https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 08:41:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1332985 Sun, 17 Aug 2014 01:45:47 +0000 E 1332985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Laurie! How interesting to think about how colours affect an outfit's easiness/effortless level. I can see that!&nbsp;I really appreciate it &amp; I'm glad I don't like contrived/costume-y. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1332693 Sat, 16 Aug 2014 19:13:43 +0000 Laurie 1332693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look lovely.&nbsp; Love the 40's style, always have, but you make it look fresh and relaxed.&nbsp; You have a knack for making your outifts look effortless and not at all contrived.&nbsp; And I think the more muted colors add an "easiness" to your style IYKWIM.&nbsp; You look approachable and confident in yourself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1332629 Sat, 16 Aug 2014 17:40:31 +0000 E 1332629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Beth Ann: I should keep that jacket mantra in my head! And leave the length to my coats. These sandals are the only light coloured warm weather shoes I have, and I so wish they were up for a couple miles of walking (vs being very comfy for errands but not serious walking), as warm weather, hair-bookending, walking&nbsp;shoes is a huge wardrobe hole of mine. I was looking around at some beige/tan-ish options to fill it, but I can't find something that's sturdy enough and matches my value system and isn't suede. Sigh.</p> <p>Thanks Alana! Sadly, I can't watch the other episodes until they come out on DVD, as I don't have the premium subscription. But the first episode definitely made me want to give some more a go when I can: they're filming on location in Scotland &amp; it's just so beautiful. (And my mom is a huge fan of the books, especially the first ones, so I gave her a summary of the episode &amp; she said it matches quite closely with the book. Except Claire's eyes are blue in the show &amp; apparently they were whisky brown in the books &amp; they added some explicit scenes between Claire &amp; her husband that weren't detailed in the books. lol) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1332596 Sat, 16 Aug 2014 16:45:39 +0000 Alana in Canada 1332596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seems like you have this one sorted out. I just wanted to applaud you for trying something new. So much fun. And thanks for reminding me about the outlander series. I want to see that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1332480 Sat, 16 Aug 2014 13:58:40 +0000 Beth Ann 1332480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so behind with fab forum posts!&nbsp; Love the delicate openwork on the top, and a flared long skirt with <i>pockets</i> should be prized!&nbsp; I agree that the second jacket is better.&nbsp; I think you do really well with shorter, fitted jackets in general, and the muted color is feminine, but not childish.</p> <p>The shoes may have been an offhanded choice, but the warm tone bookends your hair nicely! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1332052 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 21:47:39 +0000 E 1332052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks RachyLou!</p> <p>Angie, you are very right about the long&nbsp;jacket. It's already in the holding zone, but now it'll go straight into the trunk for the next time I pop by Goodwill. Thanks for the gentle push &amp; the encouragement about the other pieces! And the compliment to my decor!&nbsp;:)</p> <p>Thank you Alasse! I know the skirt isn't fitted comparatively, but I felt more exposed than usual without bunches of fabric gathered around my waist.&nbsp;Which is weird, because I happily wear body con skinnies. lol It's fun to envision my next stage, because as much as I enjoy being very quirky now, I do realise that there will come a time when I'll want to mature my look.</p> <p>Thanks JAileen! I love the idea of delicate clothes: I always felt I had very broad/manly features compared to my mom &amp; sister (who have stereotypical cheerleader looks), so that made me smile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1332043 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 21:40:04 +0000 JAileen 1332043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous blouse. I like the second jacket better. The length is better. I also like the color. It seems a little more delicate, which I thinks matches you better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1332037 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 21:32:20 +0000 Alassë 1332037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! Another E post. I'm sorry you weren't feeling well, though. What a treat this one was - I see the 40s inspiration, and how it could be grown-up storybook E style. I think it suits you very well. Skirt's a keeper; its length looks retro/elegant; the navy jacket is too long with skirt; the shorter topper is very nicely retro with it; and the skirt doesn't look that fitted compared to a pencil. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1332015 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 21:13:39 +0000 Angie 1332015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#1 is pefectly&nbsp;great, E.