The Line Between Retro and Costume

January’s W may center around a cold interview with Hilary Swank, but it also boasts a very warm, very striking 1970’s inspired editorial.

We read it on our flight back to New York from California, and we almost screamed for the pilot to turn the plane around so we could dress like this every single day. The clothes, the hair, the bags, the sunshine!

We’ve always been the first and most enthusiastic to embrace retro glamour - we’re the only one in the office obsessed with Dita Von Teese and we were Bettie Page for Halloween to everyone’s confusion - but when it comes to actually getting dressed in the morning, we acknowledge the possibility of going too far.

We’re just not sure where the line is - A blousy silk top with flares and wedges might be a costume to some, but for us it’s just toeing the line between Spring ‘73 and Spring ‘08. Is the addition of a denim vest too much? What about a floral headscarf?

It’s standard to mix and match something vintage with something modern, but sometimes we have fun creating an entirely retro look. We just wish people wouldn’t ask us if it’s Halloween when we do.

Since the look of the 1970’s has always been our favorite, we’re loving the return of wedges and can’t wait to see the Halston revival.

Is there an era of clothing that designers have not yet revived that you emulate? Or do you stay away from retro, afraid that you might look, well, tired?

posted by Lindsaysue12

Jan 08, 2008 1:59PM

I need those Balenciagas...

In other news: Halston revival = Rachel Zoe's haven

posted by guest

Jan 08, 2008 2:09PM

i absolutely love it. especially considering on more the one occassion in my youth i went as a disco diva or a 70s flower child. i don't care if it's costumey, welcome back.

posted by Rockmantica

Jan 08, 2008 2:22PM

I LOVE costume-y as long as it looks good and you rock it. I mostly try to dress like a rock star all the time. I love going to Morrissey shows and seeing all these rockabilly girls.

To put it short, I think putting yourself together is so much nicer than boring people in boring clothes. =)

posted by FWD

Jan 08, 2008 2:44PM

I knew I liked you! ^_^ I want Dita von Teese's whole closet, including her burlesque costumes. And I need her for a drill sergeant. I could really use her waking me up at sunrise with a whistle going, "Get up! Turn on the curlers! Now apply lipstick! Yes, throw those stockings away - someone will so see that snag!"

posted by GQDetails8604

Jan 08, 2008 4:39PM

I love the look of retro modernism or full blown retro its just boils down to the right look on the right person...i work for BCBG and everyday i hear an older woman saying "I remember I had this dress in the 70's" It really shows that fashions are truly in cycle which is great because some of the greatest times happened in the past, and who wouldn't love to relive the 70's. It was a time of groovy love, peace, and laid back airy style

posted by RayBay

Jan 08, 2008 5:40PM

I too love 1970s fashion, 'specially the years'74-'78. But the brand of the '70s fashion represented here is kind of hokey and cheap looking (not trashy cheap--- crappy polyester pantsuit cheap), with the possible exception of the second to last frame. Vests are the enemy. Long sleeve floral blouses under vests are the enemy, undercover.

You want truly great '70s fashion? See this woman's wardrobe:

http://tiny.cc/MrsJagger1

posted by LittleLola

Jan 08, 2008 7:41PM

I love the pin-up style -- whether it's trendy or not, I try to incorporate the elements into my wardrobe, just because I love it. But I do believe you can take retro too far, and I also believe that some things should NEVER be revived -- like those spandex bicycle shorts with the stretchy lace on the bottom (I had them in purple and black when I was little and they were so hot right then; please never again).

posted by sydneyt

Jan 08, 2008 9:25PM

Those clothes are gorgeous. I love the 1970's, but I tend to dress more like the 1960's. I love the old Twiggy style along with the more classic Audrey Hepburn. I say, rock the '70's, costume-y or not, you'll probably look fabulous.

posted by fashionjunkie

Jan 09, 2008 12:16AM

i love retro. i first saw this spread in "w" & immediately tore it out. i want all the outfits! i need them!

posted by debutanteclothing

Jan 09, 2008 3:13AM

I struggle with the line between costume and retro all the time. I was a die-hard rockabilly-Dita-Bettie girl for nearly 15 years. But as I entered my 30s, I felt a little costumey at times.

I think the key is fit, personality and appropriateness.

I have a few rules I follow:
If you wear vintage dresses, make sure you get them altered/tailored to fit you and don't be afraid to bring a neckline down or bring the hemline up.

If you decide to wear it, wear it with pride. No one else will look like you. that's a good thing. But make sure it fits who you are. You change. Your tastes change. Let your wardrobe change with you.

Bettie bangs ok for work? Sure! Dominatrix shoes? Probably not-nor would full retro make up and hair. Unless you work in a very creative field, tone down the retro look by keeping one retro detail.

And I am sooo jealous you dressed up like Bettie Paige for Halloween. Naughty girls!

posted by Divina

Feb 14, 2008 3:46PM

Dita doesn't even dress like Dita anymore. Ever since becoming fashoin's darling, I see less and less of Dita wearing her famous collection of vintage hats and suits. She's now always wearing designer, which is fine, but one should not forget where they came from.