Most women will remember their grandma’s only as older women. They think of them with grey hair, dressing to suit their age, and wearing flat shoes because heels hurt their feet. But truth is, these women {a.k.a., our grandmas} probably dressed better in their day than most women dress now.
Younger women often forget though that even their grandma was young once and that they were just as interested in fashion and good clothes as the women of today are. Their approach tended to be much simpler, because without the media coverage of today, the fashions they saw back then were more limited.
Both of my grandmas had their own unique style. My grandma Lashlee used to wear dress suits, or a pair of polyester blend pants with a shirt roomy enough to cover her rather large bosom. She also liked to wear Keds, except for when she went to church and then it was “sensible dress shoes”.
My grandma Howard, on the the other hand, usually made her own outfits {usually a one-piece dress with three-quarter length sleeves, which were also made of some kind of polyester-blend material.} My grandma Howard was a seamstress {she was untrained, but you wouldn’t know it}, and she taught me how to sew {although you wouldn’t know it, because I’m definitely not the seamstress she was}.
Timeless Pieces
Rather than try to follow every new fashion trend that came out, our grandma’s would choose timeless pieces that would last. They were much handier with a needle and thread than women of today tend to be, and could make minor adaptions if they wanted to update a garment. The fashions did change at a much slower pace, so this was a simpler job to do.
Most of them had quite a small wardrobe of clothes that they would mix and match to create a new look. For instance, a classic pencil skirt would be worn with different blouses and accessories for the duration of its life.
This is something that you should still do today, as pieces that are timeless will provide better value for money and will always look good. Nowadays, we call them investment pieces — items that may cost a little more, but will stand the test of time and always be in style.
Dressing For The Occasion
Most of our grandma’s wardrobe would have clothes for each and every occasion. They would have had the best clothes in case they went out on a Sunday {what I like to call their “Sunday best”, clothes for school or college, and clothes that were for when they were with their friends.
They could take an outfit and wear it several different ways. If they attended a wedding or other special event, they would put on their best outfit and wear it with a pair of fancy high heels to finish the look. If it was a regular Sunday church services, they may wear the same outfit, but tone it down by wearing a pair of flats, or top it with a sweater or jacket.
Jewelry was a very important, and often complimented their outfit. And here’s a bit of history for you — it was in the 1920s that milgrain first appeared. In fact, if you read the history of milgrain, you will see that it had a much bigger effect on the outfits that were worn than is often given credit for.
This handcrafted jewelry could change the whole look of whatever they were wearing, which is why it became so popular and was still being worn in the 1950s. Jewelry was a must and the more of it the better.
Women today do not tend to have “Sunday best” clothes, but perhaps this is something we should reconsider. Having one outfit {or several outfits} that can be worn when you want to feel extra special is well worth the investment.
Dressing For Age And Body Type
Although fashion trends back then did change at a slower pace, the way women used to dress often altered with their age. As they got older, they would dress more conservatively, but still stuck with classic, timeless pieces.
Resources were much more scarce than they are now and often they had a tight budget. This did not stop them from trying to look their best though, which is why they felt that timeless pieces gave them that option.
They would also change their hairstyles as they got older, and many of them chose to have their hair permed. In those days, this was done with chemicals and it was not unusual for them to do it themselves at home.
It was also popular to put a color rinse on their hair to hide the grey bits when they started to show. One rule seemed to be that your hair should never fall over your eyes.
Model Sarah Jane Adams, Artist Debra Rappaport, the “eyes of Bergdorf Goodman” Linda Fargo, and editor of ELLE South Africa Jackie Burger
They were also more aware of their body type in relation to clothes, and they dressed accordingly. Sometimes, when you see women today in things that are totally unsuitable for them, you have to give them props for being so adventurous in their fashion choices.
Influenced By The Movies
Fashion did not get the media coverage it does now and so often it was what leading ladies wore in the movies that was a bigger influence. It could be simple things like Grace Kelly or Jayne Mansfield wearing a nylon scarf around their neck and suddenly the sales of nylon scarves would boom.
{Sidebar: Look up and study the styles of Rita Hayworth, Jean Harlow, Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, Judy Garland, Vivien Leigh, Lana Turner, Doris Day, Ava Gardner, Anne-Margret, Joan Crawford, Hedy Lamarr… I could go on and on… These are some classic, timeless beauties!}
This did not just apply to women either. The men would follow the film stars just the same, but men’s fashions were shown in the media even less than women’s.
Makeup
Red lipstick was a must for every woman and her nails were often bright red as well. They used to powder their faces, which gave a matte finish to their skin, but no self-respecting woman would be seen out without makeup. Before the 1960s, women did very little to the eyes; however, in the 1960s and 70s, eye shadow became the norm.
Scent, as they used to call it, was worn every time they went out and perfumes were reserved for the rich people.
Stockings
Suspender belts and stockings were not the most comfortable things to wear, especially if you were thick in the thighs. The stocking used to run, or “ladder”, very easily, especially when they were being worn for the first time.
The early stockings had a seam up the back of the leg, and when money was short they would draw a line up the back of their legs in its place to give the appearance of stockings.
Then came seamless stocking and eventually pantyhose, or tights. Even these days, none of them are overly comfortable, but in addition to keeping you warm in chilly weather, they can give a great finish to what you are wearing. {Maybe the Royals know something we don’t.}
They Are Not Just Old Ladies
All “old ladies” were young once and they have a wisdom that only comes with age. Next time you see your grandma {or an older female role model or a mother-like figure in your life}, you should seriously chat with her about the things they used to do, and not just in relation to fashion. They lived a full and happy life before this technological age, and they will be able to give you tips about all sorts of things.
Both of my grandmas have passed away, but I know plenty of stylish older women who have more fashion sense in their little pinkie than some women or young ladies in this upcoming generation.
Let Me Hear From You Now!
Do you know any older women who possess the style and grace of a timeless fashionista? What style tips do you think she would offer you? Let me know in the comments below!
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
{Feature Image borrowed from Messy Nessy Chic}
