Here we take a look at why a blouse is a flattering addition to your wardrobe and how modern styles take inspiration from vintage designs. Plus, check out how to style a blouse and how to take care of it, so it lasts years to come. Also, learn more about our new sustainably made blouse design.
Blouses are a versatile and classic item and perfect for dressing up and down for any occasion. The blouse has humble beginnings and was mainly a garment worn by workmen or women in its early days. The design then evolved in the 1910s as a daytime or informal evening staple item. During the 1920s, dresses were not required for every occasion, so skirt and blouse combinations became extremely popular. The blouse was comfortable, easy to wear, and allowed women to mix and match various outfits.
Since the 1920s, blouses have gone through various cuts, patterns, sleeve and button styles. They don’t change dramatically, but each era has small details distinguishing their design from the rest.
To pay homage to this iconic garment, we’ve decided to fashion our new classic blouse in the iconic style of the 1940s.
Our 1940s classic blouse features a timeless and authentic design that will become a versatile part of your wardrobe. The pointed reverse collar adds elegant and sophisticated details and the seam styles create a flattering look to your bust and waist. The short cuffed sleeves, gathered back into the shoulder, also make for a beautiful fit. Coming in at the waist, our blouse is perfect for tucking into your favourite trousers, jeans or skirt and is a versatile item that will go with any of your clothes. Don’t forget to layer and add a cute cardigan or sweater for the colder months of the year.
Our new design is made in FSC certified sustainable viscose. This sustainable and semi-synthetic plant-based material is a more durable alternative to silk and creates a beautiful drape and lustrous finish. (read more about FSC viscose here-link to page) Its lightweight, soft and comfortable texture make it perfect for any occasion, from day to night, any time of the year.
There are a little red heart embroidery to give this blouse more extra charm.
Taking care of your blouse
Since viscose is more durable than your standard materials like cotton, it requires special care to wash and dry. It is prone to shrinking if not treated properly, so don’t just put it in the washing machine with the rest of your clothes! It’s very delicate when wet, so we recommend you hand wash your item rather than machine wash and let it air-dry flat. You can also dry clean your garment when you can.
As a woman-led business, we want to support and empower women. So, we’ve collaborated with a women-led factory in India where they produce our small quantity collections made with our sustainable viscose. The owners share our values and are approved by the government for fair and ethical practices, so we can guarantee our blouse is created with sustainable material fairly and ethically.
In many cultures, trousers have been worn by women for centuries as part of everyday wear. However, in Western culture, this was quite the opposite. It wasn’t until the mid-20th-century trousers as an everyday clothing item were deemed acceptable for women, and they could even be arrested for wearing them in some countries.
Women were keen to wear trousers, and many started to campaign for women’s rights in the early 20th century. Following the suffragette movement in the 1920s, and as women gained more freedom in society, so did their fashion. Trousers started to become a popular part of women’s fashion during the 1930s to the 1950s as workwear and everyday style.
Marlene Dietrich was one of the first women to wear men’s suits in public and received police threats in the 1930s for this act of rebellion. She has brought her androgyny and glamorous style into fashion and remains a style icon today.
As a woman founded and owned business, we want to celebrate the women who changed the course of fashion history to what we know and love today. Therefore, we designed and created our own timeless and flattering 1930s and 40s style trousers inspired by Marlene Dietrich to inspire beauty and confidence in your personal style.
Our new classic 1930s and 40s style trousers are inspired by the silhouettes, cuts and styles of the era. We’ve incorporated the iconic cinched waistband and wide leg design for a defined look. This also compliments your figure when wearing a fitted top. The darts on the front and back add a classic cut and create a sleek flattering silhouette and make your legs look wider. We’ve added large pockets for practicality and a rolled-up cuffed hem so the trousers hang beautifully. Plus, they’re easy to shorten for petite leg lengths. Our trousers are perfect for all shapes and sizes so that you can achieve that iconic hourglass shape. We have also added belt loops so you can add your favourite belt to accentuate your waist even more.