</p> <p>I don't think the long jacket is a good&nbsp;fit, nor does to look "right" tied at the back like that. Perhaps it needs to be passed on. What do you think? The short jacket is a billion times better and looks killer on you.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am particularly enamored by how your style complements your home decor. It's a very fun match. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331972 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 20:23:56 +0000 rachylou 1331972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Svelte! Very pretty! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331924 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 18:48:58 +0000 E 1331924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marin, that’s a good point about the Danskos edging it into very 70s territory! I just mentioned them as they’re my only warm weather heels, and I wasn’t sure if people thought heels would work better with the hemline. And yes, the pockets are what saved it from being donated last year, hehe. Unfortunately, all the very cropped sweaters/shrugs I can across have short or 3/4 length sleeves. :/ Oh well: at least I can go topper free indoors!<div><br /></div><div>Aubergine, girly &amp; sturdy are two of my favourite combinations! Thanks for the feedback.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for coming back Tanya &amp; I’m glad to know the second jacket works better!</div><div><br /></div><div>RB, thank you for the feedback! I have a pair of grey oxfords that I’m sure would be fun with this. I wasn’t sure if the lighter colour of the cropped jacket would make for too much lightness, so I’m glad you think it goes well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks MG! I wanted to do a chignon, but my arms weren’t impressed with my attempt to hold the roll in place long enough to bobby pin. I did wrap a scrap of lace edging around the ponytail to echo the blouse from behind &amp; make it a bit fancier at least. I’m going to have to figure out how to get the front softness/face framing bits of the chignon updo with a ponytail instead for those days. Time for some Youtube tutorials I think!</div><div><br /></div><div>It’s definitely a loose nod to the 1940s; maybe it was just to Claire’s wardrobe in the episode &amp; it wasn’t historically accurate? She wore a lot of waist defining stuff &amp; skirts that weren’t pencil but weren’t New Look either (war rationing you know), with below the knee hems.</div><div><br /></div><div>Suz, thank you so much: those are such lovely adjectives! The jacket is actually a medium blue, not navy, and after all of the comments I put it in my holding zone. But now I’ll try it with trousers &amp; see what the forum thinks about that. I find jacket/skirt combinations so tricky; in fact, until the forum began encouraging me last fall, I almost never wore them.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Shevia! I suppose I could just put on my giant sun hat that probably provides enough shade to protect my arms too, hehe. Luckily, most of what I did was indoors, so I could go bare armed much of the time. And have I thanked you for giving me the word storybook? That was a huge break through for me!</div><div><br /></div><div>I really appreciate everyone leaving such helpful &amp; specific feedback! Now I’ll share my own feelings: I felt really good in the top/skirt combo. It seemed more elegant &amp; grown up than my usual look, but still had enough details to be true to my style. And the blouse felt so summer-y! I can imagine growing into similar daily looks over the next decade. This was a surprise, as last year every time I tried to style this skirt, I ended up taking it back off! I suppose we all undergo little style shifts over time. I didn’t care for the jacket on top, although I couldn’t have put my finger on the problem before reading everyone’s comments. I just know I kept pulling it off as soon as I was out of the sun &amp; then feeling better again. I would definitely repeat this outfit.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331625 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 12:48:41 +0000 Jaime 1331625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The top is beautiful on you. I agree the shorter jacket is better with this but I love it best without a jacket at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331619 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 12:41:32 +0000 Suz 1331619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so pretty. I love the skirt/ blouse combination on you. You look so slender, elegant, and fresh. It does read a bit 40s to me. I agree with the others that the shorter jacket works better with it proportionately. But the navy jacket is great for with trousers.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331603 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 12:19:14 +0000 MuseumGal 1331603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure this looks terribly 40s, but I love the softness and elegance of it.&nbsp; I think the shoes are fine.&nbsp; The blouse is lovely.&nbsp; Your pony looks good, at least from the front.&nbsp; A low chignon would really add to the look, once your arms are cooperating.&nbsp; Maybe a softer cardigan would be a better coverup than a structured jacket?&nbsp; Worth a try.