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September 27, 2017
Last Updated on May 17, 2022 by Dominique de Merteuil
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Vintage-inspired slacks and how to wear them!
As you may or may not know (depending on how long you’ve been reading my blog), my wardrobe consists mainly of true vintage garments from the 1930s-1950s, and a very few contemporary designers who are heavily inspired by the glorious fashions of the past; Vivienne Westwood with her fantastic wide-leg trousers along with Victorian-inspired jackets, as well as Wheels and Dollbaby with (in my modest opinion) the best pencil skirts and cardigans in the world.
Truth be told, when I’m in desperate need of a particular garment (which happens to be always), be it a coat, a dress or a skirt-suit, I always start my search on Etsy (you can read about the best vintage shops on Etsy ) as well as Instagram and when I can’t find what I’m looking for amongst my favourite vintage sellers, I then move on to contemporary designers.
To my consternation, however, one particular piece of vintage garment from the 1940s has thus far eluded me, in the right size and colour, it is a pair of slacks, which I’m particularly fond of wearing on cold winter days.
Despite this, my lack of true vintage slack shopping success, she says wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, I stand by the motto, never give up until you’re dead! For the time being, however, I would like to take the time to focus your attention on… Vintage-inspired slacks and how to wear them!
Now, when it comes to finding inspiration for both; casual and elegant ways of wearing slacks, there is but one name which springs to mind and that is Katharine Hepburn. The beautiful and unconventional movie star, who preferred wearing slacks with loafers over ball gowns, made the very masculine look incredibly chic and dare I say, sexy.
Slacks loving Katharine Hepburn – ” I wear my sort of clothes to save me the trouble of deciding which clothes to wear.”
My Katharine Hepburn inspired looks!
EMMY DESIGN – Vintage reproduction slacks
In my search for the perfect vintage-inspired slacks I came across Emmy Design, a Swedish womenswear brand favoured amongst many true vintage aficionados, who like myself are not afraid to mix vintage fashion with the inspired by in this case the 1930s-1960s. I don’t think I’ve ever seen vintage-inspired slacks so beautifully made and in such a variety of colours, and sizes, perfect for autumn and beyond. My only complaint would be, that they sell so unbelievably fast, especially the smaller sizes, that you don’t have much time to choose and Emmy and Lisa Nilsson, the sisters behind the brand do spoil you for choice!
Without further ado, I present you with the perfect vintage-inspired slacks from Emmy and a few ideas of how to wear them!
Photos courtesy of Emmy Design.
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Megan
September 22, 2020I love wearing vintage trousers with button suspenders. Emmy Design has a number of pairs in stunning colors. I receive a lot of complements on the high-waist and the corresponding suspenders. It’s such a classic style. You should try it as well!
Dominique de Merteuil
September 23, 2020I’ve never tried button suspenders, and I’m not sure if they would work with my style, but I will try them on when the opportunity arises.
Dx
Ireena Samuel
February 26, 2020Hey Dominique, beautiful vintage-inspired slacks! It is a timeless classic vintage beauty. I always admire the movie star, whomsoever, in this suit for their bold and masculine look.
Dominique de Merteuil
February 26, 2020Slacks are very comfortable, perfect for colder days, and look great with flats as well as high-heels. Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich mastered the masculine, yet very sexy look to perfection.
Sadly, it’s not easy to find true 1940s slacks in the right size so in this rare instance I opt for contemporary designers such as Vivienne Westwood or Biba. Obviously, Love Emmy Designs as well.
Rebecca Young
September 30, 2017This is a very informative post. I have always wanted a pair of vintage style trousers and I must try to buy a pair this winter.
Dominique de Merteuil
October 15, 2017Thank you Rebecca!
Please do share a link to a picture with your vintage style slacks once you buy them!
Dominique x