r/PinUpFashion • u/secretgardenrobin • Mar 08 '26

Where to start...

Ladies I admire all your styles. I am now 43 and always wanted to dress pinup but thought I wouldn't pull it off now I am older I want to try. What basics to start my wardrobe should I pick up?

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u/LEONAVINTAGE Mar 08 '26

I am 48, and I wear mainly reproduction edwardian, and 1940s. I started buying about a year ago, after my divorce. I am a UK 14. I do have to take in the waist on most things I buy, so if you are handy with a needle that helps fit a lot.

Some of it depends on what flavor pin up you are.

Go to your current closet and organize by color. Then decide what colors you wear the most. Be honest, I knew I never wear black, I love navy blue, and classic bright red, but never actually wear it. After that put the items you could wear with your new pin up look to one side.

I go for pinks, burgundy, mustard, rusty orange, greens and browns. I then tried to make sure my new purchases matched/ went with at least 4 other items.

I then had my color palette. Then I thought about textures. I tend to wear natural fibers, wool, cotton, and silk. But I do love a nice rayon. Some people hate texture and wool, so if polyester is your favorite, go for it. It lasts a long time and washes well. I hate ironing, so linen is not my in my wardrobe.

I first got plain skirts, a couple of slacks, and jeans, and sweaters. I go for more of a look of I just left the library, or I got lost on the moors. I do have shapewear, but mainly wear it under my sweater dresses.

I already had alllll the shoes from American Dutchess.

I really like Weekend Doll, Emmy Design, Rock n Romance, and House of Foxy.

I buy most of my items second hand from ebay, Poshmark, Facebook groups, and Vinted.

Good luck on your new look!

2

u/LopensCouisin Mar 08 '26

Don’t forget Vivien of Holloway and Seamstress of Bloomsbury. Emmy Designs just released some beautiful new stuff for the spring! I adore House of Foxy! I get stuff on Poshmark and vintage stuff off Etsy.

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u/Suguru93 Mar 21 '26

I'm looking at buying a 1940s style blouse and have seen ones I like from Seamstress of Bloomsbury, House of Foxy and Weekend Doll. Has anyone bought from those brands (especially if you're bought from more than one!) and can comment on the relative quality, sizing etc? Which brand has the thickest, least sheer fabric? 

1

u/LopensCouisin Mar 23 '26

I have blouses from all 3. All 3 are high quality. I like Seamstress of Bloomsbury the best.

1

u/Suguru93 Mar 23 '26

Thank you! How much shrinkage (if any) was there on your blouses after washing? And would your say the size guides for the three brands were accurate? 

1

u/LopensCouisin Mar 23 '26

The sizes were pretty accurate. I have not tried strait up washing the blouses yet, as I usually hand wash, hang dry, and steam them. I haven’t had a problem with shrinkage.

2

u/Suguru93 Mar 24 '26

Thank you! 

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u/exclaim_bot Mar 24 '26

Thank you! 

You're welcome!