Brief History of Suzy Perette

First up Suzy Perette is NOT a real person, it’s a brand (as stated in the title).

Ushered into popularity by Dior in 1947, the fit and flared silhouette with long sweeping skirts, fitted waists, and rounded shoulders quickly became the new feminine standard.

Thanks to a very special arrangement between Sidney Blauner, the owner of the Suzy Perette label, and the house of Christian Dior, the coveted Parisienne designs that were once daydreams, became available to American women under name Suzy Perette.

The styles Perette is known for such as the fitted waist and flared skirt, the slim sheath or “wiggle” silhouette, and classic shirt and day dresses are now American classics. Since the brand stretched decades from the late 1940’s to the early 1970’s, the collection has also encompassed mid century shifts and a little bohemian flare.

A popular designer for the Suzy Perette Company was Victor Costa who worked for the company from 1965 to 1973.

The Suzy Perette legacy has been carried on by vintage enthusiasts worldwide and the iconic Perette designs remain in high demand to this day (Source).

1950s Suzy Perette label from a 1950s dress

Source: Etsy

Now that you know WHO the brand is, let’s check out some fun vintage fashion advertising and of course real life examples of the clothing (that you could purchase at time of posting).

Updated February 2024

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, don’t fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000’s of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.

I love a good Fall trend, even if I’m not emotionally ready for that particular season just yet. So it was really exciting when I saw that one of the Fall Fashion Trends for 2021 (and frankly ANYTIME) was Head-to-Toe Knits. Think sweater dresses, cardigans, knitted skirts etc. So fun! So cozy! Sign me up!

“KNITTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR WAR WORK” 1942-Nova Scotia Archives

Now since this is the Vintage Inn Blog, I’m not going to show you the modern versions of this trend, but the vintage looks instead. Focusing in on the fashions from 1930s to the 1950s.

So grab your knitting needles, or your credit card (to purchase ready made knits) and let’s see what beauties we could possible add to our Fall wardrobe today (or be inspired by)! PLUS! I have added for fun some real life vintage photos of folks in knits of all kinds.

Note: I’m also adding some Vintage reproductions options to this post if sizing or the stress of that one of kind availability is an issue.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy & RockNRomance are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Note: If an item you click on is no longer available, don’t fret! The websites featured are updated daily with new products, so do some searching for similar items. Hapy shopping!

Fall Fashion Trend: Head-to-Toe Knits!

The Vintage Edition

“Chic…. Hand Knit Styles by Monarch.” 1930s knitting book featuring various pattern instructions for ladies knit dresses, cardigans, suits, swagger coats, pullovers (aka vests) and more!

(Avail HERE as of Sept 2nd, 2021)

Vintage Original 1930s Monarch Chic Knitting book featuring knitted dresses knitted cardigans jackets and more

Source: Etsy

OH MY! I will take this 1930s plaid knitted dress in every plaid combination around! Yooza! Oh and while we are at it, I will take the hat too please! (Avail as a PDF HERE)

Note: After careful inspection of the image, I believe this is a matching plaid sweater and plaid skirt. But does not matter, because it’s still wonderful!

1930s plaid knitted dress or a 1930s plaid sweater and 1930s plaid skirt with a cute 1930s hat.

Source: Etsy

1930s knitted swagger coat (Fantastic!).

1930s Knitted Coat Swagger Coat as seen in a Vintage 1930s Knitting pattern book.

Source: Etsy

1931 vintage photo of 2 stylish young women in 1930s outfits with one lady wearing a long knitted cardigan and matching skirt.

Further Reading: 1930s Fashions As Seen On Everyday People

Photograph Womens Fashion Snapshot - 1931 fashion photo - photo of 2 young women in 1930s outfits

Source: Etsy

For Luncheons and Teas (or Brunches in modern times). A 1934 empire knit two piece dress (Blouse and Skirt set). (Avail as a PDF HERE)

1930s 1934 Empire Knit Two Piece Dress- Blouse and Skirt set

Source: Etsy

1930s Knitting Pattern- Vienna long sleeve knit sweater. So pretty! I love the detail around the waist. (Avail as a PDF HERE)

1930s Knitting Pattern- Vienna Long Sleeve Sweater Blouse

Source: Etsy

I might have to convince my mother who an knit to make me this beauty of a sweater. A 1940s knitted WWII home front cable cardigan. LOVE IT! (Avail as a PDF HERE)

Source: Etsy

Archery anyone? 1940s knitted Sweater and vests that are perfect for a lady who wishes to shoot a bow! Patons “The New Black Sweater” knitting patterns.

1940s Women's Vintage Knitting Pattern booklet featuring Sweater Vests like these two ladies doing archery are wearing.

Source: Etsy

1940s photo of a young blonde woman in a cardigan and skirt.

Source: Etsy

I never knew that knitted Peasant Blouses was a thing in the 1940s, but here is the proof in a ‘Smart Knitting Pattern Book’ 3rd Edition, Winter 1948!

Aren’t they lovely? And look at the accessories…those gorgeous neckalaces, choker and bracelets are stunning and oh so fashionable.