The beauty of our trousers is also in the small details. The buttons are made from Corozo, a 100% natural material. Corozo is a nut from a tropical palm tree. These buttons add extra charm to your look and have a beautiful natural grain that is fade resistant.
Ever had issues with zips on your favourite trousers? We’ve researched this area thoroughly, so now you don’t have to worry about broken or sticky zips! Our new trousers now have YKK zips.
This zip design is used widely in the fashion industry and boasts excellent quality, construction and reliability to ensure that your zip won’t break.
Our design process
What’s more, our trousers are proudly made in the UK, and all materials are also sourced in the country. This is especially important as a UK based business, as we want to reduce our waste and emissions when it comes to our production line but also to help the local economy. Local manufacturing helps nearby cities and towns grow and prosper for generations to come. Having manufacturing so close to home also ensures better quality control to guarantee you fantastic quality trousers for a great price.
Check @miss.chandelier’s video for more style inspiration.
Look chic in this flattering 50s-inspired look. Our black sweetheart neckline top and Sophie full-circle wool skirt are a classic and timeless combo - you could rock this look anywhere! Why not add some Bakelite jewellery with a little cardigan to enhance this sophisticated vintage style.
Here in the UK it is mandatory to wear them on public transport and in shops. So that’s why we have made a beautiful mask from 100% cotton, which is handmade by our machinist with love in London.
Choosing from a lovely range of fabrics from London
Here are the items that Miss Holiday Swing was wearing in the video:
Vintage style is not merely a tribute to the past—it’s an adaptable expression of sophistication that gracefully transitions through the seasons. At Weekend Doll, we reimagine classic silhouettes for the modern British wardrobe, ensuring that every look is as practical as it is beautifully stylish.
Imagine a light tea dress paired with a cosy cardigan, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a garden party. Complete your ensemble with a pair of T-bar shoes or even vintage-inspired 1940s footwear. For a more refined approach, consider one of Rayon-style blouses—perhaps the Gene blouse or a chic pussy bow style—crafted from soft, breathable viscose —tucked into tailored trousers or a smart skirt. Alternatively, channel a 1950s flair with a flattering boat neck top, such as our Janet top made from a thicker viscose, perfectly paired with our Monroe denim trousers or skirt.
When the days are long and the sun is shining, our summer pieces offer a cool yet chic option. A light, breathable blouse paired with a skirt or trousers creates an effortlessly elegant look, perfect for both daytime outings and evening soirées. The Betty dress, with its airy fabric and flared sleeves, epitomises vintage charm and modern comfort. For a slightly more structured option, the Katherine dress provides a refined silhouette that captures the essence of summer elegance.
As the leaves turn and the air gains a crisp edge, our autumn collection marries warmth with enduring vintage appeal. Our wool mix herringbone trousers, paired with charming knitwear, deliver both comfort and style. Layer them with a delicate blouse or a vintage-inspired top to create a look that is as practical as it is fashionable—a true celebration of classic British style.
Winter calls for smart layering, and our collection rises to the challenge with its quintessential winter essentials. The wool blend chunky Judy cardigan is an indispensable piece; wear it buttoned up for a neat, polished look or open over a dress for a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. Pair it with trousers or a skirt to maintain that timeless vintage charm even on the chilliest days. This cardigan not only provides cosy warmth but also epitomises the practicality and enduring elegance of classic British design.
At Weekend Doll, every design is a celebration of vintage inspiration reinterpreted for today’s discerning wearer. By adapting timeless pieces to each season, you can effortlessly express your unique style while enjoying the versatility and sophistication that define our collection. Whether it’s a crisp spring morning, a sunny summer afternoon, a breezy autumn walk, or a cosy winter evening, our vintage-inspired range ensures you are perfectly attired for every occasion.
`Stockings have often been admired as one of the most glamorous accessories for the 1940s and 50s. Seamed stockings, in particular, have a sophisticated and elegant look that imitated the screen sirens of the Hollywood era.
