How to Style Georgette for a Vintage Look: Retro-Inspired Outfits

by

Georgette, with its crinkled texture and flowing drape, is a fabric that holds a timeless appeal. While often associated with contemporary elegance, its unique qualities make it a perfect canvas for creating vintage-inspired looks that are both authentic and wearable. This guide will walk you through the practical steps and concrete examples needed to transform georgette into stunning retro outfits, spanning from the romantic flapper era of the 1920s to the bold mod styles of the 1960s.

The Foundation: Choosing Your Georgette and Silhouette

Before you even begin styling, the first critical step is selecting the right georgette and silhouette to evoke your desired era. The color, print, and cut of the base garment are the most important factors.

1. Georgette Fabric Selection: Color and Print

  • 1920s Flapper: Lean into pastels and muted tones. Think dusty rose, pale mint green, cream, or dove gray. For prints, look for Art Deco-inspired geometrics or subtle floral motifs. The key is a slightly sheer georgette with a soft drape to capture the era’s airy, liberated feel.

  • 1930s Bias Cut Glamour: This era is defined by liquid-like drapes and a sensual silhouette. Choose a heavy, high-quality georgette in deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red. Subtle satin finishes or a hint of sheen can further enhance the luxurious feel.

  • 1940s Wartime Chic: The 40s were practical yet feminine. Opt for structured georgette with a denser weave. Prints like polka dots, small floral sprigs (liberty prints), or subtle stripes are ideal. Colors should be more grounded—navy, burgundy, olive green, or mustard yellow.

  • 1950s New Look: This era is all about volume and vibrant femininity. Georgette with a stiffer handle works well for creating full skirts. Bold floral prints, gingham checks, and vivid solid colors like cherry red, sunshine yellow, or turquoise are quintessential.

  • 1960s Mod: The 60s are all about geometric precision and graphic punch. Select georgette in bright, contrasting colors like hot pink and orange, or black and white. Bold, large-scale prints—think oversized polka dots, color-blocked stripes, or op-art inspired geometrics—are your best bet.

2. The Right Silhouette: Your Starting Point

  • 1920s: Look for drop-waist dresses, shift dresses, and simple camisole-style tops. The silhouette should be loose, allowing for movement and a non-constricting feel.

  • 1930s: The bias-cut gown is the hero of this decade. It hugs the body and then flows gracefully, creating a long, elegant line. Look for dresses with cowl necks or subtle draping.

  • 1940s: The A-line skirt and dresses with a defined waist, padded shoulders, and a slightly longer hemline (calf-length) are perfect. Blouses with puffed sleeves and peplum details are also excellent choices.

  • 1950s: The iconic fit-and-flare dress is the go-to silhouette. A cinched waist and a voluminous skirt are non-negotiable. Circle skirts or full, gathered skirts are essential for this look.

  • 1960s: Shift dresses, A-line mini skirts, and go-go dresses are the cornerstones. The silhouette is short, simple, and often sleeveless or with cap sleeves.

Layering and Texturing: Building the Authentic Look

Once you have your base georgette garment, layering and adding contrasting textures are key to creating a rich, authentic vintage feel.

1. The 1920s: The Art of Layering and Embellishment

  • Actionable Step: Layer a georgette drop-waist dress over a simple satin or silk slip. This adds a subtle shine and depth, highlighting the georgette’s sheerness.

  • Concrete Example: A pale mint georgette shift dress layered over a cream satin slip. Add a long strand of pearl beads that falls to the hips and a feathered headband.

  • Actionable Step: Incorporate beading, sequins, or fringe. These are hallmarks of the era’s opulence.

  • Concrete Example: Attach a row of beaded fringe to the hemline of a georgette tunic or wrap a sequined shawl around your shoulders.

2. The 1930s: Subtle Shine and Drape

  • Actionable Step: Pair your georgette bias-cut gown with a simple fur stole or a luxurious velvet opera coat. The contrasting textures of the flowing georgette and the heavy outerwear create a dramatic effect.

  • Concrete Example: An emerald georgette dress with a dramatic cowl neck, paired with a black faux-fur stole draped over the shoulders.

  • Actionable Step: Use accessories that echo the fluidity of the dress. A metallic belt or a single, large Art Deco brooch can be used to cinch the waist or add a focal point.

  • Concrete Example: A sapphire georgette gown, belted at the natural waist with a thin silver chain belt.

3. The 1940s: Structured Layers and Practicality

  • Actionable Step: Layer your georgette dress with a structured, tailored blazer or a cropped, bolero-style jacket. This adds the sharp, military-inspired lines of the decade.

  • Concrete Example: A georgette polka dot day dress (with a defined waist), worn with a double-breasted navy blazer that cinches at the waist.

  • Actionable Step: Incorporate knitwear. A simple cardigan or a sweater vest over a georgette blouse is a quintessential 40s look.

  • Concrete Example: A georgette blouse with small puff sleeves, tucked into a high-waisted A-line skirt, and topped with a fitted, button-up burgundy cardigan.

4. The 1950s: Volume and Underpinnings

  • Actionable Step: The most crucial element for a 50s georgette look is a petticoat. A stiff tulle or organza petticoat is essential to create the full, voluminous skirt silhouette.

  • Concrete Example: A cherry red georgette fit-and-flare dress worn over a white tulle petticoat. The petticoat should peek out slightly from the hem for an authentic touch.

