Ever since Retro Stage was founded in 2017, we’ve been determined to keep vintage fashion alive in the modern day. Our dedication to reviving and maintaining these timeless aesthetics hasn’t faltered in the seven years that have passed—in fact, it’s only gotten stronger, with our website being home to clothing inspired by every decade from the glamorous 1920s all the way to the experimental 1980s.

Our designers find inspiration in so many places, but perhaps the most important and influential source they draw from is the abundance of sketches and illustrations made by fashion innovators from the 20th century. These historic works of art give our team insight into the visions these designers had for their clothes as well as the essence of that era’s fashion, which allows them to then incorporate that essence into modern interpretations of classic looks. Today, we’re giving you guys a peek behind the curtain and highlighting some of our favorite Retro Stage concept sketches! By the time we’re done here, you’ll be ready to start working these nostalgic styles into your contemporary wardrobe.

1940s Lapel Plaid Belted Romper

Talk about looking gorgeous in gingham! This simple, easy-to-wear romper is the ultimate in comfort with its cap sleeves, high-cut hem, and collared V-neckline. It comes in both red and black and is accented with buttons and a bow for that little extra bit of flair that makes it special. When the summer weather is at its hottest, you can wear this piece to lounge with a drink in your backyard or to keep cool while out with friends.

Black 1950s Cherry Bow V-Neck Swimsuit

This in-your-face two-piece is as flirtatious in real life as it is on the page, featuring a vibrant cherry-print fabric and low-cut V-neckline. The cherry on top, so to speak, comes in the form of two mini bows placed at the base of each strap, which add a youthful energy to the set and draw the eye right in. Between that and the flowing overskirt, no one will be able to take their eyes off of you!

1960s Crew Bowknot Sleeveless Dress

The ‘60s may have been all about boldness and experimentation, but this mod-inspired piece is an example of simplicity done just right. The sleeveless silhouette works beautifully with the solid color accented by a groovy white pleated skirt and off-center neck bow, and because it’s so minimalist, you can wear it as everyday clothing or use it as a swimsuit coverup. And that’s not all—it also comes in two different colors to match your personal style.

1940s Halter Polka-Dot Bow One-Piece Swimsuit

This suit is a perfect mix of cutesy and seductive, sporting a two-tiered ruffled skirt and a low-cut halter strap neckline with underwire cups. The polka-dot fabric and adorable double bow accent are sure to catch the attention of everyone you see while relaxing at the beach or taking a dip in the pool. The best part? If pink isn’t your thing, you can get this slinky swimsuit in sandy brown or sunny yellow instead.

White 1950s Cherry Bow Sweetheart-Neck Dress

This dress takes inspiration from the mid-century trend of geometric lapel collars that went over a garment’s shoulder straps and sometimes reached all the way to the tip of the collarbone. The design here goes a step further, though, by having the collar also serve as a bow! This eye-catching detail lets the cherry print stand on its own while still bringing something unexpected to the look. Paired with a sunhat and some pumps, this piece is absolutely perfect for a walk in the park or a tea party with loved ones.

1950s Polka-Dot Halter Dress

You can’t get more quintessentially 1950s than a red-and-white polka-dot sundress. Sleek, comfortable, and seductive, this piece doesn’t need any extra bells and whistles to make a statement. The plunging halter neckline ties into a bow at the back of the neck to draw attention to the shoulders, while the stark white belt at the waist neatly defines the figure for a simple but put-together look. If red isn’t your color, it also comes in a gorgeous forest green!

1950s Strawberry Ruffle Strap Swimsuit

Nothing says sunshine and sweetness like strawberries, so we made this beloved summer treat into a swimsuit! This quirky two-piece set is made to look just like a strawberry with seed-patterned fabric and ruffled green trim. Finished off with triple spaghetti straps for a little hint of modern flair, the set comes in either ripe red or playful pink to suit different tastes, with plus sizes available for the red version.

1940s Double-Strap Pleated Roses One-Piece Swimsuit

Following in the footsteps of the swim dresses of the early 20th century is this lovely one-piece combining vivid florals with scraps of Latin text. A panel of ruched green fabric along each side of the torso serves to accentuate the wearer’s curves and elongate their silhouette, and the whole piece is finished off with criss-crossing double straps and a ruffled hemline.

Red 1960s Halloween Skull Strap Dress & Multicolor 1950s Skull Halter Swimsuit

Our goth fashionistas need to stay cool, too! This fun, edgy dress blends frightening and feminine with its vibrant skull print, curve-hugging construction, and gently ruched bodice. Built with summer weather in mind, it features a high-cut hemline and spaghetti straps that tie into bows at the shoulders, so you can stick to your aesthetic in a way that’s both comfortable and stylish.

Of course, if you like that dress, you’ll love the matching two-piece swimsuit. The triangle bikini top with a halter strap neckline shows just enough skin to enjoy the warm weather without feeling too exposed, and the high-waisted bottoms have cheeky lace-up cutouts at the sides to reflect your daring attitude. In other words, with this awesome print fabric, there’s no losing!

Black 1960s Halloween Spider Net Bell Pencil Dress

While browsing all the hottest summer pieces, keep in mind that fall will be arriving soon, and that means it’s time to shop for spooky season. If you’re a girl who likes to bring your gothic sensibilities into your everyday wardrobe, this fitted pencil dress adorned with spiderwebs is a great pick. The delicate, sheer sleeves contrast wonderfully with the edginess of the choker neckline and large V-cutout, making for a truly intriguing piece.

Conclusion

Every iconic piece of couture begins as a simple drawing by an ambitious designer, and that makes sketches like these a vital element of fashion history that we’re so grateful has been preserved over the years. Now that you’ve gotten the chance to see a little bit of our creative process, we hope you find yourself even more inspired by the gorgeous pieces we looked at today. The possibilities are endless for these garments once you add them to your collection, so get out there and start styling!

You can find everything in this article and so much more on the Retro Stage website.