This much-loved hosiery item hasn’t been relegated to the history books either, as women across the globe still wear these iconic stockings to recreate vintage-inspired looks. To give you a little insight into their popularity, take a look at the history of these iconic stockings and check out ways you can create beautiful retro-inspired looks with our fabulous collection.
The history of stockings
Before the 1940s, stockings were something all women wore, as society deemed bare legs inappropriate in public. However, moving into the forties, stockings emerged as a fashion icon in their own right.
Soon after their popularity soared, they were quickly removed from the market due to rationing while the war ensued. Once rationing was stopped, sales of hosiery rocketed, and ladies queued for hours to get their hands on stockings and tights. In America, fights aptly named the ‘Nylon Riots’ broke out as demand was so high.
During the rationing period, standards of dress were still encouraged. So to get a similar look to the fashionable seamed stockings, women would paint dark stripes down the back of their legs to recreate the style.
Women Used Gravy Juice to Mimic Nylon Stockings During World War II
During the 40s, different types of hosiery came into production including smooth, mesh and novelty mesh fabrics. There were also a few shades to choose from including traditional black and other natural skin tones with the option of a sun kissed beige.
1940s lingerie, stockings advertisement
What Katie Did Nude with Nude Seamed Stockings
What Katie Did Nude with Black Seamed Stockings
The glamour of seamed stockings
The most significant appeal of stockings was the glamorous nature of the look they created. For many women, it offered the opportunity to look conservative from the front yet alluring from the back. Although stockings seem to outdate as we headed into modern fashion, they are now making a remarkable comeback paying homage to the golden era of vintage style.
It’s not just people that love retro fashion either that are adding seamed stockings to their hosiery collection. These fashion accessories are ideal for pairing with cocktail dresses, and party looks. Plus, they look beautiful with swing skirts and sophisticated workwear attire.
French stocking advertisement, 1950’s
How to recreate a glamorous Hollywood look
If you want to recreate the styles of the Golden era, seamed stockings are the ultimate way to complement your whole look. Check out some of our favourite outfits to inspire your vintage style:
Fun and feminine vibes
For a fresh and vibrant retro-inspired vibe, styling a full circular dress is the perfect option. To complete your look, all you need is some glamorous black seamed stockings and an elegant pearl necklace, and you’re ready to dance the night away.
Sassy and sophisticated style
To work these stockings into casual attire or workwear style, team with a fitted pencil skirt or elegant swing skirt for ultimate sophistication.
Rock the 40s Blitz look
Naturally, for an authentic 40s look, opting to recreate the icons of the Blitz era is a must. There’s lots of inspiration to bring it life and styling a 40s vintage-inspired tea dress, Cuban heels and a cute knit cardigan is the ideal place to start. Pairing this with seamed stockings or tights and those essential retro-inspired accessories completes this iconic vibe.
Bring out your inner femininity with our golden Hollywood style seamed stockings! Shop the collection here: https://www.weekenddoll.co.uk/collections/stockings-tights
Just thinking about the delicate, lingering scent of pine needles whilst sitting in front of a glowing, warm and welcoming Norwegian Spruce is making me feel really excited about Christmas.
Christmas is a tradition that seems to have lasted the test of time, so why do some of us love it so much? From my perspective its a time thing. Living in such a fast paced world, fast food, fast fashion, fast work turnaround, fast email replies (unfortunately not always fast internet connections!) It's just so lovely to start thinking about winding down a bit.
Life just seems to slow down during the Christmas period, a time to reflect, appreciate and savour those things that are important. Spending precious time with friends and family, time to think about a thoughtful little gift to put a smile on a loved ones face, time to pamper yourself, dress up and feeling the inner wow factor as you look at yourself in the mirror. Time to make memories whether out walking, playing games, partying or just sitting round a table, chatting and generally having a fun.
Call me nostalgic, but maybe that’s why I’m so passionate about taking time to lovingly coordinate and put together some of the items in our collections. Just like a page from a family album, I see it as a way of creating and eventually capturing a beautiful moment and then giving it as a gift to our Retro loving community.