&nbsp; Neither jacket looks bad, but neither looks just right, either (to my eye anyway).&nbsp; I don't think this needs jewelry, except maybe some pearl drop earrings, or something like that.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331457 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 04:43:56 +0000 RB 1331457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like it both without the jacket and with the shorter jacket, the length is better, the style, to me reads more 1940's, but I like that the jacket pockets are subtly whimsical so keep it light,&nbsp;and in the photos the&nbsp;colour of the jacket doesn't compete with the skirt so much.</p> <p>I like the flats and agree with Marin about the Dansko's. Another shoe option as you move into fall might be a brogue or oxford.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331445 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 04:21:23 +0000 Tanya 1331445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I like it with the second jacket so much better, if you need a jacket.&nbsp; The shorter length showcases your tiny waist.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331443 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 04:18:20 +0000 Anonymous 1331443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the blouse and skirt together. The outfit feels refined and&nbsp;ladylike, but also has a little sturdy practicality to it. Which seems like a very '40s mix, actually.</p> <p>Like the navy jacket, but it does like like it might be a little big in the side view, and agree that it may be a little long for the outfit. The shorter jacket looks great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331430 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:59:56 +0000 Anonymous 1331430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, so pretty. You had me with skirt with pockets, such a rare gem. I love it paired with the lace top. I can see how it is a bit of a departure from your usual silhouette but it seems like it would work well with a lot of your tops. </p> <p>I like the flats. I think it keeps the outfit from looking more 70's, which I think the Dansko's may do. The delicacy of the blouse also helps tie in the more delicate shoe in my mind.</p> <p>I like without the jacket best but in a effort to keep the sun off you the short jacket looks good. A small, cropped sweater/shrug/capelet/something interesting may also work. Hmmm, I kind of feel like I am trying to connivence you that you can make this skirt work all because of those pockets ;). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331369 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:12:47 +0000 E 1331369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, thanks so much! Luckily, I have a big closet, so unless it's footwear (which is very limited for me), chances are I have something along those lines. I honestly hadn't thought about the jacket length, so I just quickly tried it with the shortest warm weather topper I have. Let me know if that's too short or works well!</p> <p>Thank you Diana! I wasn't sure about the shoulder bits when I got the blouse, so I'm glad to hear that they work. And that the flats look good too. :)</p> <p>Thank you Columbine. I agree this is less gamine, but as long as it's got whimsical details, I think I still feel psychologically comfortable in it. It's funny, I didn't realise before the forum how important whimsy was for my style: it seems so obvious now! I'd only wear a jacket when I'm outside or in the car: the sun here is quite intense, with UV levels 10+ for several hours around midday, so sadly I need the long sleeves to protect my arms. I agree that it's a shame to cover up the blouse details: if only the sun would go away for awhile. ;)</p> <p>Hi Sweet Pea: welcome to the forum &amp; thanks for taking the time to comment! I have a couple delicate necklaces; I'll try them next time I wear the blouse. And I added another, more streamlined jacket option, in case it works better. Jackets and I are still getting to know each other, so I appreciate the specific suggestions! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331367 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:11:51 +0000 columbine(erin) 1331367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like both the color and the length of the second jacket better with this skirt, if you need a topper. The skirt and top are pleasing on their own. A lot if the detail of the top is covered by the jacket of course. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331361 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:03:42 +0000 sweet pea 1331361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm new and inexperienced, so I don't know all the ins and outs of this. &nbsp;However, I love the shirt, and I think it would look cute with a delicate necklace - maybe a little chain with&nbsp;something similar to a locket or cameo. &nbsp;I also think the skirt is proportioned pretty well. &nbsp;If this is a slimmer cut for you, I think it works. &nbsp;However, I don't think the jacket is right for the skirt. &nbsp;I think something shorter would be better, also with less going on in the back. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331355 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:00:19 +0000 columbine(erin) 1331355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure about the jacket, but I liked the proportions of the longer and less full skirt and the delicate top tucked in. Maybe it's not as gamine as some of the boxy looks you do. But the details and muted colors are whimsical. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331354 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 03:00:15 +0000 Diana 1331354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, this is lovely and very elegant.&nbsp; I do prefer it sans jacket - I think the extended shoulder shape of the blouse really works well with the longer, streamlined skirt shape.&nbsp; And I like it with the flats - they go very well with the refined, easy elegance of the outfit.&nbsp; The platform sandals would work well too, but it would be more of a juxtaposition kind of look.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331346 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 02:56:47 +0000 Tanya 1331346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love, love, love that skirt!&nbsp; And the top too!&nbsp; They look lovely together.</p> <p>If you want to nitpick, I would suggest that a shorter jacket would work better with a skirt shape, but I guess you probably knew that already.&nbsp; In general I am hesitant to post such suggestions because often when I put together some outfit, I know it it would be better if a certain piece was of a different shape/color etc., but I do not happen to own such a piece.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-1940s-inspired#post-1331337 Fri, 15 Aug 2014 02:48:37 +0000 E 1331337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Emily's <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classic-white-brown-on-outlander">post</a> made me run over and watch the first Outlander episode (available for free online in the US <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.starzplay.com">here</a>), which as she said is full of lovely post-WWII style.</p> <p>After watching the episode, I felt like putting together a 1940-ish ensemble, so today I defied the 100+/40 degree heat and reached for a fitted skirt. This one is the least full of my skirts (and actually up for debate as to whether or not it deserves a place in my closet, although the giant patch pockets endear it to me), which seemed better for the 40s (I think it was actually homemade in the 70s). I knew I'd need to keep the top sleeveless &amp; breezy to keep myself comfortable inside, and this lacey cream blouse, with pintucks for good measure, seemed a good option. My hair needed to be off my neck, but I'm still not up for anything fancy, so I just pulled it into a low ponytail. I actually wanted feedback about whether the ponytail looked alright, but it doesn't show in the pics! Oh well. Usually I'd add some accessories, but I worried anything would compete with the blouse's delicacy, so I left it simple. I also couldn't add a belt because the skirt has ties in the back.</p> <p>To be honest, I suddenly realised I was running late and needed to get out the door, so I wore these shoes because they're the only slip on summer shoes I have &amp; they were next to the door&nbsp;&amp; I was in a rush. I do also have my Dansko cognac chunky heeled sandals, if this longer hemline requires a shoe boost. I've thought about raising the hem a bit, but I think then the giant pockets would look wonky.</p> <p>For sun protection while driving, I opted for a blue jacket after admiring Claire's so much. Mine is lightweight cotton, more suited to my climate as I (sadly) don't live in Scotland,&nbsp;and another piece that I'm considering culling, although I love the colour &amp; shape,&nbsp;because I suspect&nbsp;it's just too big. Inside (I wore this to my book club meeting), I stuck with just the blouse &amp; skirt, because I thought the bare arms really helped the proportions. And I went for a walk close to sunset so that I wouldn't need the jacket, as I'm sure I would have overheated in a fitted skirt &amp; any extra layers!</p> <p>In light of IronKurtin's <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/honest-feedback">post</a>, I'm deliberately trying to be silent about how I felt in&nbsp;the outfit &amp; present it more neutrally&nbsp;so that people feel comfortable giving negative as well as positive feedback. As I said, both the skirt &amp; jacket are up for debate already, and this is a slightly different silhouette than I'd usually wear (longer hemline, less full skirt) and&nbsp;all feedback is welcome (I did just eat a lovely Tex-Mex dinner with fro-yo for dessert, which the bias cut of the skirt is kindly highlighting for you guys, lol). Feel free to dissect/criticise/nitpick to your heart's content: I have a tough skin &amp; just enjoy talking about style &amp; clothes, so it's easy for me to separate myself/my body&nbsp;from possible problems in the outfit. Of course, if you like it, that's good too!</p> <p>And after writing possibly the longest disclaimer ever, I'll shush for awhile. After people have left comments, I'll let you know how I felt in it! For newbie members, my guiding style mantra is 'storybook gamine.' </p> <p>ETA: Oh, see I hadn't thought about the length of the jacket as being the issue. Here it is in quick webcam pics with the shortest jacket in the my closet: is that better? Or should I aim for something in between? And thanks for the quick feedback. :)</p>