamour on steroids. Suits me just fine.

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    1. That is such a cool way of describing this genre of clothing. You know, I would second it completely. It used to be fairly easy to find 80s pieces that looked the mid-century part around here, but in recent years, I've not had much luck. Most of what the local thrift stores are caring now tends to be from the 90s to the present day, with handful of distinctly 70s and 80s pieces (the kinds a lot of folks would rather forget, like acid washed jeans). Still, I think I have a better chance of finding an 80s does 40s/50s frock than a genuine 40s or 50s one (it's been years since I found one of those while thrifting), and hope that such pieces will continue to grace second hand stores as the years go on.

      Many thanks for your great comment - have a beautiful weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Ahh - thanks for the link back love! You know me, I basically live in 80's frocks :o)

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    1. You're totally welcome, honey. I knew, from the very first moment that I read your terrific post on the subject, I wanted to write one of my own some day. So glad this autumn finally gave me the chance to do so.

      Three huge cheers for us 1980s does 40s/50s loving lasses!

      ♥ Jessica

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  6. This is a great post with some excellent points. I also have a fair few "80s does" items of clothing and although I would love to wear more (or even only) original 1940s/50s garments, it's not always possible or practical. If chosen carefully, 80s pieces can be a beautiful addition to a vintage wardrobe which has a mostly 40s or 50s style and I do love clothes that you can throw in the washing machine rather than having to carefully hand wash. Sadly I don't lead the sort of lifestyle where having all 40s or 50s clothing would be possible - as much as anything, my wages won't stretch to the kind of expensive vintage clothing I would most like to have and I've found prices for vintage where I live run from expensive to extortionate, and secondly I'm often working in the labor doing tasks where more delicate vintage items are likely to get ruined.

    I always think, if you love it and will get the wear out of it then it doesn't matter what era it's actually from - although I must admit that I sometimes find a bit of vintage snobbery creeping into my own thinking which I sometimes have to stamp out. It's so easy to get into the mindset of "but a real 40s one is better/more authentic etc" when an 80s item does just fine.

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  7. I also love 80s does 40s/50s clothes. To be honest, the biggest part of my wardrobe consists of them - because it's really hard to get authentic vintage clothes here in Poland (unless you find some on your grandma's attic :P). And those 80s pretties are so cheap and easy to find - so buying them in a second-hand shop or on a flea market is just a pure pleasure :)

    xoxo,
    Monika

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  8. Hey Jessica!
    The "vintage appropriate" is a best term to describe the massive amount of outfits that are "out there", made with no intention to be used the way we use them - mixing them and matching them until they fit out style.
    I'm a firm believer of the "1970's did 1930's" revival - and majority of my mom's old '70 sewing magazines are filled with models that will perfectly correspond my 1930's look.
    You've mentioned my great obsession: finished seams. Oh, how dislike when I go the the shop and pick up a skirt. As I enter the dressing-room I take a glance at it: and there it is! The nasty, unfinished, badly done finishing touch. So, instead of making a skirt more appealing to the Feminine Perfectionista.. the poorly done piece of clothing got me running away - and back to sewing my own.

    This post has given me a boost - up I go.. to the Old Attic. Maybe there's still something I haven't dragged down to be re-used. :)

    Marija

    P.S.
    Aren't you proud to be a Canadian?
    The Nobel Prize in Literature 2013 was awarded to Alice Munro "master of the contemporary short story". A true Canadian.

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    1. I beamed like a lighthouse when I heard that that Alice Munro had won. She is so very deserving of the honour. I've loved her work for so many years now and am overjoyed that a Canadian writer (the first Canadian woman ever to win) has been bestowed with their great honour.

      Thank you for your terrific comment, sweetheart,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. This is so funny that you have a blog post about this as I was thinking the other day how marvelous you are at getting your 80s garments to look like they come from the 40s and 50s. In fact, I bought this dress in the summer at a song because it was from the 80s and is more of a fall dress but looks very much like a 50s dress and I was thinking of you when I got it. I'll let you know when I blog about it because I'll certainly reference back this wonderful post you have done! You certainly have a wonderful way of making these 80s fashions look glamourous and authentic:) I also noticed that both the dresses you mentioned have been sold , I'm betting it's because of the visual appeal of your post:) Great subject dear Jessica!

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Joanna! What awesome timing that this post sprung up shortly after you were thinking about this very topic. Your new 80s does 50s frock sounds terrific! Ooohh, can't wait to see it on your blog! Thank you for letting me know that you'll discuss this post in your own (that's really sweet of you!). I have an 70s/80s does 40s autumn hued dress, too (it's, oddly for me, a bit tight in the chest area though, so I don't wear it that often), and would love to find more.