Images from Shop The Look
I love Coco Chanel ’s quote:
‘Elegance is when the inside is a beautiful as the outside”
As women we need to take time to savour and capture moments in our lives, to feel confident in who we are, and what we stand for. The greatest gift we can give ourselves is to be happy and proud of who we are and the choices we make. 1940s and 50s clothes can be a creative extension of who we are, they should enhance how we feel about ourselves inside and out.
So maybe this Christmas take some time out for yourself, take time to capture those precious moments that will last a life time.
(The idea of having a wardrobe of beautifully made, elegant and timeless fashion to choose from and to do just that is a gift we can give ourselves .)
To all those beautiful women out there, everyone here at Weekend Doll would like to wish you a Very Happy Christmas and an Wonderful New Year.
Recreating vintage looks is a popular pastime, and it’s not just exclusively for lovers of retro clothing that are inspired by styles of a bygone era. An iconic item of clothing that has featured in trends throughout several decades is high waist trousers.
This versatile look can be worn in both casual and glam settings and offers a stylish addition to your wardrobe whatever the season.
Before the 1940s, trousers were rarely seen in women’s fashion. At this time men certainly wore the trousers (not only in clothing). However, during this decade, progressive women began to showcase that this style wasn’t reserved for a particular gender. Without straying too far from the feminine silhouette of the Hollywood starlets, high waisted trousers offered the perfect alternative to a dress or skirt.
The flattering fit was crafted to emphasis curves and provide a versatile style that could be worn both casually and formally. The fit also nipped in the waistline and added an illusion of length to complement the ladylike styles of the decade.
High waisted trousers and jeans have become a big trend in both vintage and modern styling. They create a beautiful silhouette and pair perfectly with a range of tops. One of the best ways to style them is to recreate looks from a bygone era. The 40s and 50s gave us tons of inspiration, such as Katherine Hepburn’s timeless and elegant outfits.
Simply put, it’s all about balance.
High waist trousers are a focal point in any outfit so getting the right mix of fabric and print is essential. Tucking in a blouse also defines your waist and showcases any detailing around this area. There are a few things that can help you choose the best style of high waisted trousers for your body shape, including:
Stay true to size – Tailored and correct size trousers will highlight all of your features. As high waist trousers are made with a lot of fabric – wearing ill-fitting sizes can make you look out of balance. If you opt for a smaller size, you also run the risk of discomfort and the trousers flattening your natural shape.
Choose the correct hem length – When your trousers sit beautifully over your shoes or allow a little peek, this creates the ultimate tailored look. Plus, it makes your legs appear longer. If you go too short or long, it has the opposite effect on your figure. Many styles including our collection of wide-leg trousers can be altered to fit your leg length. So it’s easy to get the perfect fit whether you wear them with heels or flats.
Avoid bulky embellishment around the waistline – High waist trousers are perfect for accentuating your figure. However, if you have large embellishments around this area, it can make your silhouette look out of proportion. Opt for styles with a simple belt or button design, and you’ll recreate the ultimate vintage look without overwhelming your outfit.
Joan Bennett, c. 1938
In the 1930s, women rarely wore trousers. However, there were a few places that they were the norm – on the beach and playing sports. During this time, fitness and exercise were encouraged, and sportswear was later extended to include lounge pants and wide-leg trousers for everyday wear.
Another popular design in the 30s included sailor-style trousers. The nautical look offered a feminine twist on high waisted styles and included buttons at the front often in gold and silver-tone hardware. This style is still a fashionable look, especially during the summer months. Plus, opting for 30s-inspired sailor trousers with a striped top and cute cardigan also adds some modern touches to your outfit.
High waisted trousers are a great way to incorporate 40s-inspired vintage style into your closet. Take a look at our selection of super chic trousers and recreate your favourite looks with a touch of feminine flair.
Available in Navy, Red, Khaki and Black
Retro 40s Style Forest Green High Waisted Trousers
Vintage Style High Waist Sailor Trousers
Available in Navy and Black
Joan Herringbone Wide Leg Trousers
Available in Brown and Grey
We have carefully reworked the sweetheart neckline to show the bust line beautifully.
