If you think vintage fashion, you’re sure to think about pin-up style. Known for its classic cuts and sweet but sexy appeal, the image of the pin-up girl has rarely fallen out of fashion throughout the decades. We’re going to take a look at how you can adapt pin-up style into your wardrobe, and how the image of the pin-up girl plays into the rockabilly style here at Attitude Clothing!
What Is Pin-Up Fashion?
Let’s start off with what pin-up fashion actually is. Back in the 1940s, the image of the pin-up model was hugely popular – whether you were an admirer of pin-up girls or simply aspired to be one, the pin-up style dictated a lot of the mainstream fashion that decade. Burlesque performers in particular adopted the style, and even today burlesque troupes use the classic 1940s pin-up style both on and off stage!
How Is Pin-Up Fashion Linked to Rockabilly?
Pin-up fashion is a blend of styles made popular in the 1940s and 50s. This means that Rockabilly style lends itself to pin-up style, along with unique offshoots from Burlesque style and that good old cinematic Hollywood glamour. While many see pin-up style as taking its cues from a more salacious lifestyle, the truth is that pin-up models aspire to be elegant and classy while maintaining a flirtatious appeal that doesn’t stray too far into being overtly sexy.
How To Assemble a Pin-Up Wardrobe
If you’re wanting to create a pin-up wardrobe with plenty of outfit options to choose from, there are a few key pieces that you’ll want in your collection! Since the two styles are so closely linked, you can find most of these items in our Rockabilly collection.
1. A Wiggle Dress
A quintessential pin-up style, the wiggle dress is a close fitting style that’s ruched across the middle. The shape is designed to flatter your natural figure, which is why pin-up style is so popular with the plus-size community – the wiggle dress will enhance all of your curves and swerves to maximum effect while playing down any areas you’re less comfortable with. Also known as pencil dresses, you’ll be able to find wiggle dresses in our collection of Rockabilly dresses at Attitude Clothing.
2. A Pencil Skirt
If you love the silhouette of a wiggle dress but prefer separates to give your wardrobe a little more versatility, we recommend that you make room for a pencil skirt in your collection. Pencil skirts are great because you can centre so many pin-up looks around them from day-to-day wear suitable for the office (Mad Men chic!) to stunning pin-up looks that’ll turn heads wherever you go. Choose a pencil skirt in a bright colour for a traditional pin-up look, or take things into Gothabilly territory with a black pencil skirt.
3. A Circle Skirt
Not everyone is comfortable with a close fit. In the 1950s, circle skirts became a staple of the pin-up style. They’re called circle skirts due to their simple design! All you need to do to make one is cut out a circle of fabric with a smaller circle in the middle; the smaller circle is your waist and the larger circle is your hem! Circle skirts are the basis for circle dresses too, which you can find in our Rockabilly dresses collection – perfect for instant Grease vibes.
4. Cigarette Trousers
If you’re not a skirt and dress type of gal, we’ve got you covered. Cigarette trousers still give you that quintessential pin-up silhouette while also elongating the legs for a taller appearance! These trousers cinch your figure in at the waist and hug your hips to give an hourglass shape, then cut off just above the ankle for a chic finish.
5. High-Waisted Shorts
In the warmer months, high-waisted shorts are sure to become a daily staple of any pin-up wardrobe. The high-waist of these shorts draws the attention back to the waist through accentuating the hips, and even flatters the stomach area so you can go ahead and pair with a close-fitting top. Wear your high-waisted shorts either on their own or with a pair of stockings for that flirtatious pin-up appeal.
6. A Cardigan
Whether you’re wearing separates or a pin-up dress, a cardigan is the perfect accompaniment for any pin-up outfit. We take so many of our pin-up cues from celebrities such as Dita Von Tees, and everyone knows just how much she loves cardigans as they pair so well with pin-up chic! Whether you wear them over your look, on their own as a top, or tucked into the hem of your skirt, a cardigan is sure to be the cherry on top of your outfit. Plus, a cardigan is the perfect place to pin a rockabilly brooch!
7. Stockings
One simple way to add that touch of glamour and flirtatious personality to a pin-up look is with a pair of stockings. Pin-up style accentuates your legs, so wearing a pair of stockings that draws the eye to your pins is a must! For an authentic 1940s look, we recommend choosing seamed stockings that have the line running up the back of the leg, but a pair of tights or stockings featuring suspenders is sure to have an updated effect on your outfit.
When it comes to styling a pin-up look, there’s much more to it than simply wearing the right clothing. From hairstyles to makeup choices, our ultimate rockabilly guide can help you get the pin-up look from your vanity table as well as your wardrobe.So there you have it! All the pieces you’ll need to have in your wardrobe to get that classic pin-up style.
If you love pin-up fashion, we’re sure you’ll love our rockabilly collection at Attitude Clothing packed full of 1940s and 1950s inspired vintage clothing!
