Jere and Emilee Gettle, the dynamic duo behind Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, are more than just purveyors of rare and historic seeds; they are champions of a lifestyle that reveres the past. Their commitment to heritage extends beyond the garden and into their wardrobes, embodying what could be described as “Pioneer Seed Clothing.” This unique style, deeply rooted in vintage aesthetics, not only complements their brand but also reflects their core values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and a rejection of mass-produced culture.
The Gettles’ journey into heirloom seeds began with Jere, who, raised on a homestead, started gardening at the tender age of 3 and launched Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds at 17. Emilee joined the Baker Creek story in 2006, initially drawn to Jere for an interview about homeschooling entrepreneurs. Their connection deepened quickly, culminating in a marriage that mirrored the swift growth of their shared passion for heritage.
Their distinctive “pioneer seed clothing” style is immediately noticeable. Often photographed in their seed shops and farm fields, the Gettle family, including their daughter Sasha, are known for their carefully curated vintage attire. These aren’t costumes, but rather a genuine expression of Emilee’s preference for the quality and beauty of older garments. “I just think older clothes are prettier than some of the modern fashion that’s out there,” she explains, highlighting a sentiment that resonates with the growing movement towards sustainable and timeless fashion.
Emilee and Jere Gettle outside their Connecticut seed store in vintage-inspired clothing.
Emilee estimates that 75 percent of her wardrobe is vintage or vintage-inspired. She sources most of her clothing from eBay and consignment shops, demonstrating a commitment to repurposing and extending the life cycle of garments. Currently pursuing a dressmaking degree, Emilee plans to further embrace handcrafted fashion by sewing more of her own clothes. Her inspiration comes from vintage magazines, patterns, and even seed catalogs, showcasing a holistic approach where heritage informs every aspect of life, including clothing. This dedication to craft extends to her hobbies, like crocheting patterns while traveling, reflecting a deep appreciation for time-honored skills.
This lifestyle is a conscious departure from industrial, mass-produced norms. While not everyone may be ready to fully embrace pinstripe overalls, the Gettles’ example offers valuable lessons in mindful consumption and appreciation for quality and history in our clothing choices.
In an interview, Emilee elaborated on the importance of heritage, connecting it directly to both seeds and clothing:
Why Heritage Matters in Seeds and Style
“For the seed aspect, I think it’s really important that we maintain those varieties of heirlooms that grandparents and parents passed down to us,” Emilee states. She emphasizes the superior nutrition and taste of heirloom varieties compared to modern counterparts, highlighting the historical significance and inherent quality of these seeds.
This same philosophy applies to their “pioneer seed clothing” choices. “I like that with old-fashioned clothes: They made it and it held up,” Emilee explains. She contrasts the durability of vintage garments with the disposable nature of much of modern fast fashion. “These clothes have been around for 30, 40 years and I can still wear them and they aren’t falling apart. I like that time-honored skill went into it.”
Emilee recounts her personal style evolution, noting that while she always appreciated vintage clothing, she initially felt hesitant to fully embrace it. It was after marrying Jere, with his existing collection of vintage clothing, that she felt empowered to integrate this style into her daily life.
At Baker Creek Farm, the “pioneer seed clothing” aesthetic is formalized into a dress policy for employees, requiring a 1950s or earlier style. They even maintain a dedicated wardrobe building for staff, showcasing the extent of their commitment. This unified look serves a practical purpose at events, making it easy for visitors to identify knowledgeable staff members. Moreover, it enhances the immersive experience of visiting Baker Creek’s pioneer village, contributing to its authentic atmosphere.
The Gettle family in their garden, showcasing their vintage-inspired clothing style.
While some employees enthusiastically embrace the vintage dress code, others are more reserved. Baker Creek accommodates diverse comfort levels within the vintage theme, offering a wide variety of clothing styles and prints to ensure everyone feels at ease.
Before adopting “pioneer seed clothing,” Emilee describes her style as “very Midwestern” and conventional, relying on readily available items from mainstream retailers. However, her perspective shifted, leading her family to abandon shopping at Walmart and embrace a more conscious and heritage-focused approach to fashion.
Sparking Conversations and Inspiring Others Through Style
The Gettles frequently receive inquiries about their clothing, indicating a growing interest in “pioneer seed clothing.” People want to know where to find similar garments and if Baker Creek sells vintage clothing. This curiosity highlights the potential of fashion to spark conversations and inspire others.
Emilee sees her clothing choices as a teaching opportunity. “If someone sees you in an outfit that you feel good about yourself in, they are bound to ask tons of questions,” she observes. These interactions open doors to discussions about sustainable fashion, saving money, and expressing personal style. “It’s a whole ball of wax you can open by trying new things. People realize, ‘Hey this is cool and I can do it too.'”
While Emilee tones down her vintage style slightly for everyday errands in her small farm community, she remains committed to wearing vintage skirts and blouses, demonstrating that “pioneer seed clothing” can be adapted to various settings.
Her favorite era for clothing is the 1950s, particularly the Rockabilly style with swing skirts and crinoline. She appreciates the classic and timeless elegance of 1940s and 1950s pieces, drawing inspiration from films like “The State Fair.”
A Vision for a Sustainable and Heritage-Focused Future of Fashion
Emilee envisions an ideal world where consumers prioritize fair trade, environmental responsibility, and repurposing. “If we buy things from the consignment shop or the vintage store, we are helping to save the environment because we are not continually producing more and more and more. We are reusing and repurposing things.” This aligns perfectly with the broader sustainability movement and offers a compelling rationale for embracing “pioneer seed clothing.”
Her advice to those interested in reconnecting with their clothing is encouraging: “If you really like vintage clothing, don’t be afraid to wear it. Don’t just wear it on special occasions or at Halloween parties. If you feel good about yourself in it, it’s great.”
She also advocates for learning sewing and other crafts to foster a deeper connection with clothing creation. Even basic skills like embroidery can personalize and enhance existing garments. Emilee encourages people to overcome the perception that they are not artistic and to explore craft guilds and online resources like Craftsy to learn new skills. This hands-on approach not only promotes creativity but also builds confidence to express personal style through clothing.
The Gettle family in their garden, showcasing their vintage-inspired clothing style.
Emilee concludes with a call to embrace color and individuality in fashion, contrasting the often monochrome palettes seen in urban environments. Her message is clear: experiment, have fun with style, and let your clothing reflect your personality. Just as Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds champions biodiversity in agriculture, “pioneer seed clothing” celebrates diversity and heritage in personal style, offering a refreshing and sustainable alternative to mainstream fashion trends.
