Author Elizabeth Wein’s latest release, ‘The Pearl Thief’, has got us thinking about fashion trends past and present. Right now, we’re all dressing like 90’s babies, with a focus on grunge styling. That means a lot of double denim, clashing prints, clunky footwear, crop tops and an excess of accessories. But fashion is, by its very essence, a fickle beast. What is catwalk worthy one day, is sooo last season the next. So let’s throw it back to a classier time, with styles that will never go out of fashion.
The Pearl Thief is set in the era of the 1930’s. The fashion of these pre-war times could be summed up in one word: glamour. Despite being over-shadowed by the Great Depression, the 30’s were all about elegance and an abundance of style. Here’s how you can channel this era without raiding your grandmother’s wardrobes.
Longer hemlines
Modesty was key in the 30’s and that meant lowering the hemline of skirts and dresses to a more chaste but equally as flattering length. Buy this modern day version for £55/$68 from ASOS.
Puffed sleeves
By widening the shoulder areas, 30’s gals could give the appearance of a trimmer waistline. Today, we are all about celebrating figures of all shapes and sizes, but this look is still one that can flatter everyone. Buy this multicolour floral v-neck puff sleeve crop top for £16.98/$21.18 from Choies.
Beach pajamas
Rebellious ladies started to take on fashions previously reserved for their male counterparts. Beach pyjamas were wide-legged pants attached to loose-fitting tops, and cinched at the waist by a belt. It’s simple to recreate this look with all the gorgeous jumpsuits now available. Fancy trying this chiffon jumpsuit? Grab it for £15.72/$19.61 from TwinkleDeals.
Shoulder pads
Okay, now I know this screams of the 80’s, but this style originated 50 years before that. The idea behind it was to detract the eye from areas you didn’t want them to wander. Bring the eye up and flash those pearly whites to keep their gaze focused on your facial features… or other assets surrounding that area. Buy the modern day version from Lulus for £52.10/$65.
Zippers
The failing economy meant that many factory made items came into vogue, in the 30’s. Zippers replaced buttons, due to their affordability and became a coveted clothing accessory. Grab Boohoo’s version for £20/$24.50.
Textured fabrics
With the rise of factories and the decrease of money able to be spent on aesthetics, rougher-hewn fabrics became the norm. Today, texture doesn’t have to mean course and we can still evoke our 1930’s glam without sacrificing comfort or style. Grab the crochet crop top on the right from Misguided for £22/$27.45.
Full collars
Forget winged eyeliner, the 30’s was all about the fabulous collar. Grab the look in 2017 with this Grrrl Power detachable collar from CollarMePretty for £28.86/$36.
House dresses
Home-made clothing was quite the norm, and dated fashions and worn dresses often got re-made into something new. Enter, the house dress. House dresses were often bright in colour and bold in style, as this was where women could express their creative license. These were traditionally not worn outside of the home, but we say why the heck not? The cut and vividty of this style is fun, flirty and flattering. Buy ASOS’s version for £108/$134.73.
Afternoon dresses
For ladies who lunch. These complimentary garments incorporated many of the above looks into one stylish item. Buy ASOS’s pencil dress with puff sleeve for £29.50/$36.80.
Evening dresses
If you thought the above dresses were smart, wait until you see the sophisticated numbers reserved for only the most special of occasions. These silk or satin dresses flow like water and accentuate curves. Buy the custom made black evening dress on the right from AliExpress for £97.35/$121.44.
Pearls
And lastly, no classy look is complete without pearls. Then, as now, pearls marked the wearer as being at the height of sophistication. Today, however, the look can be recreated with a minimum of expenditure. Buy this faux pearl collar choker for £8/$9.98 from Forever 21.
The Pearl Thief is available from May 4th in the UK and May 2nd in the US.
nice one