Possible skirt for swing dancing?

I've just started dancing Lindy Hop, and it's soo much fun! Plus, I absolutely love the style that goes with it, circa 1930's-50's (here are some ideas: http://www.swingdanceshop.com/vinrep.html ). I found a vintage skirt on sale today, that I thought might be good for nights when I'll go out for proper swing dancing, not just classes, but, I need some help... Does it work at all for me? If so, how can I match it - tights, shoes, tops, hair..?

Full album (password: memfiz): http://s646.photobucket.com/al.....20dancing/

Straight on: http://i646.photobucket.com/al.....CF0048.jpg
Side: http://i646.photobucket.com/al.....CF0050.jpg
Close up: http://i646.photobucket.com/al.....CF0052.jpg
Different white top: http://i646.photobucket.com/al.....CF0053.jpg
Black top: http://i646.photobucket.com/al.....CF0055.jpg

I was thinking maybe something like this could work with it (though I'd like something that's more like a blouse, something I can close): http://www.topshop.com/webapp/.....;langId=-1

Thanks in advance for your honest opinions!

16 years ago

Anonymous

I LOVE watching people do the lindy hop. Isn't it hard to do? It looks hard.
Your new skirt is right on for swinging around. It looks, from the pictures on the website, that puff sleeves work well with the look. I don't know how authenic you want to go with the look.
Sometimes audi uses mesh skirts under her skirts when she want to add length for regular everyday wear. Maybe you could study her style and where she shops for ideas.
http://geekthreads.blogspot.com/
Have fun!

http://www.reddressshoppe.com/
Here is a link to a place for retro classic clothing that you may like. The aformentioned Audi seems to wear some pieces from this store. I love Audi's fun style. She's quite creative.

marianna

Veteran

Very cute skirt. Love the vintage detailing and I think you can wear this skirt as an every day piece too, not just for dancing! I like it best with the white tops. It would look cute with a denim jacket!

I really like the shape of the skirt on your body too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm with the gals. Sweet!

RoseandJoan

As your in London have you tried Poppy Valentine for inspiration, here's a link
http://www.poppyvalentine.com/.....okbook.htm
I think the skirt is adorable and think it would look beautiful with boat neck tops and a wide belt. What shoes will you wear for dancing?

Ele

Active Member

I love that skirt on you, Karin! The shape is different from your usual style but I'm with Marianna here; it's fantastic for your shape! I agree that puffed sleeves would look really cute, and very authentic with the look. As for colours, I think the black is a bit harsh- I'd stick to white, pales or even red here. (Yup, I know pink and red "clash" but I think in this instance a bright, cherry red top could be really cute and fun!)

How are you finding life in London so far?

Louise

Great skirt perfect for dancing x

KarinSwe

Thanks everyone for your great comments! I fell slightly in love with the skirt in the store, but when I saw the pics I got a bit hesitant... so it's great getting such encouragement from all of you!

San - I've just been to one class so far However, I did some boogie woogie a few years ago, which is quite similar, and it's the most fun you can get! If you ever get the opportunity to do a course - please do! I promise you won't regret it! Of course that goes for all of you

Thanks for the link; she does have a really great and creative style! Do you know any specific posts where she does that mesh skirt under other skirts? It sounds interesting, and I'd love to see how it looks, but I haven't found any pics myself!

I'd love to go quite authentic for the proper nights out! I'll keep my eyes open for puff sleeved tops - in white, or possibly red (the spots are actually bright red, so that might work out, thanks Ele for the idea!)! I'll also try some boat necks, thanks RoseandJoan for that idea! However, I've no idea what shoes to wear... I don't think I should buy a proper pair of Lindy Hop shoes just yet ( http://www.swingdanceuk.com/sh....._front.htm ); being a student I'm quite limited financially... But maybe I can find some cheap ballet flats with straps, similar to these: http://i646.photobucket.com/al.....L7141b.jpg (from the swingdanceuk page).

Marianna and Ele - I'd really like to incorporate a bit of vintage style to my look, so I'm thrilled to hear that it could work as an everyday piece as well! And it's great to find out new things that work for my body!

As always, I'm absolutely loving London life! It's actually the fifth time I live here (though most of the previous times have just been for summers), and it's a city I just have to live in. So I'm sooo happy to finally be back! Ooh, I see you live here to, Ele! Did you grow up here, or, how long have you been here? This is great, I'm sure we can exchange a lot of tips about our favourite places, don't you think?

Sorry for the looong post!

rute

Karin!
That's fabulous dacing is such a great way to exercise and have fun!

I think the best option is a white blouse, but not a spaguetti strap one.. the other one you suggest seems too dated, the skirt is fabulous but with a more modern blouse, like

http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....rfnbr=6497

http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-.....;clr=White

Thanks rute! I was also thinking about a white sleeveless blouse; the tops in your links are really cute, I'll keep my eyes open for styles like those!

I thought I'd just sum up a bit what ideas I got from your brilliant comments, since my response post ended up being several miles long..!

I'll be looking for tops with either boat necks, puffy sleeves, or simply wider straps, in colours white or red. If you have any more ideas, I'd love to hear those too!

I'll try and find some cheap ballet flats with straps, similar to these http://i646.photobucket.com/al.....L7141b.jpg, in white, I guess, or do you have any other ideas? Maybe these could be an option: http://www.newlook.co.uk/16998.....tails.aspx?

I can't see the photobucket ones but the red ones are fab x

Thanks Loulou for letting me know - this should be the correct link: http://i646.photobucket.com/al.....L7141b.jpg.

I'll try the red shoes on next time I'm going shopping, and get back to you with pics

Oooo yes those black and white ones are lovely x

I saw these shoes and thought they would look cute
http://www.asos.com/Shellys/Sh.....38;clr=Red

and these sort of have the feel of the shoes you originally posted
http://www.asos.com/Asos/Asos-.....;clr=White

I can't wait to see a whole outfit.

Oh my god, those first ones are soo cute! You don't think there would be too much with dots both on skirt and shoes, if I would have those?

http://geekthreads.blogspot.co.....birth.html
Audi wearing a pleated tulle skirt under her dress to add length. This is a 50's vibe to me.

http://geekthreads.blogspot.co.....cheap.html
Here Audi is wearing a longer dress under a shorter dress to add length.

It is fun to look through her site. Audi is a mater at layering.

Brilliant san, thank you so much! I really like those looks, especially the last one! I'll definitely see if I can find something similar for me... Great idea!

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