The most beautiful vintage looks for summer
Summer is the perfect time to delve into the fashion archives and be inspired by the glamorous and playful styles of decades past. From the breezy flapper dresses of the 20s to the colorful and experimental outfits of the 70s, each era brings its own unique charm and energy. In this blog post I will take you on a fashion journey through the decades and show you how you can wear the look of bygone times perfectly in summer. Let yourself be enchanted by the timeless elegance of fashion from the 20s to 70s.
Back to the 20s with a flapper dress & cloche hat
Outfit Details:
Dress: Marlenes Töchter
Hat: c/o Namico Hatdesign
Handbag: c/o Nadja-Christner
Ballet flats: Buffalo, similar via Amazon*
From a fashion perspective, the 1920s are a really exciting decade. Women freed themselves from tight corsets and long hair. They held jobs that required more comfortable clothing and wore makeup that was previously only worn by actresses, dancers and prostitutes. And somehow, even today, the clothing of the 1920s still seems wonderfully fresh, light and even a little modern. Straight cuts, cloche hats and silk stockings characterize women’s fashion at this time.
I think my dark blue summer dress is particularly beautiful. Although it is strongly reminiscent of the 20s, it is so timeless that you can still wear it wonderfully today. Add a cloche hat and flat shoes – and I’m perfectly dressed for visiting a café, strolling through the market or simply meeting friends.
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A sporty 30s Look
Outfit Details:
Top: similar via Amazon*
Skirt: similar e.g. via TopVintage*
Earrings: Glitter Paradise via Etsy*
Shoes: similar e.g. via TopVintage*
Headband: e.g. via Amazon*
Sunglasses: similar e.g. via TopVintage*
In the 1930s, sport became increasingly important among women in the Western world. The modern woman of the time practiced sports such as gymnastics, swimming, sailing, horse riding, playing golf, skiing, hiking and, towards the end of the decade, increasingly cycling. What began in the 1920s with the first comfortable leisure and sports outfits for women continued in the 1930s. No matter what leisure outfit it was, the important thing was that it was chic, comfortable and, of course, easy to care for. The clothing had to fit well, offer sufficient freedom of movement and be easy to wash.
A 1930s sports outfit looks so elegant today that it is also wonderful for everyday wear. I go for a combination of a wide and very light skirt with a comfortable striped top. This is wonderful for a wide variety of leisure activities in the summer. If you think that an outfit like this isn’t suitable for more active sports, you’re wrong. Because what offers more freedom of movement than an airy skirt? In any case, I was able to play badminton in it really well. By the way, I wear a hairband and light-colored sneakers – so I can even manage jumps without any problems. The same outfit combined with red ballerinas also looks wonderful at a picnic with friends!
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A 40s look with a comfortable wrap dress
Outfit Details:
Dress: c/o The Seamstress of Bloomsbury via Etsy*
Sunglasses: Dolce & Gabbana, similar e.g. via Mytheresa*
Shoes: Miss L-Fire, similar e.g. via TopVintage*
While in the 1940s most young men were at the front, caring for those at home was in the hands of women. So it’s no wonder that many women worked during the Second World War. This is also reflected in the fashion of this decade. It was primarily practical and reduced. Despite all odds, women in the 1940s dressed elegantly and neatly. Fabrics were subject to strict rationing during the war years and were used very sparingly, which is why you won’t find full skirts, especially in the first half of this decade. On the other hand, a slight A-line and body-hugging cuts were popular. The waist and shoulders were emphasized. As a result, many dresses from this period feature both matching belts and puffed sleeves. Even zippers, which were popular in the 1930s, were not spared from rationing, so buttons came back into fashion in the 1940s.
Wrap dresses with a 40s look are also a wonderful choice! The airy, elegant cut is of course ideal for warm temperatures. Plus, you can just wrap them a little wider if the gelato was just too tasty. 😉 Add a few cool retro accessories and you’re perfectly dressed.
