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Few people know vintage like Jenny Walton—and even fewer wear vintage like Jenny Walton. It’s for this reason the girl about town (Milan, at the moment) has such a following. The key to pulling off her vintage looks (which span several decades) is her styling prowess. Think a vintage brooch with a modern-day Prada cashmere cardigan or a 1950s circle skirt with the latest Gucci slingbacks. But first, where is she getting these pieces? A vintage shopper rarely reveals her sources, but just for Vogue, Walton is sharing the wealth. Each month, Walton will comb through the World Wide Web and share what she feels are the best vintage buys of the moment. These are the vintage treasures you need now, according to Walton.
I think we can all agree that a silk scarf ranks high on the list of indispensably chic ornamentations. Yet I can’t help but feel that the greatness of this timeless accessory has become somewhat forgotten, thrown to the wayside for such modern monstrosities as the hairclaw, a word that doesn’t even sound chic. The real magnificence of the silk scarf comes when it’s their time to shine, in the glistening summer sun. For its true power (in my humble opinion), is its ability to stylishly tuck away a horrible hair day.
While the bliss of summer is undebated, the difficulties of keeping your locks in line are a universal challenge when that dangerous devil of the warmer months, humidity, arrives. With the addition of pool, sea, and sweat, these elements of moisture combine to humble the very best of us. Instead of constantly washing, drying, ironing, and curling, why not wrap your hair up in a chic silk printed scarf after your next seaside dip? The natural fibers of the silk will help increase your shine and reduce your frizz, while you’ll get more time to spend by the pool with a spritz! Oh and who was that guy who just sauntered by the bar? See what you’re missing stuck in the bathroom primping away!
While the silk scarf has a long and winding history, it is best known today in its printed form and for that we have Hermès to thank. The Hermès printed carré was first created in 1937 and today the brand boasts a collection of over 2000 designs produced in various colorways, each of which are hand screen-printed, layer by layer. Among my selection there are also stunning pieces from Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and a very special scarf from the archive of the prolific fabric designer Alexandre Sache who created Schiaparelli’s Dali-inspired lobster print.
As always happy [vintage] shopping!
Jenny Walton
Hermès Alliances du Monde Silk Scarf
I typically choose the scarf I wear based on its background color, as that is primarily what will be seen when I’m wearing it. I love how the coral rings pop against the soft blue background on this “Alliances du Monde” Hermès scarf first designed by Annie Faivre in 2004. It would look stunning worn by the beach as a headpiece or top and styled with a pleated white skirt and sandals.
Hermès Qu’importe le Flacon Silk Scarf
Meaning “no matter the bottle,” the Qu’importe le Flacon silk scarf by Hermès was first designed by artist Catherine Boschet in 1988. The combination of these marvelous vintage and antique perfume bottles plus the charming tonality of the periwinkle blues make this scarf a standout. I would personally wear with a cute periwinkle bikini by the pool or fashioned into a top and paired with jeans.
Hermès Fleurs de Lotus Silk Scarf
Vivacity of color is something that few materials can truly hold the way that silk can and the Fleurs de Lotus scarf by Hermès (designed by Christiane Vauzelles) is a stunning example of this. Rising from the murky and muddy waters, lotus flowers are often used as a symbol of purity and rebirth, making this the perfect gift for a plethora of happy occasions (like breaking up with that horrible boyfriend…for example).
Hermès Feux du Ciel Silk Scarf
Reminiscent of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” I’ve always admired the beauty of the “Feux du Ciel” (fires of the sky) scarf by Hermès. I absolutely adore the tonal combination of pinks and oranges but an equally evocative green colorway is available here.
Hermès Peinture Fraiche Silk Scarf
Gray and pink is another highly underrated yet versatile color combination, and I especially admire the mauve undertone of this warm gray. The eye-catching “Peinture fraiche” (fresh paint) design makes this piece a standout—an equally fantastic blue iteration id available here.
Hermès Kelly en Perles Silk Scarf
The trompe l’oeil effect of the printed beads on this “Kelly en Perles” scarf make this one of my favorite Hermès designs. A wonderfully versatile size, I would wear it as a headscarf with an ivory linen summer dress from Jacquemus. A fabulous blue and red version can be found here.
