This Autumn vintage blogger Jenny takes us through the decades, showcasing her favourite Hotter styles to suit her vintage outfits. In her third post for the season Jenny creates a 1930s inspired look, along with partner Keiren, with smart Beverley Boots & Redwood Brogues…
The 1930s were a time of rapid change and technological developments. The decade opened under the shadow of the 1929 Wall Street Crash, resulting in the Great Depression. Whilst the economy struggled to recover, fashion remained as resilient as ever. During the first half of the 1930s, long languid lines were favoured. Skirts were slim, moving with the body rather than restricting. Towards the end of the decade, a new line of fashion emerged. Skirts became shorter, with hemlines reaching just below the knee. An A-line shape created controlled volume, whilst the waist was defined.
Women’s boots during this time were often short in height, scarcely reaching above the ankle.
Whilst calf-length boots had been a highly favourable footwear option throughout the later years of the nineteenth century; the rising hemlines of the 1920s saw shoes and low ankle boot styles replace these. The later years of the 1930s saw animal skins and suede’s utilised in boot designs. Indeed, in 1939, Schiaparelli produced leopard skin ‘bootees’; matching a hat and jacket from the same collection.
For this look, I decided to style the Beverley boots to suit an early 1930s style. Often when thinking of the 1930s, it is the earlier geometric shapes and straight lines of 1930-1935 that for many, epitomise the decade. As Beverley are a beautiful deep green shade, I decided to choose colours that worked in harmony with this autumnal, jewel like hue. I made my skirt from a reproduction sewing pattern, dated from 1933. My sweater, whilst more modern, evokes a 1930s style with its intricate knitted design. To finish the look I accessorised with a vintage silk scarf, and added a deco dress clip to my beret. I waved my hair using traditional techniques, then created 1930s style fingerwaves using original wave clips.
Kieren matched his Redwood brogues with various shades and textures of brown, creating an authentic vintage style. I made Kieren’s trousers which are cut in the Oxford Bag style popular during the 1930s.
The Beverley boots are a really versatile style, and could easily be suited to many different eras. The curved heel adds height, whilst the rounded toe provides both comfort and visual appeal. The ankle height of the boots allows the feet to be comfortably encased, protected from cold temperatures and the inevitable British rain. The Beverley boots are available in Deep Teal Suede (the style I am wearing), Chocolate Suede, or Black Leather. For classic versatility, black is of course an excellent choice. However, the chocolate and deep teal would also provide many autumnal styling opportunities – try shades of mustard, russet and cream with the chocolate shade. Or, mix shades of green, reds and blues with the deep teal shade.
SHOP NOW
Kieren’s Redwood’s provide beautiful brogue detailing, a style that may span many eras. The soft leather is both supple and comfortable, ensuring they will get worn again and again! Redwood are available in Brown Leather (the style Kieren is wearing), or Black Leather.
SHOP NOW
We were lucky enough to be able to shoot these pictures at the Horsted Keynes station of the Bluebell Railway on a very quiet Sunday morning. The Bluebell Railway features four stations, each restored to suit a particular era. The Horsted Keynes station has been restored in the style of the mid 1920s, perfect for this 1930s inspired piece!
How do you wear yours? Share a photo with us on Instagram using #HotterShoes
[separator type=”thin”]About Jenny…
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.