We have kept working on the sleeves to make sure the dress is comfortable to wear .
The Ava Dress is available in size 8 - 18.
As a vocalist that specialises in performing jazz, swing and blues music at vintage themed events, I was very flattered to be asked to do a photo shoot for retro clothing lines, Weekend Doll. I intend to wear some of these fabulous garments on my gigs soon too as this will be a wonderful way to advertise them "in action" in a glamorous vintage setting.
I am accustomed to applying my own period look make up and styling my own hair for gigs in a variety of styles from faux 1920s bob, to 1930s and '40s waves, a la Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall. For this shoot I opted for the 1940s look and "ragged" my hair the night before. For the uninitiated, this means cutting strips of fabric from a T shirt, for example, then rolling strands of setting lotion soaked hair with them and tying them in knots to secure the hair. In the morning this produces rather alarmingly tight Shirley Temple style ringlets that be combed out into tamer sultry waves.
For the make up style, I wanted a lighter, more naturalistic base, so didn't use any foundation, just dots of light concealer and brushstrokes of loose "banana powder", which is my latest beauty find for a luminous skin glow! I penciled in Lauren Bacall style dark arched brows and Hedy Lamarr style crimson matte crimson lips and used a thickening mascara with fibres to give a movie star false lash effect. I swept some contour powder along my cheekbones to give them some Vivien Leigh-esque definition.
I accessorised this look with chic black court shoes, the cutest Billie Red and White Polka Dot Wrist Length Key Hole Gloves with a wonderful bow and small diamante heart trim! (I also wore the black and white version of these gloves and the sumptuous Monroe Black Wool Gloves for the shoot). I then carefully placed a gorgeous coral coloured wide brimmed hat on my carefully coiffed hair.
I changed into my first outfit which was a gorgeous black Bouquet Floral Rita Tea Dress which immediately made me feel ultra feminine. The fabric was very soft and hung beautifully on me. I have quite narrow shoulders and a long neck and I felt that this style of dress was very graceful and flattered my features. I then pulled on my next garment; a striking 1940s style Alise Black Swing Coat with faux fur cuffs and collar. I felt immediately "complete" after slipping this on and so elegant, as it nipped in my waist beautifully! If you want an instant injection of glamour and opulence then just buying this Joan Crawford style film noir swing coat will do just that!
We went to the Streatham Rookery - a beautiful enclave of pagodas, and gardens of autumnal colours on Streatham Common in South London. It was the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot of cosy but very glamorous retro clothing. I had walked across the common many times before but had never seen The Rookery and I was amazed by what I saw. It even has its own cafe. London is full of hidden gems like this!
I changed my outfit to a delicate but fresh looking Dark Sea Green 1950s style Regina Chiffon Swing Dress and drapped over my shoulders the Evangelista Black Faux Fur Stole to channel my inner vixen in true Bette Davis fashion! We moved to a backdrop of large lush leaved plants to compliment the colour of the dress and we even made some short videos for social media as I span around to showcase the flowing chiffon pleats of the gown!
I own many tomes about Golden Age Hollywood Film stars, such as Vivien Leigh and Rita Hayworth, and also books about pin up stars, Betty Page and Dita Von Teese, so for retro clothing photo shoots such as these, I study the way these stars would pose in their publicity shots since there is a very specific way in which they hold themselves which is unique to the era and style of shot. The photographer asked me to bring out the mood she wanted to create for each shot, which we had so much fun with, especially to the amusement of other people that had come to visit The Rookery!
I changed into a final outfit to channel a very different beatnik vibe with a snazzy outfit of a flattering, black, slim fitting calf length skirt, Mustard Short Sleeved Lacey Knitted Jumper, high brown wedge shoes and a black beret, worn at a rakish angle! This coaxed me into bringing out my inner Bonnie of "Bonnie and Clyde" fame, as immortalised in the film version by movie star, Faye Dunaway! I enjoyed posing around for some cheeky, fun snapshots!