      Tons of thanks & hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. hi honey, I still have some 80s things that I bought and wore in the 80s. do you like small hats or larger ones?
    ally x x

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  11. Interesting piece! 80s dresses inspired by the 40s seem to be popular with swing dancers and costumers for theatre because of their ease of care and "sturdiness." In terms of dating the items accurately: I would also add that the shoulder pads and belts that accompany these 80s-does-40s dresses can be key to indicating that they are indeed 80s and not 40s. In a couple of cases, I encountered rayon dresses from the 80s that were SO similar to 40s ones that I could scarcely tell the difference. The shoulder pads were made of foam, stitching was serged, etc. The backing of the belt had writing on it and was of a composition and width that helped me confirm this was indeed an 80s dress.

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    1. Superb points to add, thank you very much, dear Jill (I too have encountered rayon dresses that were remarkably close to being dead ringers for the real 1940s deal - I have one, for example, from Dear Golden Vintage, where such is the case). I love that you shared these and really appreciate that you did. As a professional vintage seller, you're in an especially good position to speak from tons of experience on dating garments.

      ♥ Jessica

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  12. This is a fabulous post! I will admit, I started off my vintage-wearing time being prejudiced against 80s clothing. I'm a 90s kid, and when I thought "80s clothing" I thought of Dynasty, Golden Girls, Denise from the Cosby Show clothing.... which I am not super fond of. However, you're so right! As I've looked closer, there ARE 80s garments that are pretty classic! You've hit on all the perks of them and done a great job highlighting the "80s does" clothing!

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  13. You style your dresses with such flair! Many of the dresses you show are really indistiguishable to me from genuine 40s or 50s after you style them. I have been thinking of getting an 80s does 30s piece for myself in the future

    kate the old fashioned way

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  14. Thank you for a great post Jessica. And I have also discovered Landgirl 1980, win-win!

    I love my vintage frocks, not only for their beauty but also the stories they hold. But on a day to day level, it is very hard to get all your chores done in a full skirted 50's number complete with petticoats! Or a 60's pencil skirt and matching jacket. So my vintage is mostly special occasion wear and believe me is doesn't take much for me to invent a special occasion! I have been collecting for a long time and as you would know, by default you get to amass a fair bit of knowledge about clothes and accessories. And I sew as well so I can identify a fabric at 10 yards (then elbow a path to snatch it up!). And well, vintage and fashion are my passions so I read lots of books (and blogs!) and visit lots of museums and exhibitions and shows and shops, learning all the time.

    I would like to relate a little anecdote regarding vintage snobbery. Recently we were at a party and I spied across the room a lady in a smart head piece. Of course I made a beeline for her as there is nothing I like better than to gab on about vintage to like minded people. Her outfit was lovely, components from different eras but all complimentary to each other. She accepted my compliments and then got on her vintage hobby horse. "I only like to dress in the 1950's and everything thing must be genuine". Ummm, errr, I was confused. Her lovely head piece was 30's, shoes 40's in style, frock 50's, lovely little clutch that was most certainly 80's as I had one the same (Glomesh, given to me my by grandmother in the 80's and I thought it was hideously old woman at the time, it is funny how our tastes change). I smiled politely and listened to the next missive, "I abhor those who mix vintage with modern." I was wearing vintage, a lovely 70's black silk frock that doesn't exactly scream vintage particularly, with modern shoes (sadly my wide hoof doesn't fit into any vintage styles). "I only buy online, local sellers don't now what they are talking about, especially Shop C". Now while I have bought items online, mostly I buy local because I can see and feel the item, and isn't the hunt part of the fun? I haven't put Shop C's real name in as it is not fair to her, she is a well respected, published expert in the field in Australia and quite frankly I thought the comment was petty. At that point I decided that the conversation wasn't for me and politely made my exit. I was so disappointed, I had high hopes of making a new vintage loving friend, but all I got was an example of the very worst of vintage snobbery.

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    1. My dear lady, thank you for sharing this story with me (us). It does seem incredibly hypocritical of someone to chide others who were doing precisely what she was, and I'm very sorry that you two weren't able to hit it off because of her remarks/attitude. It's so rare (at least in most parts of the world) to find someone else who loves/knows about/appreciates vintage fashion, that when you do, there really is that burning hope that you'll be able to become fast friends with them.

