Stylish Television – The Last Post

My Sunday night viewing is currently dominated by ‘The Last Post’ a series set in the mid 1960s in the British territory of Aden (now part of The Yemen). Aden was a jewel in the British Empire, but this was a time when the Empire was very much in its last throes, and the hidden conflict in Aden very much reflects this. Programmes that are centred around war and the armed forces are not my usual viewing, but ‘The Last Post’ also features on the lives of the army wives, and I am totally in love with their pretty incredible wardrobes.

The key looks are those worn by actresses Jessica Raine and Jessie Buckley. They are the very epitome of chalk and cheese when it comes to their personal style, but still look amazing and have totally covetable wardrobes. Jessica’s character, Alison Laithwaite, is sensuous but unhappy, a free spirit in love with a dead lover who is totally at odds with what an army wife should be like. Her wardrobe reflects this, slinky, fitted dresses which echo the dresses of the mid 1960s in all areas except the length – the mini skirt hasn’t reached Aden, although you can well imagine the non-conformist Alison wearing one.

Jessie Buckley’s character, newly wed Honor Martin, is super pretty, but is also very prim and proper when it comes to style. Her look is actually stuck in the 1950s, even though the series is set in 1965, with full skirts teamed with crispy white shirts, pretty prom style dresses and sensible shoes. She looks pretty incredible, cool and crisp in that intense desert heat.

The Last Post is definitely gets my vote for the most stylish series on television this Autumn, a total feast for the eyes for those who love vintage fashion.