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Dressing in vintage clothing has never been more fashionable than it is today. With several decades of styles to choose from, there is a vintage look for everyone. Once you learn how to select vintage pieces that suit your style, you can experiment by mixing different eras of vintage clothing, or pairing your vintage finds with modern pieces.
Before choosing vintage pieces to add to your wardrobe, think about the style elements you're looking for in clothing and accessories. While dressing in vintage clothing allows you to broaden your fashion horizons and experiment with different styles, you still want to look and feel your best. If you don't feel comfortable and confident in your vintage finds, chances are you won't wear them.
Determining your fashion style will help you choose vintage pieces that you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe. When shopping for vintage, consider what you already own and how each vintage piece will fit into your current wardrobe.
Try looking at different styles on Pinterest and fashion blogs to help you identify style elements that match your aesthetic. This can give you ideas on what to look for when shopping for vintage pieces.
If you want to avoid looking like you're wearing a suit, choose vintage pieces in classic cuts that never go out of style. These pieces have timeless shapes and colors that you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe for years to come.
For example, while fashion trends come and go, a classic vintage black dress, a vintage leopard swing coat, or a neutral-colored floral or tie-neck silk blouse will always be in style. Vintage T-shirts, denim or leather jackets, and hats are all classics you can incorporate into your wardrobe.
Read fashion magazines, check out fashion bloggers' websites, and/or browse your favorite online retailers' inventories to assess the latest styles. When selecting vintage pieces, look for items with the same or similar characteristics. Most contemporary pieces are inspired by styles from the past, so what better way to showcase your fashion sense than with a trendy item that's vintage and, therefore, completely unique.
Each decade has particular styles that are characteristic of that era. Learning to identify some of the styles attributed to different vintage eras can make it easier to select items that will generally go well together. While some experimentation is necessary (and fun!), learn the basics of vintage styles can give you some general rules to follow in order to create vintage looks that are both unique and cohesive.
The 1910s, for example, gave rise to the trench coat and lace-up boots. This era generally pairs well with wide-brimmed hats from the 1930s or rocker T-shirts from the 1990s. To avoid any clash, however, avoid mixing vintage pieces from the 1910s with a beaded flapper dress from the 1920s or a neon tunic from the 1980s.
Certain decades, such as the 1940s and 1950s, produced many now-classic styles in neutral tones. These styles, including 1940s cigarette pants and 1950s leather jackets, tend to mix well with each other, as well as with many styles from other eras. A 1950s leather jacket, for example, can pair well with 1960s bell-bottom jeans or a flowing floral dress from the 1970s.
The easiest way to wear vintage while staying current is to mix one or two vintage pieces with contemporary styles. Add a classic vintage piece to an on-trend, contemporary outfit for an extra level of timeless sophistication, or try a standout vintage find with contemporary staples to make your vintage piece truly shine.
For a work-appropriate look, wear a vintage jacket or coat, such as a 1910s camel trench coat or a 1950s leather jacket, over a simple modern sheath dress.
To highlight vintage pieces To be unique without going overboard, try wearing 1960s jeans with a simple neutral V-neck sweater, or a 1980s neon jacket over a white tank top and your favorite jeans.
While mixing different vintage eras can be tricky and require some trial and error depending on your specific pieces, the result can be an interesting look that will definitely be worth the effort. When experimenting with different vintage looks, try not to get hung up on perfection. Sometimes, clashing styles come together to create the most unique and stylish outfits!
For example, pair a 90s rocker tee with a mid-century high-waisted skirt for a perfectly imperfect, mismatched look. If you're feeling adventurous, try a printed skirt, like floral or leopard print.
For a simpler look, complement a 1980s silk blouse with 19th- or early 20th-century jewelry, such as an ornate necklace or chandelier earrings.
Try combining a basic piece from one era with a statement piece from another, such as a 1960s little black dress with a 1980s sequin cardigan.
Dressing vintage is all about experimentation, so don't be afraid to break the rules and have fun with your look. You can fully embrace the vintage style with an outfit typical of the era or choose more neutral, less obvious pieces.
To stand out from the crowd with a head-to-toe vintage look, try a 1960s outfit, such as a belted garden dress with a metal-framed handbag in a pastel shade. Complete the look with a period-appropriate wavy hairstyle.
If you want to wear head-to-toe vintage without looking like you're wearing a suit, try a simpler, timeless outfit, like a 1940s utility dress with low-heeled pumps.
Use contemporary hair and makeup styles with your vintage outfit. To avoid looking like you stepped off a period film set, refresh your vintage style with contemporary hair and makeup. While a bob with a ball gown is a great look for a 1920s party, such a hairstyle can instantly make your outfit look dated. Instead, try a sleek, modern style, like a low ponytail, with neutral makeup to let your vintage outfit take center stage.
In many cases, modern hair and makeup styles are inspired by vintage looks, so it can be difficult to decide how to update your vintage outfit. When in doubt, give it a try! You can always change your hair and makeup before leaving the house.
While modern makeup and hair trends can instantly refresh your vintage outfit, a classic style is always a safe bet. For example, a classic nude lipstick is timeless and goes well with any vintage look.
To instantly and easily update your vintage outfit, accessorize it with modern shoes, jewelry, and/or handbags. Even if your clothes are visibly vintage, complementing your outfit with contemporary accessories will instantly help modernize your look.
If your vintage pieces are too bold, try adding more neutral accessories, like a simple nude heel or gold hoop earrings.
To add a touch of vintage to a modern outfit, complete your ensemble with one or two vintage accessories. Vintage scarves, handbags, and jewelry can be found at several retailers for relatively low prices, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
For example, you can instantly elevate a modern, mundane outfit by adding a 1930s beaded clutch or a 1980s necklace.
To add a level of sophistication, try accessorizing your modern outfit with a minimalist 1970s cape or a classic houndstooth print scarf.