Vintage Fashion Inspiration: Styling Jessie Pumps and Claud Flats


Spring is in the air, and here in the Northern Hemisphere we are so excited for warm weather so we can break out our springtime wardrobes! We’re talking pastels, florals, ginghams, light jackets, and of course — incredible vintage shoes to match. And what perfect timing, as Jessica Out of the Closet & American Duchess, our new collection designed in collaboration with YouTuber Jessica Kellgren-Fozard, is open for pre-order through May 5th! In celebration, we thought it would be fun to post some springtime style ideas inspired by our two new vintage reproduction styles, the Jessie Pumps (accurate to 1935-1960) and Claud Flats (based on the popular “flatties” styles of the 1950s).



Los Angeles, ca. 1951-1960. USC Digital Library.

Admittedly, the Jessie Pumps and Claud Flats are quite different shoes: one has a three-inch heel versus a half-inch heel on the other, plus Jessie is available in suede and comes with removable leather ankle straps. However, they do share some similarities! They both feature an adjustable, quick-release buckle and adorable bow details. (Like the well-shod ladies above!)

Most importantly, both of these shoes are incredibly versatile. The durable materials in classic colors mean these shoes can easily be dressed up or down depending on how you wear them! They’re also fit for any season, though truly perfect for vintage-inspired spring attire like the examples below. All of these beautiful 1950s fashion illustrations were digitized by the New York Public Library and produced by “Creator Studios” in New York City, which was essentially a trend-forecasting firm selling design ideas directly to women’s clothing manufacturers.


1957 fashion illustration by Howard Steel for Creators Studios. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library.

1957 fashion illustration by Howard Steel for Creators Studios. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library.

1957 fashion illustration by Howard Steel for Creators Studios. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library.

1957 fashion illustration by Howard Steel for Creators Studios. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library.

1957 fashion illustration by Howard Steel for Creators Studios. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library.

1957 fashion illustration by Howard Steel for Creators Studios. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library.

1959 fashion illustration by Howard Steel for Creators Studios. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library.

We can’t wait to see how you style them!

The Jessica Out of the Closet & American Duchess collaboration collection is on sale for 15% off each pair from April 26-May 5 in our US and UK/EU stores. Order by May 5 to guarantee your size!


Pre-Order is Open
April 26-May 5, 2024
15% Discount Per Pair
AmericanDuchess.com

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