Why I Like Thrift Stores - The Houndstooth Sweater-Blouse

(This post was supposed to be finished last week, but due to a crazy busy weekend, it was delayed until today.)

Getting ready for a wedding entails several major shopping trips, where we include visiting some large thrift stores. Some new-to-me clothes made their way home, among them this lovely vintage style feminine sweater, which I spotted on a mannequin as soon as I stepped in the door, and hovered around it until someone could take it off the mannequin for me. My first impression was - ooh, that looks so 1950s!

 

Fitted sweaters in a shorter length, worn without a belt, were very popular in the 1950s, as were allover prints and sweater sets. This one is a classic, with its V neck and hip length, wide ribbing and a giant houndstooth design. Super 1950s style.

 

Here I dressed it up as a go-to-town outfit, but it also could be styled more simply for an everyday or house outfit.

 

It's also more than just a pullover, with the pretty lace detailing at the neck and the use of contrast at neck, hem, and cuffs.

 

I found I have a dearth of skirts to wear it with, so that will need to be a wardrobe upgrade at some point in the future! I wasn't really happy with this pairing (also a thrift store find from years ago), but didn't have much choice.

 

But it does go so well with my newest hat, snagged at an antique store earlier this year. The straw beret is fairly fragile, but I couldn't resist the big black velvet bow.

 

It can be worn at various angles, and I believe would also work to accessorize for the 1930s, though I'm pretty sure it's a late '40s or 1950s hat. 

 

The sweater also I could see as having 1930s potential, if worn with a longer bias-cut skirt, ruffles at the throat, and a belt. That's the fun thing about simple pieces like this - they can cross decades of fashion. (Obviously, since this is a modern sweater! :-)

I will enjoy wearing it this fall, and finding new ways to style it. Light sweaters with short sleeves are a favorite of mine when the air starts to turn, but it's still warm during the days. Especially for everyday, since as I've mentioned before, sweaters are fitted and vintage appropriate, but without movement restriction or the need to be pressed before wearing.

 

So I consider this one as a wonderful addition to my autumn wardrobe, and am so glad I spotted it at the thrift store! 

Comments

[thrift shop in Destin, FL]

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