Pin-up Fashions

I’ve always coveted dresses from the 1950s; they’re so flattering, with their nipped-in waist and full skirts. But 60-year-old dresses are hard to find, and when you do spot one, it’s likely to be both frayed and faded, or, in pristine, museum condition, with an unobtainable price tag.

I just found a Web site, called Unique Vintage, that solves this problem. It has styles that would have been worn by your grandma or mom—think 1940s playsuits, bombshell swimsuits, full-skirted formal dresses and 1960s modwear—in contemporary versions and at affordable prices.

The lacy, full-on-’50s looks are perfect for spring prom season. Take this purple tulle dress ($118), available in sizes extra small to 2X. And I’ve got my eye on this halter style ($88) sundress, but still need to find the right Doris Day-inspired picnic to wear it to.