Retro Glamour: Dita Von Teese Costumes

Dita Von Teese draws her inspiration from the Hollywood Golden Era (1920s - 1960s). She is especially drawn to actresses Betty Grable, Marlene Dietrich and Rita Hayworth as well as pin-up icon and fetish model Bettie Page. But instead of trying to be these women, she takes elements of their style and blends it in a way that works for her.

Dita is her own stylist and does all her own hair and make-up and she makes her own wardrobe decisions. Trained in costume design she has been known to orchestrate every detail of her own photo shoots. It's so inspiring to see that you don't need a team of stylists to be on the 'best dressed' list. If Dita can do it, so can you!

So if you want to dress like Dita Von Teese, whether it be for Halloween, a costume party, or everyday wear, then do as Dita does. Be inspired by her, incorporate elements of her style into your routine, but make it your own. Do what works for you, your figure and your complexion. Pretty soon you'll have your own retro glamour look that others will want to emulate.

Starting in the 1930's women's clothing emphasized shapely feminine curves in stark contrast with the shapeless flapper dresses that had been so popular during the 1920's. Broad shoulders - enhanced by shoulder pads or puffed sleeves - were popular and helped to show off a slender waist. Dresses were calf length by day and ankle to floor length for the evening. Lower necklines were also popular. 

By the 1940's it was acceptable to wear knee length skirts or dresses. The emphasis on feminine curves continued throughout the decade and dresses were often cinched at the waist with buttons up the front and a pleated skirt. Polka dots became popular as did floral prints throughout the summer and solid colors for winter.

Fashion in the the 1950's was toned down and more conservative than in the 40's. Shoulder pads were gone, skirts and dresses were mid-to-low calf length and accentuated a slender waist. Skirts were either narrow or full.

When shopping for vintage clothing from the 30's, 40's and 50's you will often encounter the terms 'Wiggle Dress' and 'Swing Dress'.

Wiggle Dress - A modern term used to describe what was called a 'pencil' or 'sheath' dress. These dresses enhanced the bust, accented a slim waist and had a hem that was narrower than the waist which accentuated curves and created a 'wiggle' when walking.

Swing Dress - A dress with a skirt that flows out from a gathered waist. The dress could be halter-style or have short sleeves.

You can find a great variety of pin up dresses on eBay. There are also some darling vintage 'wiggle' and 'swing' dresses at Unique Vintage.

You would never catch Dita von Teese wearing a pair of modern shoes. She has a very large collection of vintage shoes that suit her style perfectly. If you're going to put together a pin-up look then shoes that play the part are essential. 

Shoe styles during the 1930's and 1940's were chunky with rounded toes and thick heels. Throughout the 30's two-tone shoes were popular as well as lace-up shoes and medium heels with an ankle strap. Leather was scarce during the 40's because it was required for the war and so reptile leather and mesh became popular materials for footwear. Cork or wood was a popular material for soles. Typical colors were black, brown, white, red or blue.

The 1950's brought about a dramatic shift in footwear and shoes were v-shaped at the toes. The 'stiletto' became very popular during this decade and shoes were purchased to match the color of each outfit.

Dita Von Teese has a new book about the art of beauty coming out January 28th, 2014. In her book she shares her beauty secrets from makeup techniques to her various red carpet hairstyles. She also includes her skincare, diet and exercise tips.

Your Beauty Mark: All You Need to Get the Hair, Makeup, Glow, and Glam is filled with full-color photographs and the beauty techniques are accompanied by step-by-step images.

Order yours today. Available for pre-order from Amazon. 

The best pin-up hairstyles for short hair are finger waves and pin curls. For medium and long hair you can really achieve any of the vintage hairstyles.

Hair in the 1930s was longer than the bob that was so fashionable in the 1920s but shorter than the 1940s and 1950s. Hair was either parted in the center or to one side and immaculately coiffed with feminine waves or curls framing the face. Two popular hairstyles during this era were the finger wave and pin curls.

Finger waves were achieved by working damp hair between the fingers shaping it with a comb back and forth into an 'S' shape and setting with hair lotion. No heat was used to during styling.

Pin curls were also created with damp hair. Small sections were rolled up around a finger, then carefully secured to the head with bobby pins. This style could either be worn as is or carefully combed out for a head of glamorous loose curls. 

During the 1950s the war was over and so was rationing. The women were no longer working in the factories and this decade resulted in very feminine and very glamorous and elaborate hairstyles. In addition, hairspray was invented leading to all new possibilities. Accordingly, volume was the key to most hairstyles of this era and often it was piled on top of the head in a beehive, bouffant or pompadour.

The term bouffant comes from the french 'bouffer' meaning 'to puff'. Hair was styled by back-combing and spraying with hairspray to create volume. The bouffant was the precursor to the beehive.

The beehive was achieved by teasing and piling the hair on top of the head into a cone shape, sometimes worn with a headscarf. This look could either be worn with all the hair piled up or with half the hair in a beehive and the rest worn down.

Pompadour hairstyles involve sweeping back hair from the face and setting it high above the forehead. The rest of the hair can either be worn in loose waves or swept back as well.

Dita Von Teese Style 
This is an excellent resource for those looking to see what types of clothing, hairstyles, makeup and accessories Dita has worn. This site has hundreds of pictures of Dita sorted into categories (handbags, shoes, clothes, accessories, jewelry, hair, make-up).

Dita Von Teese's Column at XOJane
Dita is an active columnist with XOJane. Reading her articles on skincare, hair care, and dressing glamorously is very informative for anyone wanting to add a little retro glamour to their beauty routine. 

The History of Shoes
This is a great website detailing vintage shoes from antiquity to the 1980's. 

Glamour Daze Vintage Fashion Guide
An informative guide of men's fashion and women's wardrobe and beauty from the 1900's to the 1960's.

Vintage Fashion Guild 
A fashion timeline from 1800 to 1970. Each section is accompanied by photos of retro fashion.