Why I Like Thrift Stores - Late 1940s Style Tiered Skirt

A local thrift store was having a half-off-all-clothing sale, so I stopped in to see if I could find anything. I wasn't looking for a particular piece, although I did want to check if they had skirts with elastic in the waist - that being more comfortable at this point than a skirt band, and I don't like sewing with elastic.

I quickly spotted this skirt on the rack and took it home with me, even though I usually don't like tiered skirts and the print was quite...unusual for me, since it was an abstract Mexican style sort of print.

 

Often modern tiered skirts are maxi length, and have a drawstring at the waist - neither of which are flattering on me or period correct. But this one struck me right away as the right length and print for late 1940s, and it was even 100% rayon so that was period correct too!

 

After the fabric rationing of WWII came to an end, skirts quickly became fuller (though not much longer initially) than the war styles, and for a casual outfit peasant blouses and full skirts were very popular. I've seen multiple patterns and photos of women of all ages (though teens particularly favored this trend) in similar outfits: a white blouse, often with embroidery or ruffles and off the shoulder options, and a full skirt with a ruffle at the bottom, or with gathered tiers. 

The one in this photo looks to be all one piece with wide embroidery, but the styling is very similar.

 

So this skirt promptly came home with me, and I tried my own version of a peasant outfit. I dressed it up a bit for church by using a black belt, daisy-covered hat, and small formal bag.

It would have looked great with red or black pumps, but my Miss L Fire heels went so well with the colors and patterning that I had to wear them together.

 

Then to show the picnic-casual side of this style, I swapped out accessories for this photo shoot and went with a brightly embroidered straw clutch, stacked bangles, woven belt, and sunglasses. 

 

The heels work for this kind of outfit as well, although more casual wedges or espadrilles would have also been appropriate, depending on the occasion.

 

Once again, I can accessorize with a surprising range of colors - red, black, straw or beige, white, tan...it's ideal for new combinations with each wearing.

 

The elastic waist is comfortable for my growing belly, too!

 

The blouse I paired with it was one I'd made several years ago from a 1940s pattern. The gathered neck and sleeves and tiny bows are ideal for a simple-casual-dressy style.

 

While I immediately envisioned 1940s with this skirt, I think it could work as a 1950s novelty print skirt as well, worn with a crinoline and a nipped-waist sweater blouse in one of the coordinating colors. I'll have to try that sometime and see if it works! Nothing like era versatility to make things handy.

 

It's always fun to add a vintage style piece to your wardrobe when you don't have to make it yourself and it only costs a few dollars! That's why I love thrift stores - you never know what you'll find when you're looking at modern things through an Officially Filtering Vintage brain. :-)

 

Comments

[Irene]

Very pretty outfit . You have that 1940's look about you in every way. So refreshing compared to most young ladies today. I love your outfit posts, always look forward to reading them.
Congratulations and lots of luck-hope you will blog often after the birth of your precious baby.
What pretty scenery on this post. Was wondering is that your backyard, park? If that is your backyard how wonderful to see that view looking out your window! 🙂🌺
Irene

[Kristen Stoltzfus Clay]

Thank you, Irene!

These pictures were taken in my parents' front yard - so they get to enjoy that view much of the time, and I when I visit them!

[thrift store in Destin, FL]

Wow this blog is awesome. Wish to see this much more like this. Thanks for sharing your information!