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A classic 50s summer look
Outfit Details:
Skirt: c/o TopVintage*
Cardigan: c/o TopVintage*
Limoncello Handbag: c/o TopVintage*
Earrings: c/o TopVintage*
Shoes: c/o TopVintage*
Hairpiece: via Amazon*
Belt: Vintage, similar e.g. via Amazon*
Sunglasses: similar e.g. via Amazon*
The post-war period heralded an economic upswing in the 1950s and even the stagnating fashion industry sensed better times again, despite ongoing rationing. Even though Europe was still scarred by war, people were looking forward. Many people, it seems, longed for beauty and glamor. While during the Second World War a large proportion of women were employed, this trend has now declined again. Fashion is becoming more feminine and pompous again. Nobody shaped the style of the 1950s as much as Christian Dior with his New Look. Round, padless shoulders, narrow waists, wide, swinging midi-length skirts and lavish amounts of fabric – the New Look polarized and, in addition to boundless enthusiasm from some women, even triggered demonstrations.
The 50s were also the decade of sex symbols. In addition to Marilyn Monroe, there was, for example, the Frenchwoman Brigitte Bardot. The latter made the gingham pattern really en vogue again in the 1950s. That’s why the dresses with the classic small check still remind us of vacation in St. Tropez. Skirts with a red and white gingham pattern promise pure summer mood. Whether for a picnic or a visit to a café, you are always well dressed with a red and white checked retro skirt in midi length. White tops and cardigans, cool cat-eye sunglasses, flat shoes and accessories such as a wide waist belt go very well with the look.
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A cheerful, cheeky 60s outfit for summer
Outfit Details:
Mini dress: similar e.g. via TopVintage*
Handbag: Vintage, similar e.g. via TopVintage*
Shoes: old, similar e.g. via TopVintage*
Earrings: Glitter Paradise via Etsy*
The 1960s were a decade of change and revolution – also in fashion. This era marked the coming up of a new, modern time, characterized by youth culture, social upheaval and technological advances. At the beginning of the 60s, the elegant and conservative style of the 50s still dominated, but young people soon brought their own, bolder aesthetic to the streets.
The youth shaped the look with simple, geometric cuts, short miniskirts and striking colors. Icons like Twiggy and Brigitte Bardot became style role models and had a significant influence on fashion. At the same time, the hippie movement emerged in the late 1960s, with long, flowing dresses, batik patterns and ethnic elements.
Materials such as PVC became popular, highlighting the futuristic aspect of the time. Accessories such as knee-high boots, large sunglasses and psychedelic patterns complemented the outfits. The fashion of the 1960s was not only an expression of individuality and rebellion, but also a reflection of the social changes and innovations of this exciting decade.
Graphic wallpaper patterns are typical of the 60s and also look wonderful on the mini dresses that were so typical of the time. I like to wear white summer gloves, patent leather pumps and color-coordinated earrings with my yellow summer dress – and you have a summery, cheerful 60s look. A wonderful outfit for outdoor birthday parties, festivals or just casual activities.
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Relaxed maxi dresses in a cool 70s look
Outfit Details:
Maxi dress: via TopVintage* (in other colors available)
Basket bag: Vintage, similar via Etsy*
Shoes: similar e.g. via TopVintage*
Earrings: Glitter Paradise via Etsy*
Fashion in the 1970s was characterized by a dynamic mix of individuality, experimentation and cultural change, such as the peace movements. This decade produced a variety of styles ranging from hippie and boho chic to disco glamour. The hippie movement relied on natural materials, flowing silhouettes and colorful patterns – maxi dresses, flared trousers and fringed vests are just a few examples. At the same time, the disco era reflected the glittering side of the 70s: tight jumpsuits, platform shoes and shiny fabrics dominated the dance floors. Accessories such as wide belts, large sunglasses and eye-catching jewelry finish the looks. 70s fashion was a celebration of freedom and self-expression that continues to inspire and fascinate today.
Especially in summer I find the colorful summer dresses in maxi length with cool patterns particularly suitable. The warmest of all seasons is just around the corner and what’s better than light, long dresses that simply flutter wonderfully in the wind?
Colorful summer dresses in the 70s style immediately put you in a good mood and are simply perfect for hot days. Whether on vacation, at a garden party or for dinner on a warm summer evening – you always look great in them. Elegant models are even suitable for wedding guests!
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