Hermès Colored Pencil Silk Scarf
The perfect gift for someone artistic in your life! (As an artist I just might be purchasing this one for myself.) The light blue tone would look great tied as a top and worn with your favorite pair of faded jeans and some cute sandals.
Chanel Purple Silk Scarf
Featuring hand-rolled edges, this Chanel floral printed silk scarf in the most stunning shade of vivid purple is every bit as royal as the history of the color itself. It would look just perfect worn as a bandana and paired with a crisp summer white top and jeans or a white flowing skirt.
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Scarf
Yves Saint Laurent gave out love cards to mark the occasion of each New Year and this was 1985’s version which somehow looks just as modern as it did when it was first created almost 40 years ago. It would also look great framed and stuck on the wall (in my humble opinion!)
Carven Silk Scarf
A charming trompe l’oeil design from the house of Carven. Why not imitate a necklace and drape it around your neck (less expensive than real pearls), or even better yet drape it across your back for the illusion of a stunning draped back detail. Either way it must absolutely be paired with a red lip.
Yves Saint Laurent Dove Silk Scarf
Circa 1980s, I love this enchanting dove printed silk scarf from YSL. There’s an element reminiscent of Matisse’s cut-outs in that gorgeous Yves Klein blue of the background. A subtler navy version is available here.
Chanel Pearls Silk Scarf
The soft shading on these oversized printed pearls make this vintage Chanel scarf hard to look away from—and isn’t that exactly what you want from face-framing accessory?
Cartier Le Must de Cartier Silk Scarf
A rich vintage scarf from none other than Cartier featuring a dazzling display of its beautiful jewels. The next best thing to wrap around your crown if a diamond encrusted Cartier tiara is still just slightly out of budget.
Hermès Twilly Bandana Silk Scarf
I think Twilly scarves can sometimes be a bit small as a headscarf (unless you have a chic 1920s-inspired chop à la Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby, in which case I think it would look proportionally perfect). I like the genial spirit of the traditionally rugged cotton bandana print on a classic silk Hermès piece.
Toteme Silk Striped Silk Scarf
A simple striped scarf of a manageable size such as the wonderful ones that Toteme continuously produces are an easy and chic staple to anyone’s wardrobe, not to mention that this shape doubles as a fantastic belt.
Hermès Cheval de Légende Silk Scarf
First issued in 2010 and designed by Benoît-Pierre Emery, this Hermès scarf in an alluring shade of rusted orange features a studded horse mid-stride as if it was caught amongst the stars. I love a design that looks abstract when folded up but laid out reveals itself to be something extraordinary.
Jacqmar of London Silk Scarf
A great 1960s silk scarf from the infamous Jacqmar of London. Founded by a British “Jack and Mary,” “Jacqmar” combined their names with the intent of sounding vaguely French. But you can tell people it’s a numbered Picasso Harlequin, and I won’t tell a single soul.
Jacques Griffe 1960s Cats Silk Scarf
A wonderfully charming vintage silk scarf signed by the famous French graphic artist Bernard Villemont for Jacques Griffe. Originally from the 1950s/1960s, this scarf is actually quite historical and as the listing mentions, and comes from the archives of Alexandre Sache’s silk factory Beauclère. Alexandre Sache was a prolific fabric designer who worked with everyone from Givenchy to Dior to Chanel and even created the iconic lobster print of Schiaparelli’s infamous Dali-inspired dress.
Christian Dior Silk Scarf
This iconic silk scarf from Christian Dior features an original illustration by René Gruau, one of the best fashion illustrators of all time and a frequent collaborator with the house of Dior. A very rare piece that is guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd.
Prada Italian Scenes Printed Silk Scarf
Chicer and more versatile than a postcard, what a wonderful way to remember a trip to Italy. This Prada silk scarf features various Italian scenes illustrated in a beautifully elusive hand. Featuring prints originally from spring 2004, this scarf is a timeless Prada piece.
Chanel Silk Scarf
Semi sheer silk gauze brings an unrivaled elegance to this beautiful floral printed Chanel scarf. Although I dislike the way they styled it on the mannequin, it has the potential to look beautiful folded diagonally and draped across one’s back (and it seems large enough to be fashioned into a chic summer top too).
