Vintage Fashion Blog
Welcome to the elegant world of authentic vintage fashion from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Here you’ll find original outfits, styling inspiration, fashion history and practical advice on wearing vintage in the modern world. Having worn original vintage clothing almost every day for more than twenty years, I share not only the stories behind these beautiful garments but also the experience of living in them. Every article is inspired by authentic pieces from my personal vintage collection, from impeccably tailored skirt suits and glamorous evening gowns to everyday dresses, knitwear and accessories. Start here: 1930s, 1940s & 1950s style guides, wardrobe inspiration and fashion history.
I’ve been wearing original 1940s clothing almost every day for more than twenty years. Thus far, I’ve studied and worn hundreds of garments from the decade. This article combines examples of 1940s evening wear in Hollywood, on and off the screen, as well as the reality for women in German occupied cities across Europe, and my own experience living in…
There is a certain hush that surrounds Dorothy Hubbs dresses from the 1940s and 1950s in the grand narrative of mid-century fashion history. And yet, they are,precisely tailored, simple yet beautifully constructed, and far more influential than they are often credited for today. In studying the structured silhouettes of the 1940s and the softened elegance of the 1950s, I found…
Fall, my favourite season, is finally upon us, the perfect time to dust off my 1940s suits with matching hats and weather-appropriate gloves. As I was carefully packing my summer vintage wardrobe into Tyvek covers, you can find out how to properly store vintage in my article; ‘How to Store Vintage Clothes Like a Pro‘, and unpacking fall ensembles, I…
I am a big fan of gingham and plaid, my favourite patterns on 1940s suits, which I have in abundance but never enough, and in today’s post, I would like to show you how to add more than just a touch of vintage style by incorporating these classic patterns into your wardrobe. I will demonstrate how to wear a vintage-inspired…
Tips on how to dress like Wednesday Addams, not just for Halloween.Thank Goth It’s Friday! And if you are a true fan of the Addams Family, you know what I’m referring to, and if not, you must watch the ‘So You Think You Know Everything About the Addams Family‘ video. The Addams Family was brought to life by the renowned cartoonist…
Join me on the journey of dressing in vintage this spring. Get inspired by the fashions of a bygone era and let me help you find the perfect 1950s dress for this season and beyond. Spring has sprung, and all I can think of, aside from the release date of season three of ‘The Gilded Age’, is to get my…
If you are looking for the best and most beauteous vintage-inspired sweaters and cardigans suitable all year round, and tips on how to style them, you are up for a treat. I’ve never had much luck finding an original 1940s cardigan in good condition or a 1950s one in the right size and colour, but fortunately, there are a few…
How to Create Gothic Glamour with Vintage Clothes? In this post, I will endeavour to teach you how to master the gothic glamour style with the help of authentic vintage as well as contemporary clothes and accessories. I dedicate this piece to all my fellow vintage goths as well as ladies who don’t necessarily identify as a goth but are…
In this article, I will be sharing with you my tips on the art of styling a little black dress in a vintage way, proving the garment to be the most versatile piece in your wardrobe, as it can be worn for both daytime and evening occasions. How to style a little black dress with the help of accessories. If, like me, you have…
My name is Dominique de Merteuil. I’m a vintage fashion blogger, founder, and sole author of It’s Beyond My Control, your ultimate guide to vintage fashion from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. With over two decades of experience, meticulous research, and a deep passion for authentic vintage clothing, I specialise in the styles, silhouettes, and foundation garments of these eras, which I wear daily. Through this blog, I share the timeless beauty of bygone eras, blending historical insight with real-life styling and original vintage pieces. My work is rooted in both scholarship and lived experience, bringing vintage fashion to life beyond the archives and into the modern wardrobe.
