I grew up watching Bob Hope movies. I still love watching them now, but I always remember back then loving the outfits of his leading ladies. One of my favourite of his regular co-stars is Paulette Goddard. One time wife of Charlie Chaplin, this lady had a very busy contract with Paramount Pictures throughout the 1940s and starred in some great movies.
Two of my favourites are comedy spookfests, The Ghost Breakers (1940) and The Cat and The Canary (1939) where Goddard plays gutsy girl next door types. In both movies she finds herself the heiress of something that villainous sorts are after for themselves; respectively an island off the coast of Havana and an estate in the Louisiana Bayou.
The other thing these movies have in common is that the costumes were designed by the wonderful Edith Head, the Queen of Hollywood costume. Goddard wears a beautiful selection of day dresses so here’s a few worth getting hold of for the summer.
Tea dresses are the perfect choice for summer day wear, suitable for work or play, worn with a comfortable 1940s heel or flat sandals, they allow you to dress with style while beating the heat. For this beautiful tea dress in The Ghost Breakers I’m like this from Heyday, gorgeous details to the shoulders and available in several different colours.
Heyday – Mary Dress in Deco Rose Teal
This cute little outfit from The Cat and the Canary would be an easy go-to this summer.
This lovely dress by Tara Starlet is available in blue gingham and Coral Pinspot, but I’m favouring gingham as ever and adding this leather belt by Topshop.
The Dottie ; Gingham Dress by Tara Starlet
Black Leather Weave Belt – Topshop
I for one will be seeking out protection from the sun for my fair skin and I’ve found this wonderful hat by American company Betmar. Established in New York in 1933, they have a whole range of vintage style hats to choose from.
Their range is available from UK website, Village Hats.
http://www.hatsandcaps.co.uk/betmar-hats-c_betmar_hats/
This beautiful floor-length dress from The Cat and the Canary is actually what she wears to bed but I am in love with those shoulders and that neckline so I’m transferring it to day wear. I adore this little number by The House of Foxy in a beautiful starling print fabric.
Tea Dress in Starling by House of Foxy
For some beautiful 1940s inspired shoes, Miss L Fire in Rust would be my choice. This colour will look lovely with any of the dresses already mentioned and also comes in green.
I’m also very fond of this Mary Jane style available from The Revival Retro Boutique as an alternative comfortable day time heel. If you would rather don something flatter, try these by Rocket Originals, available in a few different colours and limited edition.
Wanda Sandals by Rocket Originals
One outfit in The Ghost Breakers has managed to elude me in my search for reproduction, this lovely dress worn by Goddard as she sets out to experience Havana for the first time. It is so beautiful with its full floaty bishop sleeves. It’s a style not often seen in reproduction so I’ve hunted down a pattern that would be suitable should you want to create your own summer dress.
McCalls pattern 7299 is currently available here on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/275525600/vintage-1940s-dress-pattern-mccall-7299
When spending the day outdoors, team it with a wide brim hat (available in most high street stores thanks to the ’70s version being on trend) and a pair of sandals and you’re ready for a stylish summer.