  • Actionable Step: Use a structured belt to emphasize the waist. A wide, leather or patent leather belt with a statement buckle is perfect.

  • Concrete Example: A black georgette dress with a pink floral print, cinched at the waist with a wide, white patent leather belt.

5. The 1960s: Graphic Contrast and Clean Lines

  • Actionable Step: Layer a georgette shift dress over a solid-colored turtleneck or a long-sleeved tee. This creates a preppy, youthful look that was popular in the early 60s.

  • Concrete Example: A black and white op-art georgette shift dress worn over a plain black long-sleeved top.

  • Actionable Step: Pair georgette blouses with high-waisted, A-line mini skirts made of contrasting materials like corduroy or wool. The textural contrast is very mod.

  • Concrete Example: A bright yellow georgette blouse with a pussy-bow necktie, tucked into a navy blue wool A-line mini skirt.

Accessorizing for Time Travel: The Details That Matter

Accessories are not just an afterthought; they are the final, definitive touch that locks your georgette outfit into a specific decade.

1. The 1920s: Headbands, Pearls, and Strappy Shoes

  • Headwear: A feathered or beaded headband is the most iconic 20s accessory. Cloche hats are also a great option.

  • Jewelry: Long strings of pearls are non-negotiable. Brooches and delicate drop earrings are also perfect.

  • Footwear: T-strap heels or Mary Janes with a moderate heel. The key is a visible strap and a delicate look.

  • Bags: Small, beaded purses or clutches.

2. The 1930s: Elegance and Subtle Drama

  • Headwear: A tilt hat or a small fascinator with a veil. These were elegant and often worn with a slight angle.

  • Jewelry: A single, dramatic brooch at the shoulder or neck. Art Deco geometric earrings. A delicate, fine chain necklace.

  • Footwear: Open-toed heels with a strap, often called “peep-toe” shoes.

  • Bags: Small clutches or evening bags.

3. The 1940s: Practicality and Feminine Touches

  • Headwear: A fedora or a headscarf tied around the hair (known as a “turban”).

  • Jewelry: Simple and often homemade or repurposed. Bakelite bangles, small stud earrings, and costume jewelry pins.

  • Footwear: Platform heels (often called “wedge shoes”) or spectator shoes with a low, block heel.

  • Bags: A small handbag with a top handle.

4. The 1950s: Gloves, Hats, and Statement Jewelry

  • Headwear: Pillbox hats, veiled fascinators, or headbands.

  • Jewelry: Pearl necklaces and earrings are a classic. Statement costume jewelry, often with rhinestones or oversized pearls.

  • Footwear: Classic pumps with a kitten heel or a stiletto heel.

  • Bags: Structured handbags or purses with a small handle. Long, opera-length gloves are essential for evening looks.

5. The 1960s: Bold, Geometric, and Youthful

  • Headwear: A colorful headscarf tied around the head or a wide headband.

  • Jewelry: Large, geometric earrings made of plastic or resin. Stacked bangles. The jewelry is bold and often a fun, playful statement.

  • Footwear: Go-go boots (white is iconic), Mary Jane shoes with a chunky heel, or patent leather flats.

  • Bags: Small, boxy purses with a top handle or a short shoulder strap.

Makeup and Hair: The Finishing Flourish

No vintage georgette look is complete without the right hair and makeup. These elements provide the final layer of authenticity.

1. The 1920s

  • Hair: A short bob is ideal. If your hair is long, style it in finger waves or a faux bob.

  • Makeup: A “Cupid’s bow” lip shape in a deep red or burgundy. Eyes are defined but not heavily lined, with a focus on dark eyeliner on the lower lash line for a dramatic, slightly mournful look. Powder is used to achieve a pale, matte complexion.

2. The 1930s

  • Hair: Soft, romantic waves that frame the face. The hair is often side-parted.

  • Makeup: Thinly plucked eyebrows are characteristic. The lip shape is softened, often with a slight pout, and is a rich red. Eyes are defined with a soft pencil and a hint of shimmer.

3. The 1940s

  • Hair: Victory rolls or soft, shoulder-length curls. Hair is often worn up to keep it out of the way for work.

  • Makeup: A defined, strong eyebrow. A vibrant red lip is a signature of this era, symbolizing defiance and morale during wartime.

4. The 1950s

  • Hair: A voluminous style like a French twist, a high ponytail, or bouncy curls. Hair is often worn with a side part.

  • Makeup: The cat-eye eyeliner is the star of this decade. Paired with a red lip and a flawless, matte complexion.

5. The 1960s

  • Hair: The beehive, a high bouffant, or a simple, geometric bob. Hair is often straight or slightly curled under at the ends.

  • Makeup: The “Twiggy” look: heavy black eyeliner on the upper lid, with a defined crease and drawn-on lower lashes for a wide-eyed, doll-like effect. Lips are pale or nude.

Conclusion: Your Georgette, Your Era

Styling georgette for a vintage look is not about simply buying a “retro” dress. It’s about understanding the specific aesthetic of a decade and applying those principles to a versatile fabric. By carefully selecting your georgette, building your silhouette, adding the right layers, and accessorizing with precision, you can create an outfit that feels truly transported in time. The details—from the right petticoat to the perfect pair of shoes—are what elevate a simple georgette garment into a captivating, vintage-inspired masterpiece. It’s a practical, step-by-step process that puts you in control of your own retro narrative.