How to Wear a Vintage Petticoat Like a Brooklyn Cool Girl
In Brooklyn, the lines between underwear and real clothes have done more than blur; they’ve disappeared entirely. Ride the L train between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. on a Friday night, and you’ll see more slip dresses, lacy bodysuits, and exposed bras than you can count. But these days, Brooklyn’s coolest cool girls are putting a new twist on the underwear-as-outerwear trend with vintage petticoats. Dare we call them fashion’s next It-item?
Originally intended to be worn as underskirts, petticoats are finally getting the eyeballs they rightfully deserve. Styles released during the 1950s and 1960s often feature intricate lace trims, ruffled hemlines, little bows, rosettes, and other dainty design details too cute to be hidden beneath a dress.
This summer, stylish New Yorkers are layering their vintage petticoats over baggy jeans, slipping them on with oversized graphic tees, and letting them peek out under too-short mini skirts and dresses. It’s all very Carrie Bradshaw.
“In Brooklyn, the lines between underwear and real clothes have done more than blur; they’ve disappeared entirely.”
For an easy petticoat outfit, try pairing yours with a boyfriend-y button-up shirt, a wardrobe staple chic enough to balance out even the most daring sheer skirt. Or, throw one on with a basic white tee or tank and your go-to Levi’s. Once you start playing around with your petticoat, you’ll see there are a million ways to style it.
Let us not forget the layering powers of a good vintage petticoat either. Cut from chiffon, tulle, or taffeta, it can add nice volume to a long, full skirt. This is especially true for mid-century styles that were originally designed to be worn with an underskirt. You’ll be amazed at how a droopy circle skirt becomes buoyant and ready to twirl with the right structural garments.
Petticoats feel less overtly sexy than other lingerie staple like slips and teddies. They’re fun and flirty, instead of sensual. Far more suitable for daytime affairs, despite exposing just as much skin.
Bloomers are skyrocketing in popularity this summer, so it’s only a matter of time before petticoats hit the mainstream, too. Grab a vintage gem now to get a head start on the emerging trend. The vintage petticoats in The Narrative’s current collection are one of a kind, so you'll never have to worry about someone else having the same one as you—can your friends who shop at fast fashion giants say the same?
You can always send us an email or an Instagram DM if you’re looking for a particular color, size, or length. We’re constantly sourcing new vintage finds, and we’d love to help you find the petticoat you’ve been dreaming of. We’ve dropped a few of our current favorites below.