      I've said it before, but I'll say it again, I personally believe that there is no right or wrong way to wear vintage (yes, there are more historically accurate ways, but one does not have to veer down that path, unless they so feel pulled in that direction), just the way that works for each of us. I believe in tapping all resources and making the best of what's out there in my price range, part of the world, online, etc to create a wardrobe that I love and which is a blend of genuine vintage, 80s, repro, and vintage appropriate pieces.

      There's no need for snobbery in our circles, and it drives me bonkers when I encounter it. If one is able to find/afford/wear solely vintage pieces and that's all they desire to have in their closet, that's awesome, but if not, and they take a more blended approach, that's just as great, too.

      It's a shame we live on opposite sides of the world. If we were nearby, we could get together, in our blended vintage outfits and chat about the many wonderful places to find pieces that, be they vintage or just look the part, work splendidly for the kinds of outfits we adore putting together.

      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Nice post Jessica - PS I love your dress from your previous post, got some serious ric-rac envy going on :)

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  16. Great post, very informative. Thanks for sharing it!

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  17. Such a great post Jessica!

    I find it interesting how differently people can define vintage. I mean, I often hear 70s and 80s as not being considered 'vintage' but when you think about… the 80s was over 30 years ago and the clock keeps on ticking! ;)

    But… I won't rabbit on about that! I too own and wear quite a few 80s frocks. I have a particular soft spot for the sundresses from the 70s and 80s and I confess I do wear 'mum frocks' from the 80s around the house because they're super comfy and practical, and I don't need to worry about them getting wear and tear.

    xo

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Teresa. I think that part of the issue lies in the fact that we don't have a specific term for the era that comprises the 1920s (after the Edwardian years wrapped up) to the 1960s, which is what the word vintage, until a few years ago (in modern terms, I mean), typically referred to. This period isn't name for a monarch or anything else and so as time as moved onward, further decades have come to be added under the banner of vintage. I'm not down with people calling items that are two years old (something I've seen multiple times now), "vintage", but I'm will, in a broad sense, extend it to the world of fashion up until the 1980s - nothing more recent at this point in time though (even if, to me, vintage will always be more mid-century than anything else). Things, IMO, need a few decades of life under the belt before they can wear that title. :)

      I love 80s dresses for wearing around the house, too. So comfy, feminine, and timelessly pretty. I wonder, as time goes on, and more people who were adults in the 80s, clean out their closets as they downsize, retire and move, or just do a thoroughly closet purge, if we'll see another wave of such dresses in thrift stores (and the like) in the years to come.

      ♥ Jessica

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  18. I have that exact dress (the first one)! It is one of my absolute favorites, it is so comfortable and classic looking.

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  19. Wonderful post! So informative. I've often seen these types of listings on Etsy, and they are most certainly more affordable alternatives to pieces that are truly from the 40s and 50s. And I love seeing photos from your posts with your other-eras-do-original-eras items :)

    xox Sammi
    www.thesoubrettebrunette.blogspot.com

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  20. Love it! Great post for girls (like me) without giant wardrobe budgets. I love my genuine 40's and 50's dresses but I'd be terrified to wear them in any situation where I might get them dirty or ruined so I have been leaning a lot more on repro or vintage-appropriate modern clothes than I did when I first started wearing vintage.

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  21. I love how fashion is cyclical! You can look like you stepped right out of the 50's, you have a great eye! I can only imagine how much authentic mid-century pieces will cost in a couple of years, eep. You also raised a good point about worrying when wearing vintage. It's especially scary when the outfits have little plastic pieces, I'm always worried they'll break when I pack them.

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear. I'm with you 100% when it comes to worrying about vintage when I pack. When we moved across the country from Ontario back to my home province of B.C. last year, I weighed the pros and cons of packing vintage in my suitcase for the flight, as opposed to sending it with the rest of my items on our moving truck, and ultimately felt it would be safer on the truck, so I only packed a couple vintage pieces (that were sturdy and free of any little fiddly, easy-to-break bits) and instead opted for vintage appropriate items to see me through the nearly three weeks until the moving truck arrived. (I'm happy to report, both my luggage and our moving truck made it here safely and everything, vintage or not, was in perfect shape.)

