There’s something about old school glamour from the 40s and 50s that just can’t be beaten, am I right? I’ve always had a fascination with decades gone by and (along with the 70s) the 40s and 50s are my favourite eras, most definitely influenced by the movies. From originals like To Catch a Thief to inspired-by films and shows like Grease and Mad Men, the structure and glamour of the Fifties speak to me. More recently, I was obsessed with the costume design in Netflix’s The Dig during 2020. I love the idea of being ‘dressed’ for the day, despite the fact I type this while wearing yoga pants and a sweater.
I do love wearing pretty dresses any day of the week and I definitely don’t save them for best anymore – why choose joy two or three times a year when you can find it every month?
I adored the styling in the 2001 film Pearl Harbor. The girls all looked so gorgeous and demure and Kate Beckinsale was such a 1940s babe, despite the obvious turmoil of the film. I guess the old-fashioned romance of it all appeals to me too. There’s something about dressing up and looking great without baring every ounce of the body. I’m so over the red carpets filled with celebrities vying for the limelight by wearing ‘naked’ dresses, each one trying to outdo the other. I just don’t get it, it feels so desperate, and the old-school way of dressing seems so much more interesting.
This Albaray dress is new in for spring. She’s 100% giving Pearl Harbor. Tragic love triangle not included, thankfully. (Though I’ll be honest: I wouldn’t mind a date with Josh Hartnett.)
It felt natural to pair my espadrille wedges, retro oval sunglasses, and a structured handbag with this dress, and retro curls were non-negotiable. This outfit is the result of the main-character energy that was playing out in my mind – an inspired idea, in real life. Isn’t that what fashion should be? A concept, a vision, adapted for you? It’s fun and joyful, and that’s what life should be filled with!
Tell me: were you Team Rafe or Team Danny?
I’m wearing
Dress – Albaray (pr gift)
Shoes – Castaner
Sunglasses – M&S
Bag – LK Bennett (pr gift) – similar one
Necklaces – Paper People, Monica Vinader, Astley Clarke (first two pr gifts)
This post may contain gifted pr samples and affiliate links. If you choose to shop through these links I make a small commission, but it doesn’t change the price or the way you shop. Thank you for your support, it means a lot.
