As you all know, today is VE Day. Not only that but this year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2. This year has hit people hard with Covid-19 and the anthem of both VE Day and the lockdown has fittingly become ‘We’ll Meet Again‘ by Vera Lynn. It’s hard to celebrate and stay positive when you can’t socialise with friends or meet up with family but we’re all doing the best we can with the facilities we have.
How did I celebrate VE Day?
As I’m sure you know, I’m living on my own so there wasn’t much I could do. I went for a long walk in the sun and watched BBC’s ‘VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration‘. I couldn’t do much on my own but I could do one thing that I can do successfully – dress up.
You know me, I love a good fancy dress affair. As a tribute, I thought I’d try and create three outfits inspired by wartime fashion and occupations. I got out my camera, posed in front of my snuggler seat, and tried to quickly capture a few pictures to commemorate the 75th VE Day.
“Hello Sailor”
Rolled Cap – The Allotment
Glasses – Ollie Quinn
Polo Shirt – Thomas Farthing
Trousers – WW2 Royal Navy Trousers
Cuban Heels – Office
I’ve had these Royal Navy uniform trousers for a few years now and honestly, they’re one of my favourite items of clothing. I’ve worn them on so many nights out and to a whole heap of occasions. In fact, I wore them out on my birthday!
I knew I had to do a navy tribute with what I could find in my home. Sadly I couldn’t get a hold of any striped tops – I’ve left them at my mum and dad’s house. But I knew I had this beautiful top (made from bamboo fibres) that I bought from Thomas Farthing and I thought it would hit the spot.
“Rosie the Riveter”
Polkadot Tie – My Granddad’s
Glasses – Ray-Ban
Boiler Suit – Zara
Boots – Calvin Klein
Rosie the Riveter is one of the most famous faces of the war. She was featured on countless propaganda posters to help spur on the effort. But a lot of people probably don’t realise that she was a real person (unlike Uncle Sam).
I knew I had to pay tribute to this legendary woman of war. Without the women of Britain, there was a high chance that we would have lost the war.
“The Wartime Dad”
Hat: Thomas Farthing
Glasses: Ollie Quinn
Blazer: Vintage
Sweater Vest: Vivienne Westwood
Shirt: Reiss
Tie: My Granddad’s
Trousers: Bespoke (made when I was in China)
Socks: Debenhams
Shoes: Office
I’ve been obsessed with 1940’s fashion (and the menswear specifically) for years. I adore suits and I think there’s something truly beautiful about the cut of a vintage suit. Naturally, I thought I should try and create a little ‘Wartime Dad’ attire. I’ve paired a Vivienne Westwood blazer with a pair of tailored striped trousers and a plain purple blazer.
I love finding old photographs from the ’40s of men wearing a variety of layers and mixed suits. I wanted to try and throw in a mixture of patterns into this look (as you know I like to have fun with my wardrobe) but I tried to keep it somewhat accurate to the era.
And that’s pretty much my day. I hope you all had chance to speak with family and friends. And I hope you managed to stay safe and stay sane. All the best and I’ll leave you with a song that sums up our life right now:
