Wearable Favorites; What's Your Decade?

Of all the eras of fashion I adore, there are some styles which I yearn to wear all the time. This would never be practical however, considering what my daily activities require of me at work. Even at home.

How I long to flounce about in 18th century splendor, decked out in a striped silk Georgian ensemble.
Or glide along the sidewalk in a 1877 promenade gown.



*Le sigh* there are days where these ensembles would be appropriate, but they are sadly few in number.
This is where my love of the 1930s comes in.





As far as "Modern" 20th century fashion is concerned Deco era fashion is still, to this day, ultimately wearable.
While I do love the 1920s, I also love having a defined waistline ;-)
The 40s are great, but my heart really skips a beat then races for the 1930s.
Sure, the 1950s rockabilly retro look is in full swing with some folks these days, who want to capture vintage style. But I'll be honest, it's so "Done". What we see today is a plasticized version of it, thrown in with a more modern tattoo/rock n' roll culture. It's not what it was, although some truly wear it well.

This is why the 1930s styles remain uniquely vintage and a step above the 1950s regurgitation we see today. Designers are constantly drawing inspiration from cuts invented by the likes of Vionnet and Lelong. The idea of sportswear for women may have been invented in the last decade of the 19th century, but it was perfected during the 20s and 30s. And we still return to these concepts today.

But back to the literal wearing of these 30s styles;
If I had to pick a span of 3 years from which I would draw my daily wardrobe, from everyday wear to evening, it would be 1934 to 1937.

For casual cocktails or dinner with friends...


For those blustery days this winter...


For a night at the theater or formal party...