Beginners Guide to Vintage Lingerie ~ WKD guest blog

Of course, everyone loves to frock-up (a subject we covered well in my last article!) but most of the time we do have to wear more normal clothes. However, starting your day with a luxurious lingerie set can be both a great way to jazz up your outfit, and also a quick and easy way of adding a little shape for those days when a little help is required. I’ve selected a lovely patterned swing dress from Retropec’d for this look, as well as a set of What Katie Did’s fashion lingerie, which is a little more modern in shape, to show how to use it to enhance your comfort and look.

n a world that pays tribute to layers of elastic and modern tube-like shapewear, traditional foundation garments can be intimidating. We seem to have this pre-defined idea that more traditional forms of shapewear are uncomfortable and impractical for modern life when in reality, they are often much more supportive, much more comfortable and much better-looking! Starting with something simple, such as a suspender belt combo, can be a great way to start introducing vintage style undergarments into your wardrobe without feeling overwhelmed by the experience. Ideal for everyday wear or evening wear, a suspender belt set is a great introduction for ladies who are new to vintage foundation garments or just want to add some glamour into their lingerie drawer. The other two huge plus points about vintage-style suspender belts is that firstly they offer stomach shaping and support without having to wrap yourself in layers of beige spandex, but also that stockings are far more hardwearing than tights, and also a run in one does not have to mean the end for the other leg!

What I particularly love about What Katie Did’s huge range of vintage inspired lingerie is that there is something for everyone. As well as old fashioned girdles, bullet bras and corsets, they also make modern style sets which that include fashionable briefs and bras but with the all-important suspenders in styles that will hold up to actually being worn every day. With a mix of styles, shapes and cuts, there’s something for everybody’s shape. Something else I love is that they also release sets with a choice of knickers - both a showgirl brief (which is high waisted for those who like a little more coverage) and bikini-style knickers, as well as thongs in select styles.

The Joan Lingerie set caught my eye for its subtle beauty and striking purple colour, and also the gorgeous Calais Leavers lace it is made from! This set is one that definitely lends itself to helping a gal feel amazing no matter what’s layered over the top of it. This set is limited edition, so I recommend you snap it up when you see it as only a limited amount will be available, but for alternative modern-style sets, have a look at the ultra-lacy Veronika, gorgeously crimson Ruby Satine or the foxy leopard print Margaret sets to find something for everyone. This Joan set features a modern style lace bra, lace panelled suspender belt and my preferred showgirl briefs (little knickers are available) which fit together to create a polished vintage look, topped off with light stockings for daytime, or darker stockings to bring out the black detail and amp up the sultriness of this set.

The bra for the Joan set is a classic balconette style, with underwire and black 20 denier lingerie mesh under the Calais Leavers. This gives it great support without compromising the soft feel of the lace of this bra, and also means that if you have reservations about going underwire-less you’ll feel right at home! The detail along the cups of this bra is just gorgeous and to wear it’s incredibly comfortable.  The soft cup design is perfect for under blouses, dresses and tops as they give a subtle vintage shape without going all the way like a bullet bra would, and still providing a smooth finish.

As a gal who is a lover of all things high waisted, I personally opted for the showgirl brief to wear with this set. The thing I probably love most about these briefs is the fact they have a back zip, which allowed for the lace of the briefs to sit well on my pear shaped frame without compromising the cut of the knickers. The shape and cut also feels incredibly retro and glamorous – you certainly feel like you are spoiling yourself!

The suspender belt is truly a stunning finishing piece to this set. Made with the same lingerie mesh as the bra, it lightly shapes the waist and hips without being too firm.  It also features a powermesh back, a feature I adore, as it makes the fit incredibly comfortable, even when it is doing its job of smoothing you down! This set has six suspender straps (my preferred minimum for wearing stockings all day) which allows for a comfortable hold on my stockings right around my leg without too much movement. If you’re wearing seams this also helps to stop them moving about too much. It is so important to have the right suspender belt when embarking on full-time stocking wear. Get the right belt and it will be joy - opt for cheap suspenders with plastic clips and they will be digging in, twisting around and falling down all day long!

To finish my beautiful vintage lingerie set, I opted for a subtle pair of nude stockings with a pink contrast back seam. Subtle contrast seams can be a great way for ladies who are working their way into vintage lingerie to give the style a try without committing to a noticeable seam that will draw attention. This set however looks equally as amazing with a pair of darker contrast seams or black fully fashioned stockingsas well, for a more evening appropriate look. If you are curvier of thigh, have a look at the new Glamour Seamed Stockings, especially designed with a wider welt for total comfort.

Now, just getting dressed in this gorgeous set makes you feel amazing, even if it’s only on a grey weekday morning, but how does it really work under clothes? I teamed this set with a gorgeous dress that could easily be worn for a day or night time look to show you how. This Elizabeth Dress from Australian brandRetrospec’d in Gay Pari print is truly stunning. Featuring hues of reds and blues in cotton twill, with a gorgeous Parisian scene print, this dress is perfect for any event, special occasion or excuse to dress up (whatever that may be) and is especially perfect especially during those warmer Summer months (here in Australia it’s getting pretty warm, and this outfit will certainly be on the shortlist for my Christmas Day look!) Teamed with this lingerie set, I’ve achieved timeless style with a 1950 twist that will never go out of fashion.

I kept accessories simple with a red hair flower from Daisy Jean, to bring out the hues of the dress, with a necklace from Debstar Designs and these red Marilyn pumps from Royal Vintage Shoes to finish the overall look - a simple, elegant vintage style that any lady can wear with confidence.

Let’s face it; we all feel more feminine and sexy when we are wearing beautiful lingerie (even if no one else sees it!) and gorgeous vintage lingerie doesn’t have to be complicated and scary. A simple suspender look with the right outfit can still give knockout results while making you feel amazing. Vintage lingerie really is something that is a joy to be worn daily; it’s just about finding the perfect set for you!

Credits:
Photography: Sherbert Birdie
Makeup: Divine Pinups Mobile Makeup and Hair
Hair: Miss Ruby Rabbit

By What Katie Did:
Limited Edition Joan Lingerie
Joan Balconette Bra - £49.50 – 32-38 B-E
Joan Suspender Belt - £44.50 – UK 8-18
Joan Showgirl Knickers - £41.50 – UK 8-18
(Bikini Knickers also available - £27.50 – 8-16)

Other Pieces:
Elizabeth Dress in Gay Pari from Retrospec’d
Marilyn Pumps in Red by Royal Vintage Shoes
Red Rose Double Hair Flower from Daisy Jean Floral Designs 
Red bead necklace from Debstar Designs