Wearing vintage or old fashioned clothes has now become very popular; With a variety of styles spanning almost a hundred years, everyone can choose for themselves the vintage style they want. Go to an antique store in your city or look into your grandmother's closet. After that, you'll be able to create a mix of modern and retro clothes that will catch the attention of the fashion enthusiasts in your city.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Understanding the Basics of Vintage Style
Step 1. Choose items from different ages
Although there is no clear definition of vintage clothing, vintage clothing is known as clothing or accessories made before the 1980s. Therefore, there is a large selection of clothes to choose from in the vintage clothing category. While it's normal to jump to a certain era, you can try to mix up your clothes and accessories from several eras. Just wearing accessories from one era makes you look like you're in a costume, not because you're a vintage fan.
- The 1900s style was known for its heavy lace dresses, corsets, and collared shirts.
- The 1910s style was known for its thick coats and high-laced boots for women.
- The 1920s style was known for slick dresses with the addition of glamorous beaded accessories.
- The style of the 1930s made hats with wide brims and fur collars popular.
- The 1940s style was known for its cigar-shaped pants, pastel-colored sweaters and sleeveless strappy tops.
- The 1950s style popularized dresses with wide bottoms, leather jackets, and tight unitards.
- The 1960s style was known for its flared bottoms, patterned shirts, and the symbol of peace in the motifs.
- The style of the 1970s popularized jeans and neutral colors, formal suits and socks as leg warmers.
- The 1980s style was known for its bright neon colors, shoulder pads, lacy tops, and capes and leggings.
Step 2. Mix and match vintage style with modern style
While some people can go for vintage clothing for their overall style, to keep you looking good, it's important to mix 50/50 modern and vintage clothes. An easy way to think about it is this: if you're wearing a vintage top, then go for tight jeans or some other modern-day pants. If you're using vintage pants, go for a modern shirt or sweater to balance the style. Dresses can also look modern with the use of modern accessories and hairstyles.
- Dressing vintage doesn't mean you have to wear bulky items; Go for a vintage scarf or vintage jewelry with a really modern outfit if you prefer.
- If you feel more comfortable wearing vintage clothes, you may want to add more elements to your suit.
Step 3. Avoid using vintage clothes in poor condition
Just because it's vintage doesn't mean it's good to wear. If your vintage clothing has visible damage such as stains, rips, or missing pieces, don't use it until you've had it repaired by a tailor. Take your vintage clothes to the laundry for dry cleaning because they usually smell and have wrinkles that are difficult to remove if you wash them yourself.
This also applies to vintage clothing that doesn't fit your size
Step 4. Consider buying vintage-inspired clothes
While not as valuable as vintage clothing, there are many stores that provide clothing that is inspired by vintage styles but made in a modern way. This is a good vintage style alternative, because you don't have to worry if you break it, the clothes are in perfect condition and there are sizes that can fit your body.
Part 2 of 2: Dress Up Vintage
Step 1. Choose some vintage tops
Vintage tops from different eras are the easiest way to get into vintage style. Shirts and sweaters don't require much maintenance, and can be paired with a wide variety of modern pants. These days, it's very popular to pair vintage tops with skinny jeans and boots, and any other accessories you want. You can also use a cardigan or sweater to create an almost modern look without sounding old-fashioned.
- If you're new to vintage style, steer clear of tops from the 70s and 80s, because if you wear them wrong, you'll still look modern.
- You can easily buy a shirt or sweater that is oversized and wear it with tights or a wide belt to make it look more attractive.
Step 2. Look for an attractive vintage skirt
Vintage skirts generally fall into two categories: ankle-length (maxi) or knee-length (midi). Until the 80s and 90s, skirts were not considered appropriate unless they were knee-length or longer. To balance the length of this skirt, be sure to use a top that dates back to the 2000s or later. As already mentioned, there are various types of vintage skirts on the market. Try styles like a round skirt or an A-line skirt with tulle. Skirts are also easy to work with, as they don't require a lot of stitching to make them fit.
Vintage skirts in neutral colors (black, gray, brown, tan and olive) are a great addition to your wardrobe
Step 3. Try on several pairs of pants to find the right size
Vintage pants can be hard to find, because pants sizes have changed drastically since the last century. Depending on how long the pants have been in the making, they may be made to sizes we don't know about. However, if you can try on a few pants and find one that fits, feel free to add them to your wardrobe! Try pairing vintage pants with a modern band t-shirt or oversized knit sweater. In addition, try using a lacy top or sleeveless shirt for a more modern look.
Step 4. Look for vintage-style dresses
Vintage dresses are interesting dresses to wear, one of the main reasons is that there is a huge selection of dresses that you can buy. Look for dresses that can be easily matched with accessories for a modern look. This means that a dress with a lot of embellishments can give off a costume feel if you wear it for everyday wear. Dresses in solid colors, soft prints, or high-quality materials can be worn with boots/flat shoes/sandals, a cute beanie or wide-brimmed hat, and some modern jewelry.
Step 5. Try to add vintage hats and scarves to your suit
Aren't you ready to go for a whole vintage style? It's easy to add small vintage embellishments like a scarf or hat to your modern suit. Look for turbans and hats with wide brim to match your outfit. A cotton scarf can be worn around the neck, or wrapped around a retro-inspired headband. Just make sure that these items are in good condition when you buy them, as they are not easy to clean or repair.
Step 6. Pay attention to interesting vintage jewelry
Jewelry never goes out of style, so you can wear vintage jewelry without anyone knowing. Look for large necklaces, eye-catching bracelets and earrings for your style. Remember that you don't want your jewels to clash, so only wear one piece at a time.
Step 7. Don't forget the shoes
Vintage shoes are one of those vintage items that can totally change your appearance. The difficulty with vintage shoes is in finding shoes that are in such good condition that they are worth buying. Look for classic-style shoes like lace-up high boots and oxfords (for both boys and girls!) to match the modern fit in your wardrobe. When in doubt, go for a neutral color with quality leather for a look that doesn't go out of style.
Suggestion
- Head to the flea store in your city for the best deals; Antique shops usually sell the items they find at a flea shop but at a higher price.
- If you're not sure if your vintage item looks classy or looks like a costume, take a friend and ask for their opinion.
