This Spring vintage blogger Jenny takes us through the decades, showcasing her favourite Hotter styles to suit her vintage outfits. In her second post for the season Jenny creates a 1930s inspired look with sophisticated brogue Village…
Marie Claire March 1938
During the 1930s, women often finished their daywear attire with a pair of formal heels. However, with the growing interest in leisure activities that had begun in the previous decade, flat shoes grew in popularity.
Modes & Travaux, April 1938
Fashion magazines of the period illustrated varying outfits for specific sporting activities – golfing, tennis, skiing, and even sun bathing (if of course the latter could be referred to as a ‘sporting activity’). The formal styles of heels favoured for daywear were impractical for leisure activities, thereby creating a demand for more practical footwear.
Although only those of a privileged social standing could participate in many of these fashionable leisure activities, the practicality of flat shoes endured beyond economic circumstances.
To create this 1930s inspired look, I chose the Village shoes in chocolate multi. With their classic brogue detailing, the Village shoes could be styled to suit a variety of looks. From 1920s sportswear, through to 1950s pencil skirts with ankle socks; the styling choices are vast.
In order to emulate a 1930s daywear sports-influenced style, I teamed Village with an original CC41 skirt. Of course, CC41 items are post 1930s, but the styling and cut of the skirt is very typical of the 1930s era.
I also chose an original 1930s jacket, which has the most amazing original wooden buttons. To complete the look, I tucked a silk scarf into my jacket (inspired by some of the original pictures included here), and secured the scarf with a resin brooch.
1930s Shoe Adverts
Of course, it was not until the 1960s that tights were available, so up until then women wore stockings. I am wearing a pair of cashmere stockings, hand cranked on a 1900s knitting machine.
It is easy to see why flat shoes have never waned in popularity. The Village shoes are incredibly comfortable, with wonderful cushioning underfoot. The flat block heel allows for ease of movement – indeed, I feel I could play a spot of tennis in these if I felt inclined!
The Village shoes could also be teamed with trousers for additional practicality, and they work equally well with skirts or dresses. Village are available in five colourways – plenty to choose from! I am wearing the chocolate multi, which works with many colour palettes and especially well with brown and natural tones. However, also available to choose from are – beige multi, black, tan, and grey multi. That’s one for every day of the working week!
Original images sources:
Marie Claire, March 1938; Modes & Travaux, April 1938; Le Petit Echo de la Mode, June 1937
Collage, clockwise from top left: Le Petit Echo de la Mode, June 1937, Good Needlework, June 1937, Le Petit Echo de la Mode, May 1937, (centre) Home Chat, May 1939
Which colour Village gets your vote?
About Jenny…
Jenny Mearns
Jenny Mearns from vintage fashion blog https://missjennyfrances.wordpress.com/ is a historical fashion consultant, writer and lingerie designer.
Her love of clothing often sees her wearing her own creations and designs. When not in her sewing and design studio, she can be found along the seafront admiring the views of the South coast.
