Who ever thought that the high-wasted skirts, puffy sleeves on jackets, and shirts that are cropped just below the chest would be the attire to wear in 2011? My grandma often comments on my wardrobe, saying how the styles are simply coming back. Now more than ever, the vintage look is definitely an "in" look. However, there are ways to appropriately dress vintage without looking like you came out of an 1800's Victorian history book.
Dressing vintage can be as simple as wearing an antique pair of earrings or belt. Many times people tend to take the vintage look a little too far, and literally look as if they rented an outfit from a costume shop. However, I do not want you to go through this embarrassment so I am here to guide you through the appropriate and fashion-forward vintage look.
A great place to start shopping for your vintage look is right in your grandparents' closet, or even your parents' closet. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that your grandparents do not just own the stretchy pants and white shoes, but they actually have timeless pieces for your vintage style. The best part about shopping in either your parents' or grandparents' closet is that every unique piece of jewelry, purse or outfit has a unique story behind it.
Now, dressing vintage does not necessarily mean that the actual clothing or jewelry has to be real vintage. Many clothing stores are replicated the vintage styles with that modern flare. Stores such as Urban Outfitters, Free People, Anthropologie, H&M, Forever 21, and even Target, all have fashion-forward clothes that offer that vintage look for you. Forever 21 even has a line called Heritage 1981, that is specifically made to give customers that vintage feel.
However, if you are specifically looking for actual vintage or used clothing there are places that offer that look. Your typical thrift stores like Goodwill and Savers, Buffalo Exchange, and 2nd Chance are always a good place to start. Many times people will donate clothing that they thought was not in style any more and had no value. However, someone else’s trash can become your treasure. Although some second hand stores can be a hit or miss, the hunt and search for unique items is always rewarding and fun.
A final place to shop for vintage styles is online. There are hundreds of websites and online stores that offer specific vintage clothing. Whether it’s actual vintage or clothing that is just made to look vintage, the web offers everything. One of my personal favorite places to shop online is at modcloth.com. Modcloth offers clothing made to look vintage, in addition to actual vintage items, and the items are fairly reasonable. Another local business and online store is etsy.com. Etsy offers both vintage and modern vintage clothing. The online store also offers handmade items that are one of a kind.
The most important thing to remember is to not over think dressing vintage. If you have a cute vintage top, pair it with your modern skinny jean, fashionable flats, vintage jewelry, and top it off with your grandmother’s vintage clutch. Too much of anything is never a good thing, so always make a bold statement simple and be true to yourself and your own style. Happy vintage shopping!
Simple and easy tips for vintage fashion:
- Pearls, whether they are earrings, a necklace or a bracelet, are the most classy and simple way to look vintage.
- Wearing a classic blazer, or any jacket that has puffed sleeves, is a great way to have a vintage flair, yet still look modern.
- A great pair of vintage heels, pumps or flats always tie an outfit together.
- Hair clips or headbands are very in for the vintage style.
- Another great way to tie together an outfit is with a statement clutch or small purse.
- Oversized glasses or Ray Ban style sunglasses always give a vintage vibe.
