Suits for Travel - 1956

On Friday, I asked my Facebook fans what they'd like to see on the blog this week. Eleanor requested a post about vintage spring and summer suits for travel. They were so elegant! I'm with you Eleanor. I like to people-watch in airports and I'm always pleasantly surprised when I see a woman traveling in a suit. She looks so much more sophisticated than the majority who are wearing sweats and flip-flops. For your inspiration today, suits for travel from 1956.

Above, Handmacher gray flannel sheath dress with matching bolero jacket accented with a white linen collar. Sold for $70 in 1956 (about $570 in today's dollar.) Hat by Emme.

Davidow wool and mohair tweed suit with matching tasseled scarf. The jacket is belted. Sold for $150 in 1956 (about $1,220 in today's dollar.) Saddlebag styled purse by MacArthur.

David Crystal pale gray glen plaid suit in a rayon/Dacron blend. Dacron? That's polyester. This suit would resist wrinkling and be perfect for those long train trips. Sold for $40 in 1956 (about $325 in today's dollar.) Handbag by Josef.

Mr. Mort lightweight wool sheath dress in buttercup yellow paired with a plaid bolero jacket. Sold for $50 in 1956 (about $407 in today's dollar.) Bag by Maxwell Schill (me want!)

Swansdown wool suit with a bloused-back jacket for more ease during long trips. Sold for $60 in 1956 (about $488 in today's dollar.)

How do you dress for travel? Do you go for chic or do you prefer comfort?

Suits for Spring - 1962

Suits were an important part of every woman's wardrobe back in the day. Women would often buy a new suit for Easter and then wear it for years and years. These incredible feats of tailoring are from 1962. Do you wear suits?

Christian Dior

Lanvin-Castillo

Pierre Cardin

Pierre Balmain

Yves St. Laurent, from his first collection for his own label.

Vintage Suits - 1946

If you follow this blog, you know I am a sucker for vintage suits. My customers love them too. These images from February, 1946 show just how big the shoulder line became following WWII. I think the strong shoulders were one way a woman could show she was still capable after all the men returned from the service. And after years of austerity and fabric restriction, fashion went a little overboard!

Milgrim Original wool gabardine suit with lots of buttons.

Weiner Original worsted suit with matching coat. Notice the interesting juxtaposition of the ultra-feminine hat with the briefcase. Three pieces sold for $110 in 1946 (about $1234 in today's dollar.)

Jaunty Junior worsted suit with button detail and a tie waist. Sold for $55 in 1946 (about $617 in today's dollar.)

Jablow Original wool suit with a braid tie belt and collarless jacket. Sold for $80 in 1946 (about $898 in today's dollar.)

Halle Bros wool doeskin suit. The belted jacket has yoked shoulders and full blouse-like sleeves with button cuffs.