Vintage Brighton

Misty Monroe here back for another month of Retro goodness and I hope you’ve been checking in on the Facebook and blog in the meantime!

Last month I touched on the topic of vintage Summer style and, in this month’s column, here’s some tips to help you take that 50’s look to the beach.

The vintage style lends itself rather easily to both ends of the spectrum; in the winter there’s long, thick coats, fur stoles and hand muffs and for the Summer we can look forward to pretty swimsuits and cat eye sunnies.


Of course, as we know, the general fashion of the 50’s and (early) 60’s was high-waists and long lengths. Nevertheless, the floaty fabric of circle skirts avoids too much overheating! And, if all else fails, nothing is more retro in the Summer than a handy little fan!

I mainly pick mine up from car shows and retro events but if you’re going on a European holiday this Summer season, street markets are the perfect place to pick up a colour for every outfit. Having said this, Accessorize have stocked up on paper fans, with a delicate butterfly pattern the pick of the lot!

For swimwear you can take your pick between a high waisted two-piece or, for the less brave like myself, a nice all in one. As I mentioned last month Primark are even stocking up on skirted swimsuits, something I haven’t seen on the high street for a long time!

If that doesn’t quite float your boat, though, fear not, it’s super easy to get a classic look from Halternecks, polkadots, florals or even fruit patterns, the highlight for me being this tummy control swimsuit from Primark or anything from the stunning Kelly Brook collection at New Look. When it’s time to head out for lunch, throw a coordinating circle skirt over your suit (once dry from frolicking in the sea!) and head to your nearest milkshake joint!

Finally, if you’re already a full on Betty Page or you just want to try a touch of 50’s, a slick of red lippy, a hair flower and the perfect cat eyes will make any outfit. Brighton’s Collectif have some stunning geometric eye wear but most of the high street fashion stores stock cat eyes with this pearl detail pair from River Island being particularly eye catching.

Now you’re ready to wow on the beach but if you want to hunt for more vintage goodies this Summer, then check outwww.mistymonroe.blogspot.com for details on local fairs and events.

Until next time,

Misty x