Goodwood Revival 2019 is just around the corner. In about six weeks from now, Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex will take a magical step back in time. So, it’s time to get Revival ready! In this article, we’re going to help you do exactly that. Firstly, to help you find your vintage style, we caught up with an expert. Vicky Booker – Personal Stylist and Coach.
Once you’ve found your vintage style read on to discover our practical tips to help you get the most out of your day visiting Goodwood Revival in beautiful West Sussex!
Vintage Style Tips for Goodwood Revival
An interview with Vicky Booker:
The Goodwood Revival celebrates style from the ’40s to the ’60s. How can someone determine which decade is best for them?
VB: Ultimately, it’s down to personality and what look appeals the most. Sometimes, there could be an element of body-shape. The ’40s and ’50s were all about hourglass curves, and gents could wear roomier suits. But, in the ’60s the straight lines of Twiggy together with narrow trousers and tighter-fitting sweaters stole the show.
Dressing up in a vintage style is the chance to try something completely different. So, if you usually wear a smart suit, a more out-there ’60s psychedelic get up could be a fun deviation!
What is your top tip to help someone embrace each of those decades?
The ’40s:
VB: This era was all about the war years. Rationing meant there was a strong element of utilitarian reserve. So, think all things ‘Forces’ – like uniforms! Hemlines for the ladies got shorter due because fabric wasn’t readily available, and the ‘Victory Suit’ – a tailored jacket with either a knee-length skirt or wide-leg trousers was popular for women. If you choose this look, wear your wide-leg trousers high on the waist. A full jacketed affair was popular for gents (always with a hat of course)!
Remember the ’40s were also a very glamourous era – so ladies channel Rita Hayworth in a waist-cinching gown, designed to show off that hour-glass figure!
The ’50s:
VB: By the end of the war, and into the ’50s, things got more glamorous – and excessive. Christian Dior’s ‘New Look’ brought with it full skirts and dresses using optimum fabric. This fashion made a statement and shrugged off rationing for good. So ladies, if you fancy a swishy skirt and a coat of red lippy, this era could be for you. But if you want something more figure-hugging, the wiggle dress and that ‘pin-up look’ was also really popular.
For the gents, suiting was still prevalent, but you can also afford to adopt a more casual or fun look. Maybe you’ll go for a rockabilly outfit with a bowling shirt and rolled-up dark denim jeans.
The ’60s:
VB: This was when things got colourful and psychedelic! Although at the beginning of the era it was still reasonably smart looks all around with slimmer fitting trousers and single-breasted jackets. When the ‘swinging sixties’ started in earnest, along came bell bottoms – for both the guys and girls. If you fancy a pop of colour and pattern, then maybe the ’60s are for you.
Can you suggest some favourite shopping haunts for vintage style?
VB: This depends on where you live. I think Chichester has a fabulous selection of vintage-specific shops. These include Vintage, Beyond The Fringe, and the fabulous St Wilfrid’s Retro & Vintage, (with the added benefit that your money goes to a good cause). Also, consider a visit to Retroesque in Arundel.
In any town, the secret gems are often found (sometimes hidden) in the charity shops, where you can find some fantastic pieces. Charity shops will often have a dedicated vintage section. And of course, you can shop on-line, either at specialist vintage boutiques or buy and sell sites like e-bay. For an event like the Goodwood Revival, I’d be cautious of buying from a fancy dress shop or website. Items are often are made from cheap-looking materials and can seem a little tacky (and usually not too authentic looking!).
A word of caution. As a population, we have generally ‘sized up’ over the decades. So, it’s not always easy to pick items based on the sizing you are in the shops now! What would have been a ladies size 12 in the ’50s, is probably more equivalent to a current size 10. If you’re shopping online for authentic items, my advice would be to ask the seller for specific measurements (waist, chest, sleeve width, etc.) so you know it’s more likely to be a good fit – often these items are non-returnable.
Can we use non-vintage clothes we might already have our wardrobes to create a vintage look?
VB: Fashion is cyclical. So, designers are continually bringing in styles that reference the past decades. You will often find items in high street shops that have a vintage flair! Cath Kidston is excellent for some ’50s and ’60s looks.
If you’re not a full vintage style fan and your day at the Goodwood Revival is likely to be a one-off, you might not want to spend a lot on a whole new outfit. A quick and easy fix might be to roll up your darkest denim jeans, don a fitted white t-shirt and leather jacket, slick back your hair, and you’ve got a ’50s rockabilly look sorted.
If you’re handy with a needle and thread, you can add a triangle panel of bright fabric (offcuts work well here) to the bottom of an older pair of jeans or trouser. Hey presto, instant bell-bottoms!
Add a wide belt to one of this season’s popular tea, or shirt dresses and a block heeled shoe for a ’40s vibe!
How vital are hair and makeup when it comes to vintage styling?
VB: Hair and makeup, along with accessories, are crucial to achieving an authentic vintage look. You could have a great ’50s style dress on, but if you’re wearing your usual layered tresses and natural make-up, it won’t have quite the same effect. Conversely, if you wear a vintage-inspired look, you’ve put together from items you already have, adding a victory roll and strong ’40s makeup will pull it together.
Enjoyed Vicky’s tips? Stay tuned for our follow-up blog and discover how Vicky styles Martyn for Goodwood Revival 2019!
Martyn’s Top Three Tips to Help you Enjoy your Day!
Tip #1
Tip #2
- Woodcote corner. With drivers pushing the limits and fighting for track position down the Lavant straight, this is a great spot to get close to the action, and if it’s wet, there’s certainly no shortage of drama.
- Try to grab a good spot at the beginning of Lavant Corner looking South East towards St Mary’s. As the track drops away, the drivers head towards St Mary’s which is the only left-hander on the course. Very often cars are moving around and sliding as a result of cold tyres on the righthand wall; this makes for great racing. Keep your eye out for Grant Williams in his stunning MK I Jaguar who will most likely be styling it out sideways.
- Another great trackside location is Madgwick Corner. Here you can climb up on the bank to get a long-distance view almost to Woodcote corner. You’ll see drivers whip through the chicane and power up the start-finish line, heading right towards you. Drivers tend to slipstream the straight and push hard crabbing around Madgwick, so it’s a great photo spot and a high action corner.
- Finally, if you’re not sure then just look for the trackside TV camera pods. Generally, they will be a good place to catch the action.
Tip #3
Are you looking for somewhere in West Sussex and close to Goodwood to store your classic car after the Revival action? We can help. Contact us HERE.