1940s Knitted Peasant Sweaters as seen in a vintage 1940s Knitting Book

Source: Etsy

Hello Fall! Here I am, in my stylish Wattle Gold, 1940s knitted dress. Stunning! (Avail as as PDF HERE)

Wattle Gold, 1940s knitted dress - vintage knitting pattern

Source: Etsy

Victory jumper knitting pattern from “Home Notes” – Saturday July 2nd 1945. (Avail as a PDF HERE)

Victory Jumper 1945 WW2 Knitting Pattern. Image showcases a young woman in 1940s hairstyles in a colourful sweater on the phone.

Source: Etsy

Don’t worry men! We have some knitted sweaters just for you as seen in a 1940s ‘Monarch Hand Knits For Men’, knitting pattern book.

Vintage Monarch Hand Knits For Men Knitting Pattern Book 1940's

The one piece that I have always wanted in my vintage collection…a 1950s sweater dress like the one seen below (I would also take the 1940s one I posted above). Isn’t it just lovely? (Avail as a PDF HERE)

Source: Etsy

Wonderful 1950s Lady’s cable front jacket vintage knitting pattern (Avail as a PDF HERE). This is so inspiring! Pair it over a dress, sweater /skirt or even pants!

Wonderful 1950s Lady's Cable Front Jacket vintage knitting pattern pdf

Source: Etsy

I’m kind of obessed with these “Bulkies” Sweaters as seen in a 1950s vintage Beehive knitting pattern book. The dolman sleeve is just so cool!

Vintage Beehive Knitting Pattern(#8-12) Bulkies-Ladies Dolman Sleeve Sweater with collar variations (1950's) Vintage Knitting/Retro Knitting

Source: Etsy

These sweater in these 1955 photos of a young woman named Pat Rothauser, do sort of remind me of the sweaters above. Plus isn’t she just so cute?!

1950s photo of a young girl, young teenager in 1950s fashions sitting on the lawn outside.

Source: Etsy

I’m a big fan of bowling so this 1950s bowling sweater with matching socks is a want on my Christmas list! What a fun knitted sweater. (Avail HERE)

1950s Bowling Sweater with Matching Socks. 1950s Fall Fashion.

Source: Etsy

If women can wear bowling sweaters, then men can wear seahorse cardigans. Courtesy of a Mary Maxim 1950s knitting pattern book. (Avail as a PDF HERE)

Novelty Seahorse Cardigan c 1950s - vintage knitting pattern for men.

Source: Etsy

June 1952 ~ Vintage photo of a Black couple holding hands at the Zoo. Tip on how accessorize your Sweater… Add a cute brooch like our lovely lady below.

June 1952 ~ Vintage Photo ~ Black Couple Holding Hands at the Zoo ~ 1950s Vintage Snapshot

Source: Etsy

Note: For a fantastic collection of vintage knitting patterns in PDF form, please check out Subversive Femme on Etsy. Several of the images above are from this profile and there are LOADS more that are just as stunning (like I could do a whole post on them and then some).

Vintage Reproduction Knits!

I am currently an affliate with a super cute Vintage Reproduction website out of the UK called “RocknRomance Vintage” (Classic 1940s & 1950s Styled Clothing) They clothing is just fantastic!

Here is an example of their Knitted Cardigans they have for sale. Different colours are available on their website.

Textured Diamond Knit Cardigan in Deep Red, 1940s & 50s Vintage Style

I LOVE a cable knit slipover (or sweater vest as we call it here in Canada), because it’s perfect for a true 1940s vintage look. Here is an example on RocknRomance that comes in various colours (I might need to splurge and buy myself one).

vintage style 1940s sweater - cable knit sweater.

There are also a few Etsy sellers who have different vintage style knits in modern day sizes. One is ‘Bloody Edith‘ who sells vintage inspired knitwear from the 1930s-1950s. Here a couple of sweaters that I liked.

Vintage 1940s style color block woolen “Loretta” sweater / jumper (Avail in various sizes HERE).

Vintage 1940s / 1950s style rust, pistachio and ochra stripes “Mirna” sweater (Avail in various sizes HERE).

Vintage 1940s 1950s Style Rust, Pistachio and Ochra Stripes Cotton “Mirna” Sweater Jumper

Another vintage style knitwear seller, is ‘Mischief Made‘. Their knits are so fun (make sure you also check out their cool t-shirts & other items).

Seahorse Cardigan in Peakcock (Various sizes avail HERE).

Seahorse Cardigan in Peacock Vintage Inspired Cardigan

Vintage 1950s Style Mischief Collared Knit Cardigan (Avail in various colors and sizes HERE).

I hope you are inspired by this post for your fall wardrobe update. I know that I’m itching for all things vintage knit this Fall & Winter and Spring!

Questions: What did you love in the styles above? Do you knit? Want to knit? Share any thoughts in the comments section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Do you love vintage Fall fashions? Then take a look at my always updated Etsy Collection of Fall Fashions from the 1920s-1960s that you can purchase right now.

Further Reading:

Oh and before we go, I just had to share this late 1930s maybe early 1940s vintage photo of a woman in the most fantastic maxi plaid coat I have ever seen. Isn’t it amazing? -Liz-

Late 1930s early 1940s photo of a young woman in a very long plaid jacket wearing a hat.

Source: Etsy

Category: Vintage Fashion

Vintage Fashion Brand Spotlight: Suzy Perette

Vintage Fashion Brand Spotlight

Brief History of Suzy Perette

The Vintage Advertising & Vintage Fashion Examples