So since my last post I’ve been poking around looking at the presentation aspect of performance. How will I present myself to concert goers? I’m not really a girly person, but I do want to look my best for you all when I’m out on the road.
I’ll be singing music from a 25 year period in the early 20th century (1913-1935), but for women’s fashion there were huge changes. The 1910’s saw corsets give way to more fitted but longer dresses. In the 1920’s skirt hemlines shrank, hair was bobbed, and clothing had long lines to show more of a “boyish” appearance. The 1930’s brought some middle ground of sorts-hair and hemlines grew a little longer, and curves were back in. All within a generation.
Looking at vintage fashions and fabrics online, one thing is clear for me: I will have to have whatever I wear built from scratch with non-synthetic fabrics (wool, silk, cotton). I cannot fit into anything historical-period. My 21st century frame of 5’10” (1.77 meters) puts me at least two inches taller (5cm) than the average man, and 6-8 inches taller (15-20cm) than the average woman of the time in America. I don’t even have to look into the weight part of it.
I’m not going to change costumes several times during a performance to show off these differences-this is not a Vegas show! I want to wear just one dress for each show, and have a backup dress to wear in case one is at the cleaners.
So I’ve got a few ideas, and I’m taking your input. What do you all think of these fashions? Would you feel weird/annoyed seeing someone sing something from 1932 that’s wearing a dress from 1916, or vice versa? While I will ultimately decide what to use, I would love feedback. The “non-girly” side of me needs your opinion.
Here’s some links to follow for fashion ideas if you don’t know the periods well:
The 1910’s
The 1920’s
The 1930’s
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Thanks!
I wouldn’t worry about it overmuch. I don’t think most people will be hip to the differences between 20s/30s etc. And I guess the later you dress, the less potential conflicts there will be. Who is to say a ’30s performer wouldn’t sing songs from the teens?
That makes total sense to me Dan…I don’t think they thought about songs in the 10’s being “old-fashioned” in the 30’s and so forth. Thanks for your comment!
Actually, Cece, I wouldn’t go too girly at all. Comfort is everything, and I’m not just talking about physically.
I’m wondering how you’d feel (and look) with ‘just-under-the-knees’ pants and a top that suits your personality (and goes with the pants, of course). Top it up (or bottom it down) with high (almost to the knee) flat or at least solid-square-heel cowboy boots. Maybe all in fall colors that highlight your skin and hair color. The trousers can be sleek (like in ‘show some curves’ when the mood strikes you) or baggy or somewhat cowgirl style. Like I said, it’s more important that you are comfortable and can carry it off whatever your mood. You can always alter it with a great long favorite skirt and matching top. Shouldn’t be too much a burden on the road to carry these things.
Hope this helps
It definitely helps Chris! Thanks so much for your thoughts, and hopefully I will see you when I’m on the road in 2013.
I think you should wear period clothing if you *want* to – if it’s important to you in your presentation. So, if you want to do that, I’d say pick something that flatters you and you feel comfortable in. If my rather dated memories of what you look good in still hold true, I’d say of the items you linked to, the 1910’s traveling dress or the 1930’s evening dress are the most likely to flatter you. The traveling dress has the bonus of apparently being more versatile…
Hi Beth! I am definitely leaning towards the 30’s evening dress from the standpoint that I’ll be performing through the summer out of these two choices. Thanks for your comments, and I hope to see you soon.
Hi Cece
I would agree with Christine I would wear what ever is comfortable for you, remember historical accuracy sometimes doesn’t match with people’s perceptions so I wouldn’t be too worried about a perfect peroid outfit
Liam
Good point Liam. One of Dan’s friends who was a costumer noted to me in a Facebook discussion that if I found a dress that was not completely vintage, but if I found era appropriate accessories, I would still look the part and feel comfortable all in one go. Thanks for your comments, and I hope all is well!