Hermès X-Ray Silk Scarf
Nothing would bring me quite as much joy as to carry this Hermès Xray Kelly scarf through airport security. I’m really in love with the black and white colorway as it’s a bit more jarring and true to form, so keep your eyes and wallets peeled.
Hermès La Rosee Silk Scarf
A soft and beautiful sprinkling of orange roses and raindrops decorate this Hermès “La Rosee” silk carré by Anne Gavarni. First introduced to the world in 1960, I could imagine this scarf looking otherworldly fashioned into a headpiece and worn with a little summer dress and a spritz in your hand (to match the scarf, of course).
Prada Car Print Silk Scarf
I just purchased a printed pair of yellow pants from this same collection (spring 2012). It’s a wonderful collection from Prada and perfect for your impending Route 66 road trip! Just make sure the vintage convertible you rent is baby blue.
June
While on a work trip to Vienna last month I visited the fabulous Albertina museum to see the Roy Lichtenstein Centennial exhibition (on view until July 14, 2024). I was so inspired by the exhibition that all I’ve wanted to wear ever since has been my vintage Screen Stars/Flying Fish Lichtenstein tee, purchased online last year. Little did I know that posting a photo of myself to Instagram wearing it would cause the kerfuffle it did! The graphic on the tee displays a distraught woman holding her head in her hand as the text bubble above her reads, “I can’t believe it, I forgot to have children!” Most people ran to my DMs to enquire as to the origins of the tee whilst proclaiming, “I NEED that shirt!” (And FYI if you are one of those people, I found another one and it’s linked in this article.)
On the other, less fun side of the internet coin, some people told me that I would end up alone with no loving family and nothing but my “shallow paintings of shoes” to comfort me. Thankfully, through a patented mix of retinol and consistently posting on the internet for ten years, I’ve grown a thick skin. The out-of-line comments were not taken to heart, but they did get me thinking…what about Pop Art makes an outfit “pop”? Artists such as Lichtenstein and Warhol looked to advertisements to shine a light on the most shameless and threatening parts of our culture. Lichtenstein pointedly explored and then ironically displayed the clichés of femininity and masculinity. This tension, along with the graphic nature of the subject matter of Pop Art starts a dialogue that most clothing (and wearers) are often too shy to confront or engage with. But what fun to get people talking! So let’s give ’em something to talk about, whether that be a graphic “I Shop Therefore I Am” tee or a Campbell’s Soup dress, viva la vida!
As always, happy vintage shopping!
Jenny
Screen Stars Flying Fish Tee “I Can’t Believe It I Forgot to Have Children!”
The shirt that started it all! Apparently you can find new versions of this as well but there is nothing quite like a vintage worn-in tee. Screen Stars made great T-shirts throughout the 1970s and 1980s before eventually being bought by Fruit of the Loom. As seen in the header image, I love wearing mine with my vintage Prada lipstick print skirt.
Campbell Soup Dress
Included in the archive of the Metropolitan Museum of Art this Campbell’s “Souper Dress” is actually quite an important piece of 20th-century fashion history. These paper dresses were made between 1966-67 and were sent to individuals through the mail after they sent in two Campbell’s soup can labels and $1.00. While only intended to be worn once or twice these pieces have now become major collector’s items.
Cat Paper Poster Dress by Harry Gordon
Speaking of the infamous 1960s Paper dress, here is a an original 1968 first edition “Pussy Cat” paper dress by the American graphic artist Harry Gordon. Gordon designed five paper dresses in total, the others being, “Mystic Eye,” “Rose,” “Giant Rocket,” and “Hand.”
Handmade 1960s Campbell's Pork & Beans Top
I love this homemade 1960s Campbell’s Pork & Beans top. I just imagine someone going to their local fabric store in the sixties and finding this treasure of a print, or even better yet, the idea of someone sending away for the fabric.
Keith Haring Tank
A very rare and incredibly iconic Keith Haring tank from the 1980s. The front features Haring’s “radiant baby” icon, symbolizing innocence and hope while the back features a “barking dog”— Haring’s representation of governmental power structures of the 1980s.
Vintage 1960s Potato Sack Dress
The text on this vintage dress reads as follows, “Be beautiful in a potato sock. Looks like a sack, feels like a sack, is a sick. Fill with 100lbs or more of charm, and save money on new French inspired creations. Guaranteed to loose shape without ironing.” And my favorite, the last line, “or evening wear, add Mink trimmings.” Genius. Another version in blue available here.
