Being old doesn’t mean getting outdated; at least that’s how it works in the world of vintage fashion. Clothing pieces from the 1920’s to 1970’s still find a space in today’s fashion setting and are increasingly becoming more visible in modern times. But vintage clothes don’t stand only as fashion alternative, as they are also a window to the past.
They give people firsthand information on the fashion history and the clothes’ elaborate evolution. However, as with any other clothing styles, vintage clothes need to be mindfully assembled. You wouldn’t want to look like you’ve just come out of a 1920 portrait, would you? To get the most out of vintage style clothing, you have to know how to wear them in the modern times without looking out of style. Here are some tips.
1.) Never wear a complete vintage ensemble, and this means vintage from head to toe. If you do, you have big chances of being mistaken for a Victorian play actor. Town down a little. One vintage piece can already bring the style and uniqueness to your ensemble. For example, wear your vintage blouse with a pair of contemporary jeans and not with its original skirt. Or dress in a vintage jacket with a nice shirt and skinny jeans. The idea here is to keep one vintage piece your focal item and pair it up with other pieces from your closet.
2.) Keep your personal style. The thing with vintage is that some items are temptingly attractive and entice you to take them home without any careful thought. However, not all of them suit your personal style. Vintage clothing allows you to be a little experimental, but never go overboard. It’s okay to try new things, but make sure that whatever you put on expresses your individuality and makes you look good. For instance, don’t buy a skirt just because it’s leopard. Assess if it looks pretty on you, complements your body shape, and goes with the current trend. Make sure as well that you are comfortable in it. What good is it to wear a flattering wardrobe if you can hardly breathe?
3.) Try to accessorize. Remember that you don’t necessarily have to go vintage all the way. In some instances, you can do well with vintage accessories. If, for example, you are wearing an evening dress, try using vintage earrings, bracelet, or necklace. Vintage jewelry perfectly transforms your getup from being plain to extravagant as much as other vintage accessories like pins, brooches, and bags do. You should, however, try to limit your accessories to one to two pieces at a time, so you can keep the harmony in your ensemble.
4.) Alter the vintage piece if you deem it necessary. Others don’t feel like altering their vintage thinking that doing so loses its historical sense. But there’s nothing wrong with doing some changes in a vintage piece, especially if you want to fit into it and to make it more updated.
5.) Be confident. You sure are wearing old stuff, but vintage style clothing has a way of making things sophisticated. It should, therefore, translate in your attitude. Whatever reason you have for buying a vintage piece, never walk down the street feeling inferior and dowdy. There are women who own vintage clothes and wear them like they are worth a million. The secret? It all lies in their attitude. They feel good with vintage—its style and classic element—and it manifests in their looks.