How to dress vintage
Vintage is back in fashion and more and more people are discovering the charm of old trends. Dressing vintage can be an exciting and fun experience, but it can also be difficult to know how to do it correctly. In this article, we'll show you how to dress in vintage style without looking out of place or anachronistic.
What does "dressing vintage" mean?
Dressing in vintage style means wearing clothes and accessories that were popular in the past. This can include clothes from the '20s, '30s, '40s, '50s, or '60s. The goal is to create a nostalgic look that recalls a bygone era.
Why choose vintage style?
Vintage style offers multiple advantages. Firstly, it allows you to stand out from the crowd and express your personality through clothing. Secondly, vintage clothes are often made with high-quality materials and can last much longer than modern clothing. Finally, wearing vintage clothes is a way to reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion and support the circular economy.
- Advantages of dressing vintage:
- Standing out from the crowd
- High-quality materials
- Longer lifespan compared to modern clothes
- Environmental sustainability and circular economy
Understanding vintage style
Vintage style is a way of dressing that draws inspiration from past fashion, usually from the '20s to the '80s. Understanding vintage style means knowing the distinctive characteristics of each era and being able to combine them in a modern and personal way.
'20s
The '20s were a time of great social and cultural change, known as "the jazz age." Clothing of the time was characterized by soft, sinuous lines, lightweight fabrics like silk and chiffon, pastel colors, and decorations like sequins and fringes. To create a vintage style inspired by the '20s, you can wear a sheath dress with a knee-length skirt, completing the outfit with a cloche hat or feathered headpiece.
'50s
The '50s were a time of great economic prosperity, and it was also the beginning of popular culture. Vintage style from the '50s was characterized by high-waisted dresses, full skirts, fitted jackets, and ankle-length pants. Bright colors like cherry red, turquoise blue, and bright pink were very popular. To create a vintage style inspired by the '50s, you can wear a full skirt with a polka dot blouse and a pair of ballet flats or stilettos. Add a scarf around your neck to complete the outfit.
'70s
The '70s were a time of great expressive freedom, with fashion reflecting the atmosphere of social and cultural change at the time. Vintage style from the '70s was characterized by soft fabrics like denim, velvet, and lace, warm colors like brown and ochre yellow, and floral and psychedelic patterns. To create a vintage style inspired by the '70s, you can wear a pair of bell-bottom jeans with a loose chiffon shirt and a pair of platform sandals. Add some silver jewelry to complete the outfit.
- Remember that vintage style doesn't necessarily mean dressing completely like in past years: you can mix vintage elements with modern pieces to create a personal and current style.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: try unusual combinations and have fun creating original outfits.
- Look for vintage clothing in specialized stores or thrift markets: you may find hidden gems among the shelves!
What to look for in thrift stores
When looking for vintage clothing, thrift stores are a valuable source. But what should you look for when entering such a store?
1. Quality of fabrics
One of the advantages of vintage clothing is the quality of fabrics used compared to modern ones. Look for items made with natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, or silk that last over time and maintain their shape and color.
2. Timeless style
Look for clothes that have a timeless style, meaning they were produced in a past era but could still be worn today without looking outdated.
3. Unique details
Vintage clothing often features unique details that make it special. Look for original buttons, handmade embroidery, or unusual pockets that add personality to your outfits.
4. Size and fit
It's important to find clothes that fit you well. Make sure you know your measurements before entering a thrift store and always try on items before purchasing them.
5. Affordable price
Vintage clothing can have a high price, but thrift stores often offer items at more affordable prices. Look for sale sections or items that have been in stock for a while.
- Remember, when it comes to vintage clothing, research is essential.
- Don't be afraid to ask store staff for information about items or advice on how to wear them.
Accessories to complete the vintage look
To complete your vintage look, you can't forget the accessories. They are what will make the difference and allow you to stand out from others.
Scarf
The scarf is an iconic accessory of the '50s and '60s. You can wear it around your neck, head, or tied to your bag. Choose one in silk with floral or geometric prints for a more sophisticated look. If you want a cheaper option, opt for a cotton or polyester scarf.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must-have for the vintage look. Choose those with thick frames and round or drop lenses for a hippie-chic look of the '70s. If you prefer a more glamorous style, opt for glasses with thin metal frames and mirrored lenses.
Bags
Vintage bags have a structured shape and are made of leather or fine fabrics such as silk or velvet. Choose a handbag or shoulder bag in neutral colors such as brown, black, or beige for an elegant and timeless look.
Shoes
Shoes are another important element of the vintage look. Opt for ballerina flats with bows or mid-heel pumps for a retro 1950s style. If you prefer a more rock style, choose ankle boots or studded sandals from the 1980s.
- For a complete vintage look, wear fishnet stockings and intense red lipstick.
- Choose high-quality accessories to ensure the longevity of your vintage look.
Conclusions
After exploring various vintage styles and the clothing items that characterize them, we can conclude that dressing in a vintage style is an excellent choice for those who want to stand out from others with a unique and original style.
As we have seen, there are many ways to incorporate vintage elements into your wardrobe without looking out of place or anachronistic. For example, you can opt for accessories such as vintage-style bags or sunglasses, or choose a retro jacket or shirt to pair with modern pants.
In addition, dressing in a vintage style does not necessarily mean having to spend large sums of money in specialized stores. Interesting items can also be found in thrift stores or second-hand shops, where treasures can often be found at very affordable prices.
Finally, it is important to remember that the real secret to dressing well is feeling comfortable with what you wear. Although vintage style may require some courage and experimentation, in the end the satisfaction of having a personal and original look will more than repay the efforts made.
- Remember: always choose items that you like and that reflect your personality;
- Experiment with unusual combinations;
- Do not be afraid to dare with accessories;
- Do not forget that fashion is a fun game, do not take yourself too seriously!
Whether you are a vintage enthusiast or simply looking for a personal and original style, we hope these tips have been helpful in dressing in a vintage style without making mistakes.
Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.
