Keeping warm whilst channelling some vintage chic can be really difficult. Swing dresses and big boots do not a good combination make and it can be hard to make your usual wardrobe staples work in these freezing temperatures. Here are some of my tips for keeping out the cold whilst still looking vintage fabulous.
Remember your shapes.
The easiest way to keep channelling 1940s/50's style is to ensure you maintain the right silhouette. A nipped in waist, slightly broad shoulders and some classic detailing can ensure your outdoor coat or jacket still works some old school chic This pre loved tweed jacket from Etsy is a great example of this.
 |
| A tweed jacket works brilliantly with a circle skirt |
I have a similar jacket from Monsoon and its perfect with a swing dress or a pair of wide leg trousers.
 |
| Remembering your vintage shapes |
Make like A Land Girl
When the wind is whipping around your ankles sometimes even tights are not warm enough. You need to wear trousers and some fairly sensible shoes. This is where my "Dig for victory" look comes into play. I wear wide leg trousers, twin set cardigans and put my hair in a snood. its an easy 1940's look which ensures I'm warm and dry.
 |
| One of my many tea dresses which I wear over wide leg trousers |
I also love to wear a tea dress over wide legged trousers. There are some lovely dresses available at places like Laura Ashley and Cath Kidston although I got my latest one from ebay for a fiver.
 |
| Cath Kidston do a great line in wrap over frocks |
This "Ahoy" cardigan from Collectif is also a great example of this style. its functional with a lovely rockabilly vibe.
 |
| Winter warmth wrapped up in vintage chic |
Forget kitten heals and Ballet pumps-Its all about the Brothel Creeper
For winter shoes I'm a huge fan of TUKs. Their brothel creeper style work brilliantly with both wide leg trousers and swing dresses so mean I can stick leggings underneath my more summery dresses and still wear them throughout winter.
 |
| creep creep |
Even Jessie J has been getting into TUKs and wears a pair in her latest video.
Use Frank Spencer as your role model
I absolutely love a beret. They are fantastic for keeping your head warm and always make me feel quite Lauren Bacallesque.
 |
| Keeping my head warm with a raspberry beret |
In fact accessories are a brilliant way to give your winter layers a little fifties styling. Throw in some leopard print gloves or a fake fur scarf and even the plainest black winter coat suddenly looks so much more individual. Ive got a fab hot pink leopard print scarf by John Rocha and I wear it to death. Even with my old specials hoodie on the school run.
 |
| Adding some pink leopard into the mix |
Winter vintage style is all about taking bits and pieces of inspiration and working them into your everyday look. Here are some of my go to looks.
 |
| Katherine Hepburn with her wide leg trousers |
 | ||||
Lauren Bacall's Beret
|
How are you finding this cold spell is effecting your style? Any ideas or tips you care to share?
All content (text, photos and other) are the property of Betty Bee unless otherwise stated. Please refrain from copying any material without recognition of the author and a link to the source on this blog.
%2Bsmall.jpg)
