The midi-length full skirt.
The shoulder pads.
The self-coloured belt.
The "wacky" pattern.
The Navy and Jade colours.
It is as typically 80's as an 80's dress can get!
So, how can I wear an 1980's dress in the 20-Teens?
Wearing vintage is much easier when you are in your teens, and 20's.
Vintage style on a young woman looks ironic, edgy, quirky and fun.
Much as I love a full-on vintage look, vintage style on an older women can be dangerous territory.
No one wants to look like an old frump in an old dress, do they?
Styling it in a traditional way gives the whole outfit a very 80's feel.... all I need is a brushed back perm and some blue eyeliner!
The plain black courts (and matching satin clutch) are the way my Mum would have styled this, back in the day.
{I know that navy courts would have been more authentic but I don't own any!}
Green tights would have been another 'must have' for a co-ordinated 80's outfit.
The necklace at the collar was a typical finishing touch.... although, perhaps a brooch pinned there would have been better?
Maybe some big plastic clip-on earrings and matching bangles would have worked too?
What would you have worn to make this more 'authentic 1980's'?
I love how Jake looks slightly embarrassed by this ensemble!
In order to make this dress feel a little more 'me' (and a little more 2017) I decided to open it up and layer a striped top underneath.
Turning up the sleeves gave the dress less of a matronly shape, and more of a casual feel.
Removing the green coloured tights was a relief, but it was still chilly so I popped on a pair of nude tights for a little warmth.
{These chunky vagabond sandals now have a sheepskin liner in the front, and my toes were snug as a bug in a rug!}
Removing the self-tie belt and adding a wide one, with a zebra design, brought another pattern into the mix.
Which is always a good idea in my book!
Plain, but chunky, earrings finished things off nicely.
Jake seems happier too!
How would you style this dress to make it feel more modern, and more 'You'?
Please share in the comments, I love hearing your thoughts!
DRESS: My MIL's...vintage 80's... she is 4'9", imagine the length on her frame!
SHOES: Tkmax & Vagabond
BAGS: Vintage & Vintage!
UNDERTOP: New Look
TIGHTS: Charity shop find (they were in their packet) and Wolford.
BELT: Karen Millen (found on eBay)
EARRINGS: H&M