My grandmother's 40s suit
Posted Sep 20, 2011 at 09:09 CEST in Fashion and Me.
![[Image]](http://blog.johannaost.com/images/uploads/2463_medium.jpg)
When I brought my grandmother’s wedding dress from my parents’ attic to my place for some photos I also brought along some other clothes that I can actually wear!
This is a late 40s suit and it’s so fantastic! How about those shoulder pads? And the beautiful double pocket flaps (no actual pockets underneath though). It’s in pristine condition as well and very sturdy.
The skirt was originally ankle length, no doubt influenced by the New Look. Since a full length suit is just something I’d never wear, and I didn’t feel it even fit the look of the jacket very well, I shortened it to a length more fitting for an earlier 40s look. Normally I wouldn’t alter something so old in such a major way, but this is something I will never sell, and it would be a shame if I couldn’t wear it, so I made an exception. I miss my grandmother very much and therefore I especially love to wear her clothes.
In true 40s fashion I used the leftover scraps from the skirt to make the cute little hat. I’ll post some better photos of it some other time.
The blue suede gloves were part of a lovely autumn present from Cecilie Melli. Thank you!
15 comments on “My grandmother’s 40s suit”
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Vicky
How lovely! I’m sure your grandmother would be very pleased that you are wearing her suit and sharing it on your blog for others to see.
Emily, thecatsandtheberries.blogspot.com
So pretty! I’d really like to see how the hat was constructed.
Johanna, johannaost.com
Thank you! I’ll definitely make a post about the hat later. I haven’t completely finished the inside yet.
Jess, landofladythings.blogspot.com
Great job! Also, that brooch is so pretty– was that your grandmothers too?
Jennie
Stunning! My grandmother actually got married in a suit similar to this one. Since her husband was in active duty in the US airforce during WWII, they both wore suits to their wedding (which I think took place on the base). In their pictures, she looks so feminine in her skirt suit…which is weird because I wouldn’t normally think of a suit as being feminine. If you have a picture of your grandmother wearing this suit, that’d be really cool to see the before and after!
Casey, elegantmusings.com
This is gorgeous, Johanna! What a lucky gal you are to have such beautiful things handed down to you. :) I just modeled a mid 40s suit yesterday for a local vintage shop (I’m pretty certain it was made during the war, since instead of a zipper in the skirt, it had a button placket), and cannot get over how amazing it felt to wear a 40s suit! (I’m going to give making one a try in the winter.) The hat is lovely too–can’t wait to see some better pictures! :)
Kailey, mermaidens.blogspot.com
Ahh I feel like you were made to wear such things! You look stunning as always ^^ I got a couple of nightgowns from my great-grandmother, and they are so gorgeous.
Sanne, gt-sanne.blogspot.com
You look very elegant - I’m sure your grandmother looks down at you and is very proud. I also miss my grandmother every single day, although it is 17 years ago she died. Unfortunately, she was quite big, and did not leave any clothes I can use. But she left me her little Summer cottage, which I love, and I feel she’s almost with me when I stay there.
Lilly
Are there really no pockets under the flaps or are they just stitched up to keep them flat?
Johanna, johannaost.com
Thanks everyone!
Jess: Thank you! The brooch is just an Etsy find, but one of my favourites!
Jennie: I love simple weddings like that! I’m sure her suit was beautiful. I don’t think I’ve seen my grandmother wearing this in a photo, but if I ever find one I’ll show it!
Casey: Thank you very much! 40s suits really are great. I’m so fascinated by the fashion changes brought on by the war, like the buttons instead of zipper!
Lilly: There really is nothing underneath, just the flaps.
Anna | Mormor hade stil, mormorhadestil.se
Underbart.
Isis, fortieswardrobe.blogspot.com
Beautiful! The pockets are just great!
I could wear my grandmother 40’s clothes when I was 20 so I never will again, but I really should take a few photos of them on a mannequin.
Fiona, fionatimantti.blogspot.com
Nice suit! That hat looks really good too.
Tasha, blog.bygumbygolly.com
The suit looks lovely on you! And how special to be able to wear something that was your grandmother’s. Definitely worth altering. I’d love to see more of the hat!
Johanna, johannaost.com
Thank you! :)
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