      ♥ Jessica

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  22. I was in my local thrift store yesterday, and they have this vintage section. I thought about you and how you would kill those outfits! You have such a look that is your own, and I must say you own it! You look great, and you know what fits you.
    I just wish more women would dress with style!
    Xo Keeping it thrifty

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  23. Terrific post! I too love my 80s does whatever and tend to choose that over original piece. One for price, two for the horror of destroying a 1940s war years dress. Another great point to 80s does whatever, is elastic waist, say you are to get a M or even XL, it has give for whatever your waist measurements are. I have some size 12's some 16's, etc... all of which fits my XL frame {at the moment}. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, honey! Fantastic point - I love that about many 80s garments, too, as I'm prone to bloating due to some of my conditions, but elastic waists with a fair bit of give can work no matter if I'm in such a state or not (the same goes for some stretchy jersey dresses from the 70s and 80s). Plus, they're just flat out comfortable and perfect for wearing when traveling.

      ♥ Jessica

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  24. I remember the fifties craze in the eighties in Denmark. I think it started with Grease, the movie. I have always loved the fifties so I was happy. Thank you for a very informative and interesting post, dear. :) Wishing you a lovely weekend.

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  25. I'm wearing a 1980's Laura Ashley frock today. It is corduroy with a sailor collar and a drop waist. My husband did a double-take this morning, not believing it was from the 80's. And I bought it in the 80's, when I was single and could afford decent clothes. I'm glad I did, those dresses look as good 35 years on as they did when I purchased them. I'm glad I can still fit into dresses I wore in 1982, though I have to admit, they're looser in the shoulders now, and snug across the waist. I swear, I hit 45-ish, and my shoulders disappeared! Might be time to seek out that other 80's fad of removable shoulder pads.

    I really enjoyed this post, with all the helpful ways to tell the 80's dresses from older vintage ones. A post worth bookmarking, for sure.

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely lady. Laura Ashley's offerings are amongst some of my favourite garments to come out of the 1980s. I am always, always on the prowl for them while thrifting. I love that you're still sporting those that you bought back in the 80s today. Proof positive of how well made and classically beautiful they were/are. I bet you look gorgeous in your sailor collared, drop waist dress, and just as stylish as stylish can be.

      ♥ Jessica

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  26. What a fabulous post! I have a few quite convincing garments of this type of thing, and they are among some of my favorites because they are rather hardy.

    xoxo
    -Janey

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  27. This post has so many helpful tips about identifying garments! I think one of the great things about 80s garments is that they're more wearable for every day. I have a few 40s/50s pieces that I'm afraid to wear too often because I feel like they're too fragile. The 80s pieces feel a bit more durable.
    xx
    http://thescreensiren.com

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  28. Oh! Another jem! I *loved* this post. I am in the process of writing a series for new thrifters. It will include a list of links and I will definitely include this post!

    Lisa.

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    1. Thank you very much, honey! That's so wonderfully nice of you. I could thrift - or talk about thrifting - until the cows come home, so it's really a treat to know I'll be mentioned in one of your posts on the topic.

      Joyful Thanksgiving wishes!
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. A very informative post - I grew up and started work in the '80's and can remember some really lovely fashions. Where I live anyway a lot of the really exaggerated shoulder pads etc. were only seen on TV (programmes like Dallas and Dynasty). I think '80's fashion sometimes gets a bad rap, when actually it was a very creative and sometimes pretty era for clothing.

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    1. Excellently said, sweet Philippa, I absolutely agree that 80s fashion gets too harsh or a rap sometimes. Yes, there were some rather cringe worth moments, but there was a lot of beauty, creativity, and femininity, too, for sure, as you pointed out. Of the decades I've lived in so far, the 80s had my fave fashions by far. If so evil forced banned me from wearing my beloved 40s and 50s styles for the rest of my life, I'd have no problem sporting the 80s styles I love instead as an alternative to mid-century looks.

      ♥ Jessica

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  30. That was really really a great post, it´s so helpful to have the advice of an real vintage specialist, especially sizing is confusing...i actually bought some fabulous frocks of the 80´s actually 80´s does 50´s style as they are so much easier to get and for really good prices. honestly here in austria it´s almost impossible to find anything from midcentury :(
    kiss,mary

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    1. Thank you very much, sweetheart. It's great that you've been able to find some "1980s does" frocks where you live in Austria. Much as with mid-century vintage, they're getting harder and harder to come by around these parts (but I think I have a far better chance of finding one than I do an actual 40s or 50s dress), but thankfully not entirely impossible to score sometimes. Fingers crossed we're both able to find a new 80s does dress or two locally this year.

      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Great post! Another thing I love, the 80s does some 40s in an over the top way that can be super fun! Mega peplum for example. ;-)
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  32. It is always good to pick up new tips so thanks for this really interesting and helpful post. I have several dresses from this category in my wardrobe and like you often wear them in situations where Iwould worry about potential damage to older clothes. Also, they are more likely to fit and that has to be a bonus!

