Men deal with me with respect since I modified my fashion to Nineteen Fifties attire
A woman who changed her style to wear 1950s style vintage clothing has revealed men now ‘treat her differently’ since transforming her wardrobe.
Brooke Stretton, 24, from South Yorkshire, became fascinated fashion from the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s after watching the classic film Grease.
After watching the classic high school musical, the content creator developed a deep admiration post-war icons including Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.
‘I got my first 1950s dress a year ago and I wore it round the house,’ she said.
‘I mainly wear 40s, 50s and 60s clothes. Growing up I loved musicals such as Grease and Hairspray and I guess that is where my inspiration came from.
‘As soon as I go off in the dress, I hear good things, and everyone was really pleased.’
Brooke Stretton, 24, from South Yorkshire, became fascinated fashion from the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s after watching the classic film Grease
What started as a casual interest has now blossomed into a full-blown lifestyle – with Brooke amassing a wardrobe brimming with over 130 vintage items
What started as a casual interest has now blossomed into a full-blown lifestyle – with Brooke amassing a wardrobe brimming with over 130 vintage items.
Her first vintage item was a black and white floral dress purchased for £30 in October 2023.
Since acquiring her first vintage dress, Brooke has curated an impressive collection, sourcing her unique pieces from eBay, Vinted and local charity shops.
Her wardrobe now boasts 100 dresses, 20 pairs of shoes, and 14 hats all reminiscent of the mid-20th century.
She added: ‘My favourite dress is a bridesmaid’s dress from the 1980s but it’s 60’s style and I found it on Vinted and it cost £20. It looks great.’
Incredibly, the most surprising aspect of Brooke’s transformation has been the change in how she’s treated by others – especially men.
She said: ‘I feel a lot more confident and get treated differently by the public. There was a man holding the door for me all the time and it’s great. We should definitely bring this style back.’
Brooke has developed a a deep admiration for style icons such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe
Since acquiring her first vintage dress, Brooke has curated an impressive collection, sourcing her unique pieces from eBay , Vinted and local charity shops
Her wardrobe now boasts 100 dresses, 20 pairs of shoes, and 14 hats all reminiscent of the mid-20th century
Brooke’s bold style also often prompts strangers to approach her with kind words and nostalgic memories
Brooke said of her new style: ‘I mainly wear 40s, 50s and 60s clothes. Growing up I loved musicals such as Grease and Hairspray and I guess that is where my inspiration came from.
Incredibly, the most surprising aspect of Brooke’s transformation has been the change in how she’s treated by others – especially men
Brooke’s bold style also often prompts strangers to approach her with kind words and nostalgic memories.
She added that strangers often approach her and say ‘I really like your outfit’ and ‘I used to have a dress like that.’
Brooke’s unique fashion sense has also influenced her boyfriend, Brendan, 24, who has also embraced elements of the vintage style.
She said of the car salesman: ‘He’s getting into it ever since we met and he’s started wearing flat caps which really suit him and shirts. We’re going to a vintage event shortly and he is preparing a nice suit for that.’
Despite the effort she puts into her vintage looks, Brooke insists she’s still just as comfortable in modern casual wear when the occasion calls for it.
She said: ‘I do wear a tracksuit if I’m going round ASDA. I won’t wear anything too dressy if I’m going shopping but if I go out for dinner or for a day out, I will dress up.’
