[ click for larger view. all images from Ebay. ]
Since I shared a couple of my favorite 40s-inspired summer outfits last week, I thought I’d show you some of the inspiration behind them! The last two images are from a 1947 magazine, and are a pretty good representation of this look (not to mention I love the easy-breezy hairstyles; so cute!)
[ may 1947. click for a larger view! ]
The “peasant” (or ethic, bohemian… whichever title you call it!) isn’t a new concept within fashion; designers have been lifting motifs from regional styles of various cultures for decades. One of my favorite eras to take up the look is the 1940s (surprise, surprise… considering it probably is my favorite style decade!). American designers came into their own during this period; previously many design houses and stores copied designs from Europe, and American designers had been largely unable to design based on their own vision of fashion. One of the popular interpretations of this look was taking inspiration from South American and Native American motifs and styles. In many ways, it was like North American designers were finally taking a look at the bountiful and rich design history in their own backyard!
[ may 1947. click for a larger view! ]
I think my favorite of these looks from the mid 40s is the peasant blouse and full skirt look. It’s so classic and pretty, yet still grounded in practicality and a sportswear aesthetic that pervades most casual clothes from this era. They can be sweet, simple, or frilly. Made with eyelet trim, a ruffled collar, or just a gauzy fabric. One of the top items on my “to sew” list this summer is making a peasant style blouse; something with a simple elastic or drawstring neckline (many patterns show these options), and short puffed sleeves. Nothing too fancy–I’m not much of a frilly gal when it comes to neckline–but light and simple to mix with my beloved stash of floral gathered skirts!
Ahhh! Thank you for reminding me to post something related to this! I shall now be ‘copying’ your post, and I will link to you as the one who inspired/reminded me to post, but I picked up a super cute 40s styled peasant/gypsy top in a high street shop on Friday so I have to let the gals over here in on it! It’s so funny because I saw the top and it instantly made me want several peasant styled outfits for the summer!
Fab post as ever!
Also, I badly need a plain white one (the one I got was embroidered) as I have a skirt that was almost definitely made from that Hollywood pattern, but it’s a quite loud rust orange paisley pattern – no other patterns can come near it! haha
You’ve pinpointed my absolute favourite summer inspiration! I love these photos. Every year I find myself coming back to simple, thin muslin peasant blouses and airy, high waisted skirt. It’s such a perfect, crisp, clean silhouette but so very feminine. Even though it looks very period, it is also somehow very timeless. I am always compelled to sport a Frida Kahlo inspired up-do with this look.
Thank you for the inspiration!
I find these styles so summery and uncomplicated. I love the look in the upper left pattern with the frilly peasant skirt and cropped halter top, very cute!
love it – especially that red check pattern picture
xxxc
Such a cute look, but so much blousy fabric … I fear I’d look like a woman made from pillows! I look forward to seeing your interpretation of it. I’m sure you’ll prove me wrong.
I love peasant blouses. I used to have this really cute eyelet fabric shirt that I loved to death…and then my brother started calling it my “pregnant shirt”. I wasn’t pregnant. Not even a little bit. Thanks bro. :p
I love the look too and I thought of you in your outfits when I saw this video most recently.
http://www.archive.org/details/Patternf1948
Love these outfits! They remind me of what Jeanne Crain wore in “State Fair”.
I just love those styles, too. However, I’ve never been able to wear them, but I think it would look great on you. It’s just such a nice look.
Thanks for the little history lesson!
Ooh, lovely pictures! I have a ’70s version of a peasant blouse that I might have to make a ’40s-inspired outfit out of! Can’t wait to see what you sew next.
I like this style. It’s simple and very sweet. I’m sure yours will be really pretty!
Such lovely inspiration! My favorite is the yellow top with the yellow floral skirt. I’m not a big fan of puffed sleeves, but I think for this style, it works. Maybe it’s the baby bows…:)
Hey, your new summer theme is terrific! What a great idea to swap out some of the images for the season changes!
Hi! I just saw your blog because I was reading the Diary of a Vintage Girl.
I can see the style of this look is too mexican….and I am mexican =) , I can see these clothes in mexican movies, I thought those were just used in mexico, what a mistake!
Sorry for my english, is not good, but I just wanted to comment about the blouses.
Your blog is nice =)