One way to date vintage clothing is to peruse old vintage sewing patterns. You can find many of them on sites such as Flickr or search for them on Etsy. You will have a better understanding of what real women wore in comparison to what the Hollywood starlets wore. You can also find out what the trends were for that year. So if you're trying to learn more about dating vintage clothes, be sure to research vintage patterns!
Simplicity vintage sewing patterns are the most helpful in my opinion only because each envelope was stamped with a date! I mostly view Simplicity patterns to get a better date range for a vintage dress or blouse.
Descriptions: 1.} Rockabilly Vintage Blouse Pattern circa 1957
2.} 1940s Skirt Pattern
3.} Vintage Teen Dress Sewing Pattern circa 1949
4.} Low Back Blouse circa 1954
5.} 1950s Sundress Bolero Playsuit
6.} 1953 V Neck Summer Dress Sewing Pattern
7.} Vintage Blouse Patter circa 1947
8.} Cocktail Dress Vintage Pattern circa 1956
9.} 1954 Vintage Skirt & Petticoat
10.} 1940s Pinup Front Knotted Midriff Top With Shorts & Skirt
Image credits: All patterns are from Flickr from the
Vintage Patterns group