“I Shop Therefore I Am” Barbara Kruger Tee
A great vintage 1990s Barbara Kruger “I Shop Therefore I Am” tee from the International Center of Photography. And yes, I understand the irony of this artwork (which challenges the importance we put on consumption) being not only on a shoppable T-shirt (hey, at least it’s vintage!) and additionally being selected by myself for a shopping column, but I think that irony makes it even better (and I think Warhol would agree).
“I still have nothing to wear” Flying Fish Tee
There was something quite pleasurable about placing this shirt directly after the Barbara Kruger tee. This might be the most relatable of all the Screen Stars/Flying Fish LA tee’s (and they’re all pretty relatable).
Hysteric Glamour x Andy Warhol Brillo Pad Top
Such a great Andy Warhol “Brillo Pad” print on this Hysteric Glamour top. I love the color palette and cut as well as the tight print repeat.
Jean Paul Gaultier Maxi Dress
This Jean Paul Gaultier dress from his spring/summer 2002 collection features the avant-garde muse and Italian Heiress Luisa Casati in an Andy Warhol Pop Art graphic and colorful print. A fantastic mixture of inspirations, Casati captivated everyone from Boldini to Man Ray. She was known to wear live snakes as jewelry and could be seen walking the cheetahs that she kept as pets around town by leash.
“I wanted to have a child not marry one” Tee
Relatable!
Chanel Shearling Pop Art No. 5 Bag
A limited edition Chanel shearling Pop Art No. 5 bag brings that perfect unexpected edge of Waam! to an item that could otherwise seem a bit too serious.
Versace Mini Dress
A great Versace mini dress adorned with imagery of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean in an Andy Warhol style. While originally from Spring Summer 1991 this dress is a 2018 “Versace Tribute” re-edition. Gianni Versace was a great admirer of Pop Art, specifically Andy Warhol, and a long dress in this print resides in the permanent collection of The Met.
Andy Warhol “Brillo Pad” Tee
I love the classic color pairing of red and blue on this graphic Andy Warhol “Brillo Pad” inspired tee. I would pair it happily with the Prada skirt below for some optimal #colorpaletting.
Prada Skirt
I loved this Prada collection but never knew quite where to put it in my head. Now thinking about it through the Pop Art lens I happily know where it belongs and would pair it with one of the funny Flying Fish LA Lichtenstein-inspired tees or a simple navy knit à la Mrs. Prada.
Andy Warhol Bucket Hat
Before Warhol was one of the most famous artists of all time, he was a humble but well known fashion illustrator. I’ve always had a soft spot for his shoe illustrations and love the wonderful lively character of this don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously printed little hat.
Luisa Casati Vest for Jean Paul Gaultier
I couldn’t help but include another Luisa Casati piece from Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring 2002 collection. This one, being a casual top instead of a long dress, is an easier entry point into the print (not to mention more cost effective).
Prada Silk Pants
My favorite way to currently wear my Lichtenstein tee is with my vintage lipstick printed Prada skirt. I’ve always wanted the pants too but with only so much room in my closet, best to leave them to someone else’s wardrobe (so that I can still see what I have in mine).
“All those guys have boyfriends” Flying Fish Tee
Ain’t it the truth.
Coca-Cola 1970’s Board Shorts
As I recently wrote on my Substack, I love a vintage swimsuit. These are great and sure to start up a conversation with just about anyone you might meet! Hello, instant icebreaker!
Pop Intarsia Knit Dress
I love this vintage 1960s Banana knit dress. Could it be any cuter? Well the label reads “Bananas— Knits with Appeel” so no, it could not be any cuter.
Andy Warhol Postcard
Originally from 1989, I instantly fell in love with this vintage postcard book and immediately bought one for myself (can we bring back sending postcards instead of texts, please??)
Lichtenstein-Inspired Pants
Absolutely eye-catching vintage Wrangler jeans from the 1960s. Covered in a comic book/ Lichtenstein-inspired print, these pants seem to be in great condition—just make sure you’re okay with people staring at your behind as they try to read what’s printed on your pants! (Another great conversation starter!)
