My Style: 1940s Black Swing Dress

August 22, 2024

My Style: 1940s Black Swing Dress

I was headed out last night to an advance screening of Netflix up and coming movie, The Deliverance starring Andra Day. It was such a good movie and lots of local celebs came out! I pulled out this black swing dress to wear since it was a beautiful day in the city! I wanted to keep it simple and not do too much! I kept it cutesy, demure and chic lol. I do wear a lot of vintage-style outfits and wanted to share with you all how to style up a vintage look!

Styling a vintage 1940s swing dress can be a lot of fun and offers a great opportunity to channel classic Hollywood glamour or mid-century chic. Here are some tips to help you pull off the look:

Accessories

Jewelry: Opt for classic pieces like pearls, rhinestones, or vintage brooches. Delicate necklaces, stud earrings, and art deco rings work well. A statement brooch or a pair of drop earrings can also add a touch of elegance.
Shoes: Go for classic pumps or Mary Jane heels. Choose shoes with a rounded toe and a modest heel height. For a more casual look, you could wear ballet flats with a slight heel.
Bag: A small, structured handbag or clutch in a matching or complementary color will add a touch of sophistication. Look for bags with vintage-inspired details like gold clasps or intricate patterns.
Hats: Vintage hats can be a great addition. Consider a beret, a small pillbox hat, or a wide-brimmed hat. For a classic touch, a cloche hat is very period-appropriate.
Gloves: Adding a pair of gloves can elevate the outfit. Opt for short gloves in matching or complementary colors.

Hair and Makeup

Hair: Classic 1940s hairstyles include victory rolls, pin curls, and soft waves. You can also go for a polished updo or a stylish headband. Use hairspray to keep everything in place and give your hair that vintage shine.
Makeup: Emphasize bold brows, red lips, and winged eyeliner. A little bit of rouge on the cheeks can also give you that vintage glow. The key is to focus on a polished, glamorous look.

Outerwear

Coats and Jackets: For cooler weather, consider a vintage-inspired coat or a tailored jacket. Look for pieces with structured shoulders and classic lines.
Shawls and Capes: A well-chosen shawl or cape can add both warmth and a touch of elegance to your outfit.

Additional Tips

Fit and Fabric: Ensure the dress fits well at the waist and flows beautifully. Fabrics like wool, cotton, and silk were popular in the 1940s, so choose materials that reflect the period.
Pattern and Color: Floral prints, polka dots, and classic colors like navy, burgundy, and emerald green are great choices for vintage swing dresses.
Layering: If your swing dress is sleeveless, consider layering with a fitted blouse or a lightweight sweater underneath for added warmth and style.

By focusing on these details, you’ll be able to create a look that’s authentically vintage while still feeling fresh and stylish!

This sweet swing dress is crafted in a lightweight, solid black textured crepe. Outfitted with fluttering short butterfly sleeves, a self tie back bow, a back zipper, and side pockets. I’m wearing a size large here. I found it to be very comfortable and plenty of people loved it! The pockets were an extra bonus too lol! See more photos and where to find inside…