I feel like I belong in in these bygone eras of feminine elegance and felt rather sad to take off the garments and return to my everyday clothing!
Weekend Doll is really one of the leading clothing lines in terms of creating faithful reproductions of affordable garments for every day and special occasion wear, and every woman should have at least one of their garments hanging in their wardrobe!
Hannah Northedge is a vocalist specialising in jazz, swing & blues from 1920s - 1950s & also a vocal coach & choir director with a Masters degree in Voice Science.
Fashion trends of the fifties were mainly about comfort and conformity & women used to dress smartly then. The trends were wholesome, clean, and good. The dresses of the fifties are very flattering & nipped at the waist. Those dresses are more feminine. The wild fashions and miniskirts arrived in the sixties. During the fifties, dresses were mainly about a tailored and good grooming look. Due to these attributes, the 1950s style is greatly admired, even today. Gloves and heels became trendy during that time. Looking and acting 'every inch the lady', was taught to the girls from a very young age.
If you are planning to wear something that would make you look like you are in the fifties, then you should try our full-circled swing dress that you can wear with a petticoat and three length sleeve cardigans. To complement those you can try gloves and sparkle earrings with our fur scarf to glam up or three-quarter cardigan can be a good option. You can also consider going for a separate option such as halter neck-top with a full circular skirt. Skirts can be an interesting inclusion, such as poodle skirt or swing skirt. To compliment the skirt you can also wear matching shoes & belts and carry a matching purse.
How should you Dress up in the Elegant Style of the Fifties?
With the arrival of the fifties, the world witnessed all types of fabric rationing come to a stop. This naturally led to extravagant fashion and trends as people were just too happy to witness the rationing on fabric end. Women started to wear halter neck tops, full-circle skirts etc. However, patterns of floral still continued to be a part of fashion then. Floral patterns are still worn today as they are still in fashion. Wearing one cardigan boasting 3 quarter sleeves with one neckerchief can help you to carry a perfect look of the fifties. To make your look more convincing, you can tie the hair into one ponytail.
A combination that will certainly give you an authentic fifties look is the Regina Dress. This full elegantly twisted skirt dress will complete your style. This full skirt comes is made from beige a red polka-dot chiffon with a black slash covering the waist. This dress will effectively flatten your figure. This chiffon full circular skirt with cross over design will gather rushing details, especially on the waist and bust. This dress is a timeless, elegant, and simple piece that will complement your good looks. This elegant dress is made of one hundred percent polyester and with one hundred percent cotton lining.
You can also try the Florence dress. This flattering and timeless piece is inspired from the fifties fashion. This is a perfect dress for a day out, dinner party or a wedding. This dress comes with a vintage and elegant design with one crossover off-the-shoulder and v-neckline effect. This softly pleated dress falls just below your knee with a wide curved waist-band. The Florence dress is made from one hundred percent high-quality cotton and comes with a gorgeous floral print. This dress will effectively flatten your figure, giving you a slim look. This dress will certainly give you a vintage, simple, and elegant look. The Florence dress comes with a center back zip closure and side pockets.
You can also try the luxurious and super soft Cecil faux fur scarf with your winter outfit, which will give you an elegant fifties look. This fabulous soft faux fur comes in wolf color and leopard print. You can wear the Cecil faux fur scarf as one slot-through scarf or you can also hook it at the front, which will give you an opulent look. The Cecil faux fur scarf will not only just make you look gorgeous but will also keep you warm. The Cecil faux fur scarf is made of one hundred percent polyester.
Complement your fifties dress with the Crystal teardrops clip-on earrings with black gem. These stud earrings will add a fine touch of glamour and vintage to your outfit. These earrings feature a design of clear teardrops that are surrounded by tiny sparkling black rhinestones. These are truly elegant and timeless pieces that you will be proud to own.
We have put together these gorgeous and elegant items to help you get the perfect 1950s style, which will certainly make everyone stare at you.
We are determined to deliver excellent customer service and are on hand to help from Monday-Friday. Please contact us at info@weekenddoll.co.uk if you have any questions.