May
While I first winced at Gen Z reinvigorating the Y2K trend that as a Millennial I lived much too clearly the first time around, there have been some recent iterations that have made me reconsider my initial hesitation. Perhaps it was the prevalence of Galliano-era Dior on the Met Gala red carpet, though more realistically, my revaluation probably began with Sabrina Carpenter’s dazzling set at Coachella last month. Set against the backdrop of a baby blue Motel, the singer glided about the stage effortlessly in her feathered bangs, mini skirts, bodysuits and platform boots that felt part Y2K, part 1960s/70s dream girl. When she went viral on TikTok last week for wearing a second-hand dress from Depop for her 25th Birthday, I was inspired to take another look at the decade. Besides the similarities in shape and silhouette, I found a certain colorful optimism and embrace of technological change shared between both the late sixties/early seventies and the late nineties and early aughts. The mix of these varying decades creates a new perspective by intertwining some of the most carefree decades of fashion together and I hope you enjoy the fun mix I’ve pulled together for this month!
Happy (vintage) Shopping!
Jenny
La Perla slip
This La Perla slip of the “Malizia” line (meaning malice or mischief in Italian) is the perfect little Y2K slip dress, featuring both checks and flowers in a beautiful shade of turquoise. As Bella Hadid just proved on the Cannes red carpet, a little sheer dress can make quite the statement. I would wear this with a kitten heel in the evening or a chunky boot for the day.
Vintage spaghetti-strap party dress
There is something so perfectly “Pretty in Pink” about this 1980’s party dress. This particular shade of bubblegum looks so fresh, light and not at all dated. Maybe it’s something about recently cutting my hair short but these Victor Costa esq. Eighties dresses have just the right amount of volume and style to make one think they too could effortlessly pull of that perfect Molly Ringwald look.
Dolce & Gabbana minidress
An incredible and very rare vintage Dolce and Gabbana mini dress, from the 1991 autumn winter collection (it also walked the catwalk). This is the type of stunning dress that will always “wow” in your wardrobe, despite the season or even decade, it’s timeless!
Chanel Timeless crossbody bag
From 2002, this Vintage Chanel pink travel canvas cc logo flap bag gives that perfect Y2K feeling while still looking modern. Dress it up for a night out with a slinky chainmail Paco Rabanne dress or wear it for the day with jeans and a chic white button up blouse or simple tee.
1960's minidress
I love this true vintage 1960s cotton terry cloth pink, orange, yellow and white striped mini dress (which would make the perfect beach coverup no?) At under $100, it’s a great price for a quintessential piece of sixties fashion!
Dior one-piece swimsuit
The perfect swimsuit does not exist?! I think not!! This gorgeous John Galliano for Dior swimsuit looks to be in excellent condition (those accentuating flowers on the side?!) Pure summer perfection, that could easily be styled as a top under a flowing white pleated skirt.
Fiorucci minidress
What really makes this little Fiorucci dress, beyond the simple and sexy cut, is the sexy back detail. wonderfully naked, the line is tight, just flared at the bottom. Small suspenders in elastic lace, A great example of Y2K fashion that could be easily dressed up or down.
Betsey Johnson Daisy Duke shorts
I used to make my mom drive to the King of Prussia mall in Pennsylvania (we lived in New Jersey), specifically for the Betsey Johnson boutique, which at 16, was my idea of ruffled heaven. I love these pink gingham Betsey Johnson “Daisy Duke” shorts (how cute were they originally styled on the runway with that sheer blue top and rockstar “i don’t give a damn” styling!?)
Dior Saddle vintage cloth handbag
The quintessential early aughts bag, the Dior saddle bag which has seen a resurgence in recent years. Some say it was first inspired by a Helmut Newton photo from 1976 entitled “Saddle 1, Paris.” To me, if you’re going to lean into the Y2K trend and wear, let’s say a mini silk slip dress, there is no better accessory than this printed Dior saddle bag.
Versace 1990's minidress
I love this fantastic 1990’s Versace vintage pink mini dress with its whimsical bustier and Barbie hot pink tone. It has just the right amount of tension, with it’s pointed edges and sleek silhouette.
Valentino Garavani leather heels
These Valentino Garavani platform pumps (never worn by the way) are the perfect Sabrina Carpenter accessory. Versace made a similar platform heel and there are several unworn pairs of each currently on Vestiaire - ready to take your style to new heights this summer - literally!
