Vintage Wearers Speak: When you first started wearing vintage, what was one thing that encouraged you to continue?

Photo courtesy of Nora Finds

This post is part of the "Vintage Wearers Speak" series. Read more about the series and find the other posts here.

Q: When you first started wearing vintage, what was one thing that encouraged you to continue?

Vintage Wearers Speak: Introduction

I'm excited to share this eight-part series with all of you! I've been planning it since last fall, and so many of you have contributed and shared your insight. 

One of the things I love about the vintage community is that we're a motley crew tied together only by a love of old fashion. Literally everything else about us is totally variable, even the reasons why we wear old fashion. I've enjoyed getting to know many of you and to learn the complexities of vintage wearers and their lives, and I hope this post series showcases this diversity a bit more.

Reproducing 1940s Navy Dungarees

Last summer I attended my first WWII reenactment, and while I was there I got to try on these original 1940s US Navy dungarees that Emily of Emily's Vintage Visions brought to the event. Surprisingly, they fit me perfectly! They must have been owned by a very tiny, Depression-diet man back in the day as the hips and even the length fit me, a 5' tall woman. 

Early 40s Valentine's House Dress

Today you're seeing something rare in my wardrobe: the color pink and puff sleeves.  But I like it and it's Valentine's Day appropriate!

Navy Suit & New Sweater

You may notice a pattern in my pictures for my last few posts and the next few: taupe siding and wooden fences.  Well... That's because it's frigid here and I'm venturing only just outside my apartment for photos then hurrying back inside to warmth. Both of these backgrounds happen to be around my building, haha!

So today... taupe siding and my outfit of the day! I recently started working in an office again, so I've been bringing out my nicer day wear again.  My absolute favorite piece in my closet now is this 1940s navy blue suit.  Since I've bulked up a bit, it actually fits better now, which was a very pleasant surprise amidst the rest of my wardrobe suddenly becoming too small. 

1930s Cynthia Sweater

Sweaters are just the best, aren't they?  They're comfortable, they're size-forgiving, they can be dressed up or down.  Solid ones, like the one I just finished, are fantastic wardrobe basics that go brilliantly with patterned bottoms, suits, etc.  After my eagle sweater and striped sweater, I figured it was time to make something more versatile.