Vintage at Goodwood: Five Decades of Cool

The magnificent Vintage at Goodwood Festival took place this August, with visitors paying homage to five decades of British cool. In honour of the event, check out my favourite piece from each decade…

40s – The Fascinator

THEN: After the war, hats experienced a bit of a dip in popularity, so the millinery industry set about making their hats more extravagant to entice buyers. They soon became established as the essential accessory to complete your look.

NOW: The fascinator is a fashion favourite with stylistas like Paloma Faith and Jaime Winstone, and is perfect for giving a retro nod to an other wise modern look. Vintage stores have impressive selections, but it’s also worth checking out the new range at M&S.

50s – The Hour Glass Silhouette

THEN: 1950s fashion was characterised by its ultra feminine silhouette, with plenty of waist-enhancing dresses creating an hour glass shape.

NOW: The fact that it’s sexy without being overtly provocative has made it a style favourite. Use Mad Men’s Betty Draper and the Sandy from Grease (pre make-over) as your inspiration.

60s – The Mini Skirt

THEN: The 60s was the first time that youngsters wanted to perpetuate their own sense of style to break away from dressing like their parents. Stylistas wanting to create a little controversy rushed out to snap up Mary Quant’s mini skirts.

NOW: The mini is still a statement of youth and confidence today, some 50 years later. The calf-length skirt might overtake it in the style stakes this season, but look out for new take minis in leather and black lace for A/W 2010.

70s – The Hippy Headband

THEN: The decade of free love was all about looking effortless. The first Woodstock festival took place in 1969, cultivating a laid-back look that soon took off over here.

NOW: Instantly evoking the spirit of free love, it’s no surprise that the hippy headband made a serious comeback at this year’s summer festivals. Best accessorised with mussed up hair and bare feet. Peace.

80s – The Power Shoulder

THEN: The 1980s were a decade defined by the art of power dressing. With more and more women in the work place, style got serious. To reflect the feisty nature of the 80s woman, pads were sewn into shoulders to create a sharper silhouette.

NOW: Where to start! Strutted up and down on multiple catwalks and rocked on stage by Rihanna and Gaga, the mighty shoulder has been a style wonder for most of this year. Next season look out for a more subtle shoulder on military and luxe jackets.

[this post originally appeared on Company’s High-Street Edit intern blog, click here to see the intern blog in full]