Moschino minidress
A great vintage Moschino Cheap and Chic 90’s yellow dress featuring a halter neckline and fabric-covered buttons. I find this type of dress to be a great go to as you can style it for so many different occasions and instead of your typical black dress this shade of yellow is just enough to “pop” without feeling too jarring.
Twiggy top-handle tote
There is nothing I love quite like a vintage doll carrying case (I had some of my mother’s Barbie vinyl cases from the 1960’s when I was growing up) and the fact that this one is Twiggy and made by Mattel makes it even better. Originally from 1967 I would use this as a great little purse / conversation starter.
Floral chiffon nightie
Betty Draper could never (just kidding she totally would). Yes, you could lounge around your house in a tank top and sweatpants…OR, you could buy this fabulous little vintage 1960s baby doll nightgown and have your neighbors saying “did you SEE how chic Kaitlyn in 4B was when she was getting her package?!” Get ready to clear your schedule as you’ll be invited to every dinner party in your building for the foreseeable future.
Honey Hole upcycled floral halter top
I love this simple halterneck top that has been upcycled from a vintage tablecloth (what a great idea, no?) The self tie options at waist and neck allows the top to fit a range of sizes from small to XL. This would pair perfectly with a pair of high-waisted capri’s or a great fifties circle skirt.
Chanel swim set
The perfect Chanel swim set that looks so Barbie, I’m surprised Margot Robbie didn’t wear it on her press tour. From the Spring Summer 1993 - 1994 collection this would be the perfect summer set for all of your chicest of travels.
Terry de Havilland Glitter Stardust heels
The one and only ‘Rock n Roll cobbler of the 1970s’ and worn by the likes of Bianca Jagger, these Terry de Havilland black and silver sparkle ‘Stardust’ heels date back from the early seventies. The perfect party shoe and just as classic today as it was when it was first designed!
Betsey Johnson minidress
This cute little vintage Betsey Johnson light blue princess style dress with pink tulle petticoat makes me want to go to Homecoming all over again. Add a microphone and an espresso martini and your Sabrina Carpenter Halloweed costume is SET.
Victoria's Secret silk slip minidress
I own several vintage early aughts Victoria’s Secret slip dresses and I have to say, they do the trick (and can often be found at great price points). I love this shade of pink but what really makes this dress is the criss cross low back that makes this piece just a little too special to only keep to the bedroom.
Balenciaga City leather handbag
The revival of the Balenciaga City bag comes with the fact that…you should just buy a vintage Balenciaga City bag. I love this weathered shade of pink which perfectly compliments the roughed up motorcycle look.
Saint Laurent Flamenco evening dress
An iconic Yves Saint Laurent Autumn-Winter 1987 black lace flamenco evening dress that I could imagine the likes of Stevie Nicks wearing or even someone like Sabrina Carpenter on a moodier day. Either way this dress would be sure to bring out your inner singer / performer!
Chanel 1995 piqué halter dress
A stunning Chanel Spring Summer 1995 rare piqué halter dress by Karl Lagerfeld and seen beautifully on the runway above. The styling of this piece on the runway is a great example of how great accessories can take something as simple as a little black dress from wow to HOW?!
Paco Rabanne glitter mid-length dress
The perfect Paco Rabanne vintage silver dress in metal mesh. This is a dress that despite its sparkle, will remain absolutely timeless for decades to come. I would wear it with a small vintage lucite clutch and a great pair of clear heels for a more modern look.
Blumarine minidress
A great little Anna Molinari for Blumarine dress from the nineties but in the style of the sixties (very Priscilla Presley as the listing proclaims). At around $150 this is a great price for a timeless vintage dress!
Paco Rabanne glitter top
Another incredible piece from Paco Rabanne this top features a mix of gold and silver metal sequins in the shape of hearts. In my opinion, these iconic Paco Rabanne pieces will only increase in value over time, making them a great investment (and this piece has never been worn, which is even better).
Dior satin high-slit gown
While on the higher end of the budget this stunning 2003 John Galliano for Dior is just too stunning not to include. From the Fall Winter 2003 collection, this pink silk satin gown is just the type of Galliano for Dior dress that every collector dreams of (and I love the surprise deep V in the back!)
