Friday fashion tip: how to rock 50s glamour

Lovely guest blogger Martha Cliff is back with some excellent advice on how to add a 50s touch to any outfit with simple accessories - enjoy!

So here we are again. It’s that time of year when the designers are inconsiderate enough to flash all of their fancy new Spring/Summer designs at us when they know full well that we are in no position to wear them - what with it being about minus 100 degrees outside and us requiring an all day spa sesh before we can even consider getting any flesh out.

But alas they don’t hear our fashion cries and continue to produce summer-loving garments that we hate to love. This season the fashion consensus seems to be retro. With designers such as Prada, Meadham Kirchhoff and Jonathon Saunders displaying a plethora of pretty 50s pastels. It seems that the whole world is reaching back to the past when the future seems bleak. But how on earth can you pull off this look in mid winter, on a limited budget and without it looking too dated? Well with the help of a few key accessories Chic & Cheerful will show you how. 

1. Mulberry floral bow tie, $68, Forage; 2. Chiffon frill band, £11, Tabio; 3. Chilly dog, £79.99, Irregular Choice; 4. Leopard leather contrast belt, £20, Topshop; 5. Sarah round glass, £60, Kurt Geiger; 6. Spot lace glove with frill, £10, Accessorize; 7. Bow fascinator, £12, French Connection

1. Neck-st to nothing

Probably the easiest way to transform a tired winter outfit into spring retro chic is to give your neck some attention. It is so often invisible underneath huge cascading snoods this time of year it will be happy to see a bit of sunlight. Opt for lace peter pan collars (Rokit have some great ones), silk neck ties for truly girly 50’s chic, or a bow tie for a modern masculine twist. Sandra Dee is practically green with envy.

2. Sock it to ‘em 

A truly iconic 50s look is a cute little pop sock. But if you’re not quite ready to part with your thermal socks yet, Tabio has the perfect solution: sock bands that rest on the top of socks. Pair with a court shoe and you're practically time travelling. 

3. Put your best foot forward

The 50s saw the emergence of non-practical clothing: no more ‘dig for victory’ wellies, it was time for some fancy foot wear. Even if your usual work look calls for charcoal grey that doesn’t mean your feet can’t have any fun. Meadham Kirchoff was all over the kitsch retro theme with cute characters and bright colours in their Spring/Summer show - why not channel the look with Irregular Choice’s fabulous footwear?

4. Belt up

Probably the cheapest but also the most effective way of achieving a retro look is a skinny belt. The catwalk was flooded with them last season and this season the high street has the top trump. Channel the Mad Men look by belting up a mac or wrap round a chunky knit to accentuate an hour glass silhouette.

5. Open your eyes

We all get those days when being glamorous is the last thing on our mind. So it's a wonder how 50s housewives had immaculate homes and could give Miss Hepburn a run for her money. Their secret? Simple sunnies. They scream effortless glam, the ‘I’m too gorgeous to care’ kind of look.  Great for the busy, budgeted woman.

6. You’ve gotta hand it to ‘em

It’s all very well wanting to be fashion forward, buts it’s not always practical between seasons. Yes you might not need a duffle coat any more but chapped hands are not an attractive look. Light gloves are the perfect half-way point between next season vintage glamour and last season’s fashion frost bite!