A Cozy Winter Outfit Idea

A Cozy Winter Outfit Idea

ava gardner in winter suit 1940

It has been a long time since I was last excited by the thought of an impending winter. Over the last few years I have been travelling through the most of those months and have missed out on those deep grey and rainy days.

Since being in Philly and getting a rough idea of what winter is like here (to say nothing of Chicago), I feel for you my American readers. The early spring days were cold enough for me, colder even than most of the Melbourne winters I’ve ever seen. The stories of snow so thick you have to stay indoors for days, that towns almost shut down as people struggle to go about their business. Rugged up in my thick winter puffer coat, furry collar and gloves, I was still so chilled by the wind that it gave me a headache. Putting winter into perspective has given me a whole new wave of inspiration and, as I think about all the lovely things I have in storage, I’ve started planning what I’d like to wear in these coming months.

With only a few days before I’m back on a plane to Australia, my friends at home tell me I had better be prepared for the cold grey days. And I remember, that being prepared, having a plan for go to outfits on those “freezing” days when you simply don’t want to get dressed, is the best way to get through those grey days with a smile on my face.

Oddly, I find that each season has a certain era to it in my mind. Spring and Summer are all 1950’s and 60’s, Autumn is more 1930’s, and Winter seems very 1940’s to me. I imagine that this is because there are certain iconic pieces from each era that work so well for those seasons. The 50s floral day dresses and 60s shifts, 1930s wide leg pants and jaunty knit tops, and those stunning 1940s waisted suits.

While I love, and have quite a collection of those suits, they really aren’t the most comfortable or practical option for someone who spends most of their time working from home. I also draw a very big line at working in my pyjamas or anything resembling a tracksuit, yet the appeal of soft warmth on those days is quite intoxicating. It has given me an idea.

What if, just maybe, I could find a way to work some nifty pants in a soft, track pant like fabric (gasp!) into my 30s and 40s inspired wardrobe?

I have so many patterns, I have my sewing machines and I have a very creative way of piecing things together. Why not? I know I won’t wear leggings or yoga pant styles, and as much as I loved jodhpurs, my hips don’t. What if I can find just the right kind of fabric in navy, black and chocolate brown, then perhaps I may be able to make something so versatile and comfortable it could be the vintage lovers alternative to the jegging?

Perhaps I have gone completely mad, but my instincts tell me I may be onto something.

So I’ve been poking around to find the right inspiration for patterns and ensembles. Looks that are appropriately polished enough, yet will still work with these sort of stealth slacks.

1940s-pants-winter

Of course the success to this idea (other than the construction) will be all in how they are styled. Here’s what I’m imagining.

winter outfit ideas vintage

Toasty chocolates and camel wools. Tan leathers and knitted berets, all ready for adventure.

winter outfit ideas vintage

Rich berries, tone on tone with soft and cozy wide leg pants. A belted vintage blazer with a strong shoulder line to dress it up.

Winter outfit ideas vintage

A simple boucle knit with the same wide leg pants makes lounging around a pleasure. Add a fabulous cape, turban and these incredible gloves to head out for a spectacular evening.

I’d love to hear from my fellow sewers as to what you think of this idea. I’ve worked in all kinds of fabric, including fleece for blankets, but I’ve never tried to create something more structured from this fabric. Have you done anything like this? Have I gone completely mad?

Daily Outfit – Western Wear

Daily Outfit – Western Wear

I am well and truly back in the saddle with this week’s outfit. Two of my favourite Las Vegas purchases have found yet another way to be worn.

Whenever I go to Las Vegas (not that it is every year, it’s a long trip!) I always head to Boot Barn on the outside end of the strip. It is nothing like anything I’ve seen here in Australia and has the ability to make me come over all crazy cowgirl, even though I don’t ride. I adore vintage western wear but it isn’t easy to work the more full on ensembles into an everyday suburbanite lifestyle, so this is my modern take on a look I love.

If you wear cowboy boots you’ll know just how heavy they are, so buying these at the beginning of my last trip was quite a commitment. Not only did it mean I had to wear them every time I had to catch another flight, it also meant I had to take them off at every airport security check! I had to carry a wooden boot remover in my handbag so I could get them off in a hurry in those nasty queues. Trying to wear the boots, the shirt, a hat (so it didn’t get squished) and still look like myself was quite the challenge; until I decided to pair them up with a dress like this. Hence, a new favourite western look was born.

Outfit Details

Rose embroidered western shirt – Scully

Red & white “bubble” dress – Savers find

Fancy embroidered and Swarovski boots – Boot Barn (a splurge at the sale price of $399)

Vintage horse shoe necklace – Etsy

Diamonte and gold horse shoe earrings – Lovissa

Lip Colour – MAC Russian Red

Red velveteen hair flower –  Bexterity

Do you have a secret fashion style you love but just can’t seem to work into your daily looks?

Spill and maybe we can all help each other!