April
Oh, what a wonderful time of year for dressing! Once April comes along nothing makes me happier than changing over my wardrobe and rediscovering all of the color, print, and novelty that is usually hidden away during the colder months. Even if April is still a bit rainy, I love getting excited for May and June by pulling my summer dresses out of storage and letting myself begin to dream about warm nights having aperitivo and a crisp Campari Spritz with friends.
While in Venice for the Biennale this past weekend I wandered, as I often do, into the Miu Miu and Prada boutiques which are absolutely filled with florals at the moment. While I do occasionally indulge in the special piece, I often use these store visits as inspiration, and afterwards will head home with a whole new list of vintage search terms in my head, to try and recreate the great new fashions (in a manner just slightly more economical). At Miu Miu, I fell in love with a beautiful silk chiffon floral print halter dress featured in the new Gigi Hadid campaign, and now all I want are little floral dresses and cropped cashmere cardigans. Sue me! I can’t help it—they’re just adorable!
While quite hard to come by these days, a wonderful little floral-print spring dress used to be the norm and therefore our favorite vintage sites such as Etsy are chock-full of them (with price points often quite close to that of a Reformation dress, if not less). As is always the benefit with vintage, the likelihood that someone else is going to arrive at an event this spring in the same look as you, is close to zero. And nothing beats being able to say “oh this old thing…vintage!” That is to say, “You can’t have it!”
Happy Shopping!
Jenny
Sea of Vintage 1950s dance dress
Now this is a show stopping, everyone turn-their-heads-when-you-walk-in-the-room kind of dress. While it’s a great silhouette for a curvier shape, the panels jutting out from the bodice can also create a great illusion for those of us with a little bit less oomph on the top half. I’m simply in love with this crisp white and bubblegum pink and I’ve never seen a dress quite like this one so snap it up fast!
Victor Costa backless evening dress
No one, and I mean no one, made a dress quite like Victor Costa in the 1980s. He had this incredible knack for recreating 1950s silhouettes in a slightly updated manner without giving into too many stereotypically 80s trends (although he did do the occasional puff-sleeve dress, to which I typically politely say, no thank you). I own this same dress in a red and white stripe and can confirm that this is one of the most exquisitely-shaped dresses of all time.
Miu Miu 2018 long dress
I love this 1960s/1970s-inspired Miu Miu dress from 2018. It’s exactly what I want to wear all summer long with a great pair of easy T-strap sandals and a raffia tote bag. This is a standout floral print that somehow does not overwhelm despite the boldness of the color. Please, someone buy it before I do.
Prada Spring/Summer 2011 striped dress
From a quintessential summer Prada collection, spring/summer 2011, this is a simply stunning striped dress. In addition to this look walking the runway, you may remember that Scarlett Johansson also wore it on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival last year. I have multiple dresses from this season, including a dark blue version of this silhouette and can attest that they are wardrobe staples.
Vintage Midi-Dress
An absolutely stunning unbranded vintage 1950s dress (with a very chic exposed back!). This is the type of little black dress you want in your wardrobe as a constant go-to. I would wear it with a chic little black kitten heel and vintage black clutch.
Prada midi-dress
Prada 2012 is another great season to look at for colorful spring dressing ideas. The 1950s inspired candy-colored collection looks just as fresh over ten years later and this stunning colorway is quite unique and much more difficult to find than the blue white and gray version that you typically see on resale sites.
Cole of California halter dress
This shade of blue is simply divine. If I saw someone wearing this on the street, a double take would be guaranteed. It’s Cole of California from the late 1940s/early 50s and reminds me of something Grace Kelly would have floated around in Rear Window as James Stewart looked on with his jaw on the floor.
Nos 1950s cotton dress
Another timeless dress is this beautiful 1950s cotton gingham day dress. I find that sun dresses designed these days often have too many extraneous details, or the neckline is too low, or they add an unnecessary and uncomfortable sky-high slit (can’t a girl just sit in peace?). I love something about the simplicity of this vintage dress, it’s quite old and yet looks unexpectedly fresh to me.
