Dress code: Swing

[Tones]

Hi all

I thought that this would be the best place to come for some advice. I've been invited to a ball next weekend (with live band etc) where the dress code is "Swing". Does anyone know what on earth this means? None of my friends have any idea and any advice for what to wear (for both guys and girls, and including footwear) would be appreciated. There will be dancing, time to pull out some Ceroc!

Thanks in anticipation

T

[Msfab]

Originally Posted by Tones

I thought that this would be the best place to come for some advice. I've been invited to a ball next weekend (with live band etc) where the dress code is "Swing". Does anyone know what on earth this means? None of my friends have any idea and any advice for what to wear (for both guys and girls, and including footwear) would be appreciated. There will be dancing, time to pull out some Ceroc!

"Swing dress" conjures up images of men dressed in oversized trousers, shirts, ties and trouser suspender things. Shoes in both cases, those sprat type things (black and white). Ladies would be wearing those dresses with tassle things (lampshade look), flowing dresses and skirts. Oh I see white socks as well
Id just turn up in what you feel comfortable in!

[Chicklet]

WWII army uniform

[clevedonboy]

have a look at http://poy.no/files/vintage/clips/malcolm%20x.avi (big file) you'll see the sort of thing that was worn to make a real impression.

failing that black trousers white shirt fancy tie (search on ebay for "swing tie" & you'll see the sort of thing). Black oxford shoes look good as do B&Ws if you feel flush. Zoot suits, Fedoras and Uniforms are great fun but you'll boil.

Girls are in luck at the mo as there's plenty of retro stuff in fashion - Sailor trousers & shirts, Polka dot tops (a bit more rockabilly but still looks good) black skirt white pumps or B&Ws again or character shoes.

WRT to dancing to swing using Ceroc - I'd advise you to keep it simple as the music will be fast, the moves that came from swing like First move, basket, change places, travelling return will work best (and look cool!). If you have done any Blues, that will come in handy for any slower tracks they play. Hope you enjoy it!

[thewacko]

Originally Posted by Tones

Hi all

I thought that this would be the best place to come for some advice. I've been invited to a ball next weekend (with live band etc) where the dress code is "Swing". Does anyone know what on earth this means? None of my friends have any idea and any advice for what to wear (for both guys and girls, and including footwear) would be appreciated. There will be dancing, time to pull out some Ceroc!

Thanks in anticipation

T

Men wear dresses or skirts with stockings oops wrong sort of swing sorry

[johnthehappyguy]

Originally Posted by clevedonboy

have a look at http://poy.no/files/vintage/clips/malcolm%20x.avi (big file) you'll see the sort of thing that was worn to make a real impression.

i tried the link but all i got was sound, no picture

John

[Minnie M]

Originally Posted by Tones

...... (with live band etc) where the dress code is "Swing".

Swing as in 1940's (war type gear etc ) or Swing as in 1930's (zoot suits + flappers or slinky etc )

There are a lot of 40's styles in the shops today - see coloured photo (I bought a 40's dress in Tescos recently)

Might help if you asked the organisers - or check out the band, that usually gives you an idea

[Tones]

Wow

Thanks for the help guys, I think I have all the ammunition needed for a trip to Oxfam... Bring on the 40s glam!

Thanks for the dancing tips too, will work on it

T

[clevedonboy]

Originally Posted by johnthehappyguy

i tried the link but all i got was sound, no picture

John

Google for divx codex - you'll need to download and install the latest (it's worth it as many videos on the net use it nowadays)