Tips, Tricks and Ways to Wear Vintage Pieces (And Still Look Modern)
Remember: These are not hard-fast rules for wearing vintage outfits! Utilize these tips and tricks as general guidelines for those who need a few rules to fall back on while getting started.
These rules are great for thrift beginners, those with sentimental pieces they don’t know how to wear, first steps in creating a sustainable wardrobe, or for the person who wants to add vintage style texture & uniqueness to their wardrobe while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
What is “Vintage”?
How old is vintage clothing? Technically everything 20 years and older is considered vintage. Antique is 100+ years old.
Thrifting is not always vintage! It CAN be, but it’s often resale of still-modern pieces offered at steep discounts. Clothing tags sometimes contain additional information about your piece that can help you further determine if it’s vintage or not. Copyright years, union tags and more serve as important clues to date your clothing. Want a full rundown on how to date your clothing? Check out this helpful guide.
Look Edgy, not Antiquated! The 1-2 Rule:
If you’re just dipping your toes into vintage fashion style, try starting small. Incorporate only one or two vintage pieces into your ensemble and surround it with modern garments/accessories. The goal is to blend your vintage pieces into the outfit. Begin with one clothing piece, and (if desired) add one vintage accessory. This will ensure that your silhouette still reads as modern, while that one or two pieces in your outfit give your look a subtle, unique twist.
Example Modern Vintage Outfit Ideas:
-If you’re wearing a vintage tee, pair it with a modern jean silhouette and jacket.
-Surround a vintage slip dress with sandals, a modern waist belt and jacket.
-Pair vintage trousers with a modern blouse and chunky loafers.
-Pair a vintage blouse with modern oversized trousers and belt.
The Emblematic Piece:
Let a vintage accessory, dress or vintage outerwear define your outfit and give it edge.
If you have stunning family heirloom pieces, a storage box full of your grandmother’s old purses/kitschy jewelry (that’s way too cool to get rid of), or maybe you’re itching to wear that one funky piece you fell in love with at the vintage market: This tip is for you!
Our first rule was all about blending your piece in, but this one is all about letting it stand out. Let your piece act as a conversational statement! Contrast your statement vintage piece with non-distracting monochrome colors and modern jewelry, clothing or accessories.
Example Emblematic Vintage Outfits:
-Wear a vintage dress with a modern belt and jewelry.
-Let a funky vintage coat top off a neutral outfit of modern basics.
-Let a chunky vintage necklace be the centerpiece of your next little black dress outfit.
Consider the Trends:
Are there certain silhouettes trending right now? Chances are, it’s been done already.
Want a slip dress? Try shopping pieces from the 1930’s or 1990’s.
Want in on the sheer trend? You’ll find luck with 1930’s-50’s dresses, and even 2000’s dresses.
Interested in trending drop waist dresses? Check out pieces from the 1920’s, 1960’s or 1980’s.
You might not initially know where a silhouette originates from – but with trusty resources like Google, you can always look up phrases like “What era are _____ from?” and you’ll likely find the answer right away!
Once you’ve found out the time period(s) that popularized your desired silhouette, you can search for dresses from that time period on vintage resale sites like Etsy.
Take a look at this vintage 1930’s black sheer dress vs. a present day embellished lace midi dress from Simon Rocha:
Make Sure It Fits Properly:
Vintage sizing is different. A modern US size 4 could be considered a vintage size 12!
It goes beyond just varying numbers; In many cases, factors like different shapewear (think pointy bombshell bras of the 1950s), garment construction and closures (think metal zippers, hook and eyes, buttons), and fabrics (stretch-potential, natural vs synthetic fibers, garment cleaning and deterioration) are all major influences on how your pieces rest on the body. Investing in the right shapewear, looking up how pieces were intended to be worn and knowing how to clean your garment properly are all game changers on how your piece will look.
What if it doesn’t fit? What if it’s falling apart? Take it to the tailor.
It’s no secret that well-loved vintage pieces may get worn over time. Check for damage and repair buttons, stains etc. as needed. Have you found that your vintage pieces feel frumpy, or are an awkward fit? Making a vintage piece work in your wardrobe may be as simple as getting it tailored!
Keep your Makeup Modern!
Remember that makeup is part of your outfit! Wearing modern styles of makeup will help solidify a modern look.
Get in on the Red Carpet & Events Trend: Tab Vintage:
Celebrities are using vintage pieces on red carpet as a “throwback to the past” trend. Tab Vintage is a top choice for access to runway pieces and unforgettable designer treasures.
Sabrina Carpenter wearing Madonna’s vintage Oscars dress at the 2024 VMAs, via Tab Vintage.
For In-Person Shopping: Pickwick Vintage
Enjoy a shopping wonderland in Los Angeles EVERY MONTH at Pickwick Vintage Show! This outdoor market is a full-on event of masterfully curated treasure-trove pieces.
Bi-Costal Favorite (LA/NYC): A Current Affair Market
You’re bound to walk away with something fabulous when you attend bi-costal event A Current Affair! Another well-curated favorite that makes itself accessible with events across the US. Take an insider look at Meg’s recent journey to A Current Affair on instagram!
Great All-Around curated vintage store: Arcade Vintage
With standalone stores in LA and NYC, as well as a shoppable online store; we love their ready-to-wear pieces that cross a lot of decades.
Best for Wedding (and Special Event): Kit Vintage
Best for Jewelry, Accessories, Bags & Belts: Crown Chic Vintage
Meg’s favorite for unforgettable vintage style belts and accessories! Find them at Pickwick Vintage Market or view new pieces on instagram.
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