I've had this jacket for a while, and it always gets worn especially in the fall. It had been too big, but now fits me again so I was happy to pull it out and make use of it this autumn. 

It looks very 1950s with the front vents, fitted darts, notched collar, and button tabs – all vintage elements common to jackets.

It's also a lovely deep red with darker lines, which I find matches a lot of things in my closet – another bonus.

However this time I was making it a little more late '40s by pairing it with my Mexican style tiered skirt (also a thrift store find). 2 piece outfits are often matching, but I looked on pattern illustrations from the era and found that a lot of them showed a coordinating jacket and skirt look, so I didn't hesitate. I think it's interesting how the skirt is dressed up when paired with a jacket instead of peasant blouse.

I kept with the late '40s theme also with a low-in-front hairstyle and a high-in-front hat, and some Miss L Fire shoes I found on eBay. They are called classic 1940s, but I find more in common with the post-war years when I compare them with vintage shoe ads. The colors and style go with the skirt very well.

So nothing except the hat and gloves are true vintage, with this outfit, and nothing is homemade – unusual for me! But it goes to show how that certain modern pieces can look period correct when they are paired and accessorized correctly.

Also the brooch is vintage, which adds a bit of sparkle and ties the black together.

I find an outfit like this nice to throw together when traveling because it is comfortable, doesn't wrinkle with a little crushing or require a lot of accessories, like a belt, which if you forget to pack can ruin your outfit. Plus it's versatile. I need more versatile in my wardrobe!

So there's a modern-goes-vintage autumn look to keep me happy until I get back to sewing some of the more exciting things on my list!