Ever seen a girl rocking a vintage bomber and thought “wow, I wish I could look that cool in vintage clothes”? We’ve all been there at some point in our lives! There’s something about vintage clothing that’s mesmerizing. A vintage item can represent so much more than just a piece of clothing – it can tell a story, bring you back in time and help you express your individuality. Wearing vintage clothes is a great way to incorporate exclusive pieces into your outfits and create your own unique style. You’ll get to wear a piece that’s rare and one of a kind, which is more distinctive than whatever’s trending at the moment. Also, these items tend to be manufactured in a better way than today’s trends and have high quality fabrics that stand the test of time. This is why vintage clothes have more value than fast fashion. Vintage shopping is cheap, fun and eco – friendly, so why not give it a try?
If you’re looking to add some vintage vibes to your daily outfits, but you’re not exactly sure where to start, have a look at these simple tips.
Don’t Do The Head To Toe Vintage Look
This is probably the most important tip to remember. If you’re afraid of looking like you’re wearing a costume, definitely avoid going in a full vintage outfit. Wearing vintage clothing can be quite tricky for beginners, so it’s best to start small. Try adding one piece at a time, like a 50’s plaid A line skirt, a 60’s shift dress or a Hawaiian shirt from the 80’s.
In time, you’ll figure out what suits you best and what era you can relate to. From here on, it’ll be easier to build up your style and add more vintage elements to your look.
Mix Eras
Wearing vintage clothing doesn’t mean sticking to one era and wearing outfits from that time in history. You don’t have to match your 50’s plaid skirt with a 50’s boat neck top. In fact, your look will be a lot more stylish if you mix and match pieces from different eras. Don’t be afraid to experiment and blend a couple of decades in one look!
Also, try to avoid dress code outfits. In the past, people used to follow the rules of dressing for the occasion and most of their outfits were either formal or casual. To avoid this “costume” look, mix formal and casual, and choose different eras e.g. a 40’s top with a pair of pants from the 60’s. This way you can create a unique, street style look.
Look For Timeless Pieces of Clothing
If you still don’t feel very comfortable mix and matching vintage clothes from different eras, you can always play it safe and incorporate timeless pieces into your daily outfits. There are so many trends today that look almost identical to vintage garments – that’s because some fashion designs are just too beautiful to be outworn.
When you hunt for vintage items, look into classics such as Levi’s jeans, a trench coat, a little black dress, palazzo pants, a pair of loafers, a pencil skirt, etc. You can never go wrong with a timeless piece! This will also help you find your one signature item that you can combine with all of your modern clothes.
Look Into Men’s Fashion
Shopping vintage clothes shouldn’t end at the women’s department. Vintage stores have so many hidden gems in the men’s section! You just have to be thorough in your search. Items like sweaters, button-down shirts, jackets, hats and watches can be easily incorporated in any women’s wardrobe.
Oversized sweaters have been stylish for a while now, so why not get a one of a kind, vintage men’s sweater? Also, men’s watches can look so cool on a woman’s wrist, and you can use a men’s plaid cashmere scarf as a blanket scarf that will spice up any look…The list goes on and on!
Accessorize
This is the most effortless way of adding a vintage feel to any outfit. Vintage accessories can be found in so many shapes and sizes. Just look into the evolution of women’s hats over the years and you’ll be amazed by the variety of styles, shapes, fabrics and symbolic put into one piece. Sunglasses are another thing to notice – you can add class and elegance to your look by wearing the iconic style that Audrey Hepburn wore in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, or channel your inner hippie with a pair of “Lennon” glasses.
Don’t forget jewelry – vintage rings, earrings and necklaces are rare, beautifully designed handmade items and this is why they’re so valuable. Brooches and pins used to be huge in the past, so adding one to your outfit will help you create a unique look. Besides these, look for scarves, gloves, belts and bags. These pieces can be easily incorporated in any modern outfit and will definitely complement your style!