Vintage Vavavoomz 1950s pleated sundress
If you’re in the market for a great spring/summer dress you need not look further than the fabulous Etsy shop of Vintage VaVaVoomz. I’ve bought several pieces from her wonderful archive and I never regret a purchase. This striking striped 1950s sundress features some of the most beautifully-pleated stripes that I’ve seen. A truly one-of-a-kind piece!
Create and Collected 1950s raffia dress
A few years ago, I purchased one of these great 1950s/60s crocheted raffia wiggle dresses in pink and it’s one of my go to spring looks! This black and silver version is simply stunning and will be a classic in your wardrobe for years as it’s simply impossible to go out of style because it is style!
Charles Warner 1940s vintage dress
This 1940s vintage dress by Charles Warner featuring a mesh panel collar and bow detailing would make Joan P. Holloway Harris simply faint (and of course subsequently, Roger). I’ve never seen such a beautifully delicate neckline on such a great and wearable little dress. Everyone will want to know where it’s from.
Vera Mode 1950s chiffon dress
Perhaps it’s because I was just in Arles and immersing myself in the wonderful world of Van Gogh but this painterly 1950s chiffon party dress seems to hit just the right note. That daring yellow brings just the right pop of color to push your winter wardrobe into nothing but a distant memory.
Victor Costa strapless dress
If you do nothing else today, click the link to see the stunning construction of the underskirt on this beautiful 1980s does 1950s Victor Costa show stopper. Because of its simplistic perfection, this dress can be worn in just about a million different iterations.
Victor Costa vintage polka dot dress
One more vintage Victor Costa dress, because they are just simply too good to not collectively drool over! I love this polka dot party dress (with an unexpected beautifully low back). I think of Molly Ringwald in the 1980s wearing something fabulous like this and it makes me want it even more.
Bill Blass vintage mini dress
This is a great little Bill Blass dress from the 1960s. I’m especially in love with this colorful pink floral print which offers so many great options when selecting which colorful pair of shoes to pair it with. Alternatively, this would look great styled with a pair of Church’s x Miu Miu brogues (look to the Miu Miu fall/winter 2024 runway for some great inspiration on how to style it).
1920s vintage silk chiffon dress
Many 1920s flapper dresses can often have a bit of a dated look to them or are often in poor condition. I love this little black chiffon flapper dress with its matching rhinestone belt. It looks surprisingly modern for its age, as if it could be seen on a current Chanel runway. Perhaps it’s something about the last Miu Miu show that is still sticking with me but I envision this looking so cool and modern with a menswear-inspired brogue and a chic chopped hairdo.
Betty Jo Vintage 1960s floral dress
A perfect 1950s pink floral dress (with a beautiful detail at the bust). I typically try not to match my clothing too closely to my makeup but I can’t help but envisioning this with a beautiful raspberry lip. At only $90, this one is a steal.
JJS Hoard 1950s bolero dress
This is one of the best fabrics I’ve seen all year. So unique and such a strong and beautiful color combination of the blue and yellows. I love that this dress still has its matching bolero, which you could have fun mixing and matching with other pieces in your wardrobe such as a pair of jeans or a solid blue or black skirt.
Opulent Textiles vintage sheer silk chiffon day dress
This is such a beautiful 1930s dress. It looks like something Ralph Lauren would buy just to have in the archive, if not reproduce exactly as seen here. I’m a firm believer that everyone should collect things from varying decades in their wardrobe, in order to provide some variety (and because I like to think of my wardrobe as a mini museum). This bias cut sheer chiffon floral dress is a perfect representation of the beauty of 1930s fashion (not to mention it was recently deaccessioned from the Strong Museum in Rochester, NY, so it quite literally is museum-worthy).
Simplicity Is Bliss vintage 1950s floral dress
Such a modern seeming vintage 1950s floral wiggle dress in a beautiful shimmering blue and yellow fabric. This vintage dress features an outstanding fitted bodice with a wonderful V-neckline, nipped waist, and pencil skirt.
Fred Perlberg vintage 1950s halter dress
This is such a timeless dress and I love the subtle monochromatic cording detail set against two rows of black ribbon. A great first date dress if you want it to be your last first date ever!
Arnold Scaasi vintage midi-dress
A brilliant color combination from designer to the stars and First Ladies, Arnold Scaasi. This late 1970s/early 80s dress would look so stunning with a Molly Ringwald à la The Breakfast Club hairdo, and a pair of great loafers.