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    1. Hello sweet Kate, thank you very much for this and of your other wonderfully lovely blog comments lately. How has autumn been treating you so far? (I ask because it feels like we haven't chatted in a few weeks.) It's really cool that you're a big fan of "1980s does" dresses, too. They're such a handy thing to have in your wardrobe. I really hope to add more to mine next year (my budget for 2013 was pretty much tapped out in Calgary, as I planned it to be).

      Thank you again - tons of hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I am sorry to have been so quiet, I have missed chatting with you Jessica. Due to a few life events I got rather behind on my blog reading and indeed in writing my own blog. Some things were really joyful, my sister had a baby girl making me an auntie for the first time which has been wonderful. Others, like the death of my much loved great-aunt have been a shock and difficult. I have found my balance again now and have just about caught up with reading all the posts that I missed and have some of my own in progress! Thank you for asking.

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    3. It's totally okay, my sweet friend, I was just really starting to worry about you. I'm happy to know there have been some joyful moments in your life lately. My happiest congrats to your family on the newest addition. I haven't become an aunt yet myself, but imagine it must be an indescribably wonderful feeling. I'm so sorry for your loss. Having just lost my mother-in-law in September (about a week before our trip to Calgary), I can share in your self of grief right now to no end.

      I hope dearly that these last remaining 2.5 months of the year are nothing but positive and filled with great things for both of us.

      ♥ Jessica

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  33. Thank you for posting this! I have a few dresses from the 80s that I think pass for 40s or 50s, and I love them so much. They are usually cheaper and I don't worry as much about wearing and washing them often. I think a lot of it has to do with styling and accessorizing it for the decade you're trying to evoke. You do a beautiful job of that, and I often find myself surprised when you say something is from the 80s and not older. I do ask my husband sometimes if something is too 80s, lol. Yet, as a kid born in the 80s, I do have a fondness for some of the fashion, especially for some of the clothes I saw my mom wear <3

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    1. My pleasure, honey, thank you very much for your terrific comment (as well as for your beautiful, understanding comment on yesterday's post as well). I couldn't agree more! A huge part of the equation is in how you style your overall all ensemble. I rarely let a garments age factor in thing, odd as that may sound, instead I look at the piece and size up if I'll be able to make it look as though (if it's not, I mean) it hailed from the decade that my outfit is going for. This is an approach I highly recommend everyone who loves wearing vintage fashion takes, as it helps expand your wardrobe and styling options significantly in many cases.

      ♥ Jessica

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  34. Very informative and thorough post. It was a wonderful idea to show / compare details of the red dresses. I love being able to offer these 80's does 40's etc clothing pieces in my shop, the sturdiness and more generous sizing is a big advantage.

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  35. Jessica, this is such a terrific post. I've been a fan of 80s does 40s/50s for a long time now for precisely the reasons you've mentioned—moreover, my work often finds me crawling around beneath cars, my hem dragging through the dirt as I try to get that perfect shot, or scrambling through brush to get closer to an abandoned building. NOT the places I want to be with my precious 1930s-1950s pieces that I feel are akin to pieces of history...to say nothing of often being more difficult to pack. Besides, as you so amply demonstrate week in and week out, 80s dresses can look like "true" vintage with the right accessories, style, and dare I say it, personality.

    As an aside, though—those bust pockets on 80s dresses turn me away every time. ;) I wonder if the difference in undergarments for each decade has anything to do with their being smaller, higher on the bust, and less common in the earlier decades than the 80s?

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    1. Hi Jen, thank you very much for your terrific comment (and compliments). I think you hit the nail on the head there, and it's a topic that doesn't come up often enough in the vintage fashion world, if you ask me. A person's unique personality, coupled with their sense of style and knowledge of how to create looks from a certain era, can go a very long way towards helping non-genuine mid-century pieces look the part something fierce. I sincerely appreciate that you think I do this with my "80s does" dresses, thank you so much.

      Seriously! Maybe they needed those huge pockets to carry their brick phones and Walkmans around in? I'm kidding, of course, but they certainly weren't/aren't a big fan of mine either. Safari inspired touches were popular in fashion throughout the 80s, and I think that they might be at least part of the reason that we saw such an abundance of oversized breast pockets.

      Thanks again for the fantastic comment - have a beautiful Monday!
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Hm, I'd not thought about the safari angle—that WAS huge during the 80s. Walkmans...heh. I *do* appreciate the other pockets, though—all of my 80s does 40s/50s dresses have nice, big hip pockets. Very useful!

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