Dressing vintage has never been as fashionable as it is today; you can choose from a hundred years of fashion and there is a vintage look for everyone. Try checking out the thrift store near your home, or your grandmother's wardrobe. Very soon you will be able to create a modern and vintage look that will send fashion fanatics into a frenzy!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part One: Understand the Basics of Vintage
Step 1. Choose clothes from various eras
Vintage clothing, even if there is no single definition, is considered to be the one from the 80s going back in time. Either way, there is a great selection of clothing to choose from. While it may be normal to choose clothes from a particular period, try mixing styles from different periods. Wearing a style typical of a historical period, it could make you believe that you are dressed in a mask rather than vintage.
- The 1900s were for voluminous dresses, lace, corsets and collared tops.
- The 10's introduced the trench coat and lace-up boots for women.
- The 1920s were famous for dresses and petticoats in addition to glamorous beading.
- The 1930s for wide-brimmed hats and fur collars.
- The 1940s were known for cigarette pants, pastel sweaters and halter tops.
- The 50s for circular skirts, leather jackets and tight jumpsuits.
- The 1960s were known for flared jeans, paisley-patterned shirts, and peace signs on T-shirts.
- The 70s brought denim and neutral shades into the spotlight, alongside suits and legwarmers.
- The 80s were famous for the glow in the dark colors, shoulder pads, ruffle and lace tops, and tunics with leggings.
Step 2. Combine vintage style with modern style
Even if you can decide to dress completely vintage, in order not to look like a mask dress it is better to combine vintage and modern. An easy way to combine styles, for example, is to combine a vintage top with skinny jeans or modern pants. You can add a skirt or sweater to balance your look. Vintage clothes can be modernized with the addition of some modern accessories.
- Dressing vintage does not mean wearing only vintage; you can also decide to wear only a jewel, a necklace or a vintage hat, and keep the rest of your modern style.
- When you feel comfortable in this style you can easily dress completely vintage.
Step 3. Avoid wearing badly maintained vintage
Just because it's vintage doesn't mean it has to look used and worn. If your vintage dress has stains, or missing parts, you shouldn't wear it until you have it fixed by a seamstress or professional. Make sure your vintage clothes are well cleaned and ironed before wearing them, as they often smell bad.
The same goes for vintage dresses that aren't your size
Step 4. Consider buying vintage-inspired clothing
Even if they do not follow the principles of recycling, like real vintage, there are many shops and new designers who are inspired by vintage for their creations. These stores are a real alternative to vintage, and you don't have to worry too much as they definitely have the perfect size for you.
Method 2 of 2: Part Two: Vintage Dress Up
Step 1. Choose some vintage shirts
Vintage shirts cover all eras of fashion, and are the easiest option if you want to start dressing vintage. Shirts and sweaters need less care, and are easy to combine with a modern pair of trousers. Nowadays, it is very fashionable to dress up with a pair of skinny jeans, boots, with any accessory you want to add. You can also wear a vintage cardigan or sweater paired with any other modern style.
- If you're new to vintage, try to avoid 70s and 80s tops, they might just look out of date if worn incorrectly.
- You can easily buy an oversized t-shirt and use it over a pair of tight pants, with a thick belt, which gives an extra touch to your style.
Step 2. Look for ruffled skirts
Vintage skirts usually comprise two categories: long skirts and knee-length skirts. Until the 80s and 90s, skirts had to be long from the knee to the feet to be decent. To compensate for the understated style of the skirt, wear a modern shirt or top. That said, you can find many vintage skirts at the markets. Try wearing full skirts or with tulle. Remember that skirts are easy to put on and usually don't need major transformations.
Vintage skirts, in any neutral color (black, brown, gray, olive green), are items that add value to your wardrobe
Step 3. Try on some vintage pants
Vintage pants are hard to find, because pants sizes have changed dramatically over the past century. Regardless of the period, they may not have any sizes that we recognize. If you can find pants in your size, don't hesitate to add them to your wardrobe! Wear vintage pants paired with a t-shirt or sweater. Plus, you can try wearing a lace top or a modern-style t-shirt.
Step 4. Put on your vintage clothes
Vintage clothes are easy to wear, because you can find a wide choice of them. Look for clothes that you can easily combine with modern accessories. This means that clothes with too many decorations and ornaments risk looking like carnival clothes. Wear clothes in neutral colors, with sober or good quality patterns, paired with ballet flats / sandals / boots, a wool cap or hat, and modern accessories.
Step 5. Try to add vintage hats and scarves to your look
Not ready to dress totally vintage yet? It's easier to start wearing vintage pieces individually, like a scarf or hat. Look for turban hats or wide-brimmed hats. You can wear silk scarves or turn them into headbands. Make sure they are in good condition when you buy them, as they are not easy or cheap to clean or restore.
Step 6. Look for the wonderful vintage jewelry
Vintage jewelry is never out of fashion, this allows you to wear vintage jewelry pieces, without anyone noticing the difference. Look for clip necklaces and earrings for your look. Wear one piece of jewelry at a time to avoid mismatching.
Step 7. Don't forget your shoes
Vintage shoes allow you to give a new look to your clothing, managing to transform it. The difficulty with vintage shoes is finding a pair in good condition. Look for lace-up boots and oxford style (for men and women!) To add to any modern wardrobe. If in doubt, choose neutral colors and quality leather for a look that is never out of style.
Advice
- If you are not sure about a garment, ask for advice before buying it.
- Look for thrift stores in your area that sell vintage, at very special prices. You can also find vintage clothing in antique stores, but at significantly higher prices.
