1940s Flare

It may sound strange to say that so much of our modern day fashion is derived from the military styles of bygone eras but it's true.  From the 17th century epaulets (shoulder tabs) and berets of the French army to the 19th century wool pea coats worn by the Dutch navy to protect against the chilly seas, to the crop "bomber jacket" worn by pilots WWI pilots, military style has heavily influenced civilian fashion even hundreds of years later.  I'm sure there are lots reasons why military fashion has infiltrated the fashion world, most of them have to do with practicality, but there's undeniably something about it that just defies age and trends and continues to look stylish.  Whenever I think of military style apparel, I instantly picture those iconic 1940s ladies styled suits and trench coats with hats worn at the side and high waist trousers with buttons running down the front.  What's not to love?!

Maybe it was all those silver screen starlets, like the incomparable Kate Hepburn, that have immortalized that style and let's face it, those women wore it well.  But there is something so timeless about that style that it is still flattering nearly three quarters of a century later and I think it will continue to stand the test of time. 

While I'm fond of vintage clothing and have quite a collection of authentic antique and vintage pieces from many different style eras, I truly enjoy finding modern pieces with vintage flare.  Not only will a modern piece be easier for everyday wear, true vintage pieces tend to be so fragile that unless it's for a photo shoot or some sort of cosplay event, I don't wear mine out and about much.  That's not a concern with contemporary items.  

Another great thing about choosing a modern update on a classic style is that bodies have changed over time and modern clothing is better able to accommodate today's sizes and heights not to mention that a lot of clothing from the 1940s was made at home and therefore tailor made to that person's frame which can be difficult to near impossible to alter without damaging the garment.  FemmeLuxeFinery to the rescue with this Black Halter Neck Jumpsuit- Vicky It has everything I'm looking for  in a modern update and it fits like a dream.  

I've only just started wearing jumpsuits, thanks to all the great styles at FemmeLuxe.  Jumpsuits were one of those things I thought I didn't have the body for, but with each style from FemmeLuxe, I fall more and more in love with jumpsuits.

When looking for something with vintage military style flare, there's a few key elements to focus on. First, when it comes to trousers or jumpsuits look for straight or wide legs. What I love about this jumpsuit is that the wide legs are countered with a defined waist, and exposed shoulders with this wonderful bodice that comes in at the bust and then goes back out to the neck.  It breaks up the color and creates a more hourglass shape, so my body doesn't have to do all the work to make this style great.

Second,  let's talk a little more about that fitted waist.  While blouses and trouser legs from the WWII era tended to be looser, the 1940s styles always had a defined and fitted waist so that even uniforms showed feminine flare.  Note that this jumpsuit already has a defined waist, but I added a belt to create even more visual definition at the waist and I chose a belt in a shiny patent leather so that it catches the eye and makes that distinction even though it's still black. 

Third, don't forget those buttons.  Nothing sells the 40s military style like two parallel rows of buttons down the front and this jumpsuit has two rows of two buttons each.  Just enough to draw the eye and add this great vintage flare while simultaneously putting a little sparkle into the ensemble.

Fourth, have fun.  Clothes should be fun, not stressful, especially when it comes to vintage inspired styles.  Wear things that represent the true you and that make you feel as unique and wonderful as you truly are.

Shopping Info:  Black Halter Neck Button Jumpsuit - Vicky from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk