To be clear...
The Revival Meeting is to recreate the period when the track at Goodwood was used for car and bike racing. This was from 1948 to 1966. So lots of de-mob suits, military uniforms, teddy boys, mii-skirts, mods and rockers. Too early for hippies and flower power! "Period" is of the track, not your car!
Gents
1940’s Fashion
For men, the wartime austerity resulted in the Utility suit, with its distinct lack of pleats, sleeve buttons and patch pockets. For men and women, accessories such as hats, gloves, scarves, cravats and waistcoats were vital to lift their rather drab mend-and-make-do outfits.
A man in uniform is always a pleasing sight for the ladies, so why not wear an Army or RAF uniform from the period – in keeping with Goodwood’s WWII RAF history?
1950’s Fashion
In the 1950’s men opted for sleek hairstyles, narrow and sharper cuts for their suits, moved away from hats, embraced casual knitwear, khaki trousers and blazers. The influence of pop culture had a pronounced fashion influence – the anti-authoritarian Brylcreem-enhanced Teddy Boy burst onto the scene, rock ‘n’ roll reverberated through the fashion world and the Mods emerged.
Why not try a debonair look by wearing a blazer, turn-up flannels, accompanied by a cravat, a Panama or Homburg hat; and don’t forget a touch of Brylcreem – of course. Accessorise with a rolled-up umbrella, cigarette holder or eye-glass and finish off a top-class and sophisticated look that Cary Grant or Terry Thomas would be familiar with.
1960’s Fashion
Suits drifted away from pale, toned shades, menswear was now bright and colorful. It included frills and cravats, wide ties and trouser straps, leather boots and even collarless jackets. Ties were worn even five inches wide, with crazy prints, stripes and patterns.
For that dandified look opitomised by Brian Jones, try wearing a crushed velvet or stripped double-breasted suit, brocade waistcoat and a shirt with frilled collar. In the late 60’s the androgynous hippie look was in style. Both men and women wore frayed bell-bottomed jeans, tie-dyed shirts, workshirts, and headbands.
Perhaps you might prefer a mechanic’s white cloth overall (with charcoal for oil stains), leather boots, and accompanied by a flat cap, leather belt and clockwork stopwatches.
Ladies
1940′s Fashion
The shortage of fashionable fabrics – and the loss of design direction from Paris – resulted in the rise of ‘Utility Fashion’ for ladies, defined by knee-length skirts, sensible flat-heeled shoes and square shouldered jackets that recalled the cut of uniforms.
A Girl in Uniform – For that post WWII era, why not try a uniform, always a smart and neat alternative! Be a WREN, land girl, police woman or nurse for the day!
1950’s Fashion
With clothing and cloth rationing but a dim memory, the 1950s ushered in a bold and glamorous look, headlined by the glossy styles of post-war Paris. The result was tailored hourglass-accenting cuts and a smart polished look.
For that sophisticated couture look, epitomised by Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, try wearing a voluminous dress clinched with wide belt, slender high heels, glamorous hat with matching sleek gloves, and seamed nylon stockings. If the classical style of the English country garden is more appealing, how about a floral summer frock or twin set and pearls and matching tweed suit, accompanied by a ‘church’ hat, fox fur, small handbag and gloves to match.
1960’s Fashion
The political and social upheaval of the 1960s was reflected in its groundbreaking fashions – it was a decade in which the bikini, mini skirt, bell-bottom jeans and Capri trousers made their debut, and it saw the clash of the Mods and the Rockers. Carnaby Street and Chelsea’s Kings Road influenced the fashion world, Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton dominated the catwalk and fashion fully embraced the sex ‘n’ drugs ‘n’ rock ‘n’roll mood that defined the Swinging Sixties.
For that Jackie Kennedy look try a short boxy suit in pastel colours with oversized buttons. If you’re inspired by top models of the day such as Twiggy, Colleen Corby or Jean Shrimpton, try a velvet mini dress with lace collars and matching cuffs topped off with false eyelashes and pale lipstick.
