Category: Women’s Fashion

Burlesque clothing isn’t something for the shy and retiring, nor is it easy to wear outside the setting of a stage show. Thankfully, sometimes the elements of this 50s exotica are both versatile and classic enough to make fantastic wardrobe staples.

This ruffle petticoat skirt is flamboyant enough for stage wear, while being the perfect underskirt for converting your circle skirts into sassy evening wear. Available in pink, red and black edging, the multi layers make this just as effective as net petticoats, but with an added wearability on its own.

The skirt is available from Edge Fashion in two sizes, thanks to its elasticated waist band, and costs £24.99.

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While the high street goes manic for the 40s style tea dress, coming up behind is a huge range of 1950s inspired looks, with many dresses better suited to something more formal.

This spot dress by JJ Park is a great example of fifties inspired evening wear that’s classic and versatile. A great choice of retro frock, this dress avoids the clownish vintage inspiration that tends to look a little like playing dress up. Instead, the result is a classic dress that is still as stylish now as it was 50 years ago.

You can get the dress from Oli online for £70.

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We feature a huge range of retro dresses from all periods here, but for those women who want something a little more versatile try these capri pants by Tarantula Clothing Co.

Also known as pedal pushers, this cropped trouser style is a great 1950s look that will lend itself to many retro ensembles. With a high waist, niched hem and a matching leopard belt, they’re perfect for rockabilly, swing dancing or even beat looks. Made in a true to vintage cut and in a stretch sateen, they’re a perfect wardrobe staple for vintage lovers.

You can get yours from Pinup Girl Clothing in sizes Small through Extra Large, for the rather reasonable price of $82.

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If pearl earrings are a little too formal for you, then another great option is oversized stud earrings, whether they’re post backed or clip on. TillyLula, a designer on Etsy, makes a great range of more casual fabric earrings with retro style.

This gingham pair are a great choice for summer, especially if you’re going for a rockabilly look. They’re a great way to get a bit of the essential print into your outfit without going for full coverage. Check out the designer’s other products for more prints and colours.

These earrings are available to buy from TillyLula’s Etsy shop for just $12.

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If the See by Chloe dress below is a bit out of your price range but you still fancy a bright patterned dress to wear this summer, then Topshop might be worth a visit.

New in this week is the 60s Print Dress, which combines a floral pattern in greens, yellow, orange and pink, with a simple shift style. It is made from 100 % cotton so is good for every day wear.

It costs £40 and is available to buy online now from the Topshop website.

Modern retro fashion likes to mix and match on influences, and it’s clear that’s what Chloé have done with this Silk dress from their See collection.

The shape and cut take influence from the 60s Mod style, with a round neckline and sharp A-line tailoring, while the print is decidedly more influenced by the psychedelic. The print might not be to everyone’s tastes, or even everyone’s idea of retro style, but the mix of 1960s styles certainly combines to create some very modern retro.

The dress is available to buy from Nola for £230.

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