Rockabilly Dresses; the dress up game series

The 1940’s and 1950’s are the foundation of inspiration for one of the more fun trends in summer dresses. Retro or “Rockabilly” inspired dresses are a great way to add a bit of glamour into your fashion wardrobe this year.

With cinched waists that define the female hourglass shape, full or pencil tight skirts and the natural tendency to match with a sexy high heel or fun slingback shoe, these styles helped define femininity for over 60 years.

One of the easiest ways to incorporate this look is with a fabulous summer sun dress. A full circle skirt, either with the traditional above the knee length or a more modern take above, lends itself to a night of dancing under the stars. With sleeveless, backless, and strapless styles, they can easily go from the beach to a cocktail party and anything in between. Whether in solid colors, a vintage ditsy print, or the amazingly fun polka dot, colors go from white to bright and graphic.

The bonus is that this is the kind of dress that everyone looks great in. The full skirts can hide a multitude of winter binging sins. The additional waist definition can either show off what you do have, or help define what is not quite there. The bodice details, whether in a sweetheart neckline, or trim, or buttons, or even a chris cross of straps tied up in a bow, bring the eye up to the neckline and face. Plus pairing with a heel of some kind, with the full skirt, demands a sashay kind of walk which is full of both movement and grace. It’s hard not to feel wonderful when you look that good.

If full on vintage swing skirt looks make you feel too much like Halloween, you can still stay on top of the look without a total committement to decades ago. The 1940’s inspired pencil skirt can add an interesting sihouette to a stale office look. In more “office-y” fabrics; natural cottons, summer weights, and solids and plaids, a fitted, higher waisted skirt still demands the cinched waist, giving a great opportunity to show off a very “now” wide belt. Pairing with a cap sleeved blouse or a fitted and belted jacket; you can go from work to dinner with just a retouch of lipstick to freshen your look.

One of the things that is just so creative and fun with Rockabilly inspired dresses; you can take it as mild or as wild as you feel comfortable with.

Dress Up game Series: Intro

The Romantic Dress; dress up game series part 1

The Maxi Dress; dress up game series part 3

Baby Doll Dresses; dress up game series part 4

Tags: Summer, Trend alerts!, Women's Fashion //