There's something captivating about uncovering hidden clothes that were once adorned by our predecessors. The craftsmanship of vintage clothing is unparalleled to what we get today. The hand-stitched seams, the sophisticated beading, and the draped fabrics make you pause and go “wow”.
Incorporating vintage pieces into your wardrobe can add a touch of timeless elegance and personality to your style. However, there is always the fear of looking dated, therefore it is important to balance vintage elements with modern aesthetics.
Here, you'll learn the tips, tricks, and inspiration you need to elevate your vintage game and show the world your impeccable taste in fashion.
1. Mix Vintage with Modern
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Make sure to balance vintage wear with modern fashion. As a rule of thumb, do not wear head-to-toe vintage, as this can look costumey, outdated, or out of touch. Instead, balance vintage items with contemporary pieces.
One way to do it is to start by integrating vintage basics, such as colored cashmere sweaters, wide-leg and bottom pants, and wool skirts, into your wardrobe. Then pair the basic vintage pieces with contemporary choices such as modern shoes, clothes, or hairstyles.
For example, pairing 70s bell bottoms with a blazer from Zara or a crop top from Forever 21 gives off a balanced look. Compare that with wearing the same bell bottoms with a '70s blouse. The idea is to focus on the vintage basics while maintaining a balanced look.
2. Statement Accessories
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Statement accessories attract attention. They are unique and interesting. It's the thing that people will notice first about your outfit.
Accessories are a secret weapon in adding a touch of flair to your look without looking dated. The beauty of accessories is that they are versatile, and offer unlimited options.
Accessories like a classic leather belt with a statement buckle, a vintage silk scarf with retro patterns, or a distinctive handbag with unique details can act as the center of attention and elevate your entire ensemble.
3. Tailored Fit
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Tailoring is necessary and a sure way to personalize and modernize vintage pieces. While vintage items are great if you feel it doesn't suit your style, reworking them is a way that will give the outfit modern personalized vibes.
Tailoring also ensures that vintage clothing fits well. It's also a way of customizing an item into something you'll wear multiple times instead of only on special occasions.
As you make these altercations, make sure to preserve the vintage charm of the outfit intact. The goal is to make it your own while respecting its heritage.
4. Layering
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Layering is a simple and effective way to add versatility to your fashion while maintaining your style. When done correctly, layering is aesthetically pleasing and stylish. In fact, layering is a vintage practice. People from the past layered clothing for both practical reasons, to stay warm, and aesthetic appeal, layering was a fashion trend at the time.
The approach here is layering vintage items with modern ones to create a classic, elegant, and contemporary look. There are many possibilities when it comes to layering. For example, a simple stylish dress can be layered with a classic vintage cardigan from the '60s or '70s. This will transform the originally simple dress into something extraordinary, infusing a touch of vintage charm.
5. Choose High-Quality Pieces
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Quality pieces tend to withstand the test of time and, therefore, will look more stylish and elegant for a longer duration of time. Therefore, you should be on the lookout for well-preserved vintage pieces and high-quality modern pieces that will complement each other.
The first indication of great quality is in the material. Choose both vintage and modern clothes made of a high percentage of cotton, wool, silk, and linen. Then look at the stitching which should be flawless, firm, and interactive.
When you are able to incorporate both high-quality modern and vintage pieces in your style, you create a clean, elegant look that is eye-striking. However, if you fail you create a confused worn-out look that is distractive and unflattering.
For example, pairing a vintage silk blouse with modern tailored trousers creates an eye-catching, sophisticated look.
6. Mix Different Eras
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Over the years, there have been many fashion styles. Do not limit yourself to a specific era. Instead, experiment with the different styles to create a unique vantage look that is guaranteed to turn heads.
The late 1800s had gothic romantic clothing, little-heeled sleepers, high necklines, and overcoats. The 1910s brought in Edwardian elegance, S-curve silhouette, and long hemlines. The 1960s had a lot of turtlenecks, high-waisted pants, and interesting collar details. Moving on to the 20s, an era of rebellion and freedom, had flapper dresses, cloche hats, and oxford shoes.
Each of these decades has its unique fashion style which when combined creates an exceptional outfit. For example, if you love the rocker chic style of the 1970s, you could pair a vintage leather jacket with your favorite jeans and T-shirt.
7. Stay Mindful of Trends
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It is important to stay up to date with modern fashion trends because it helps in getting inspiration and finding out what's trending. You can learn about trending fashion through fashion magazines, blogs, and social media platforms.
Also, learn about the current vintage pieces that are trending and how different people are incorporating them into their modern attires. This fusion can add freshness and relevance to your look.
For example, if animal prints are making waves in modern fashion, consider adding a vintage animal-print scarf or accessory to your outfit for a hint of contemporary flair.
Notably, while it is helpful to be aware of what’s popular, do not follow current trends blindly. Only choose to go with trends that fit with your style and those that are flattering.
Lastly, vintage dressing, like all fashion, is a matter of personal taste, creativity, and flexibility. So have fun expressing your individual style while appreciating the craftsmanship and history of the vintage pieces.
We'd love to hear how you maintain your uniqueness while blending modern and vintage elements into your style.