Vintage clothing has a charm that is difficult to recreate with modern pieces. From classic dresses and old school denim to statement jackets and structured handbags, vintage fashion can add personality to an outfit without looking like you are dressed for a different era.
The trick is not to make your entire outfit vintage. Instead, mix older pieces with modern basics so the look feels fresh, effortless and relevant today.
Start With One Vintage Piece
If you are new to vintage fashion, start with one standout piece rather than wearing several vintage items at once. It could be a printed blouse, leather jacket, midi skirt, handbag or pair of trousers.
Once you have your statement piece, build the rest of the outfit around it using simple modern clothing. This keeps the vintage item noticeable without making the outfit feel like a costume.
For example, a vintage blouse can look completely different when worn with modern straight leg jeans and simple heels.
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Pair Vintage Pieces With Modern Basics
One of the easiest ways to make vintage clothing look modern is to mix it with everyday wardrobe staples.
A vintage skirt can be worn with a fitted tank top and contemporary sandals. An old school blazer can be paired with jeans and a simple T shirt. Even a vintage dress can feel more current when styled with modern accessories and shoes.
The contrast between old and new is what makes the outfit interesting.
Play With Denim
Denim is one of the easiest ways to bring vintage fashion into a modern wardrobe. High waisted jeans, denim jackets and vintage denim skirts can all work well with contemporary pieces.
Try pairing a vintage denim jacket with wide leg trousers and a simple top. You could also wear vintage jeans with a fitted bodysuit and modern ankle boots.
The goal is to let the denim bring the vintage feel while the rest of the outfit keeps things current.
Choose Modern Accessories
Accessories can completely change how vintage clothing looks. A vintage dress paired with an old fashioned handbag and matching shoes may create a very retro appearance.
Instead, try adding modern sunglasses, a structured handbag, minimalist jewellery or contemporary heels.
You can also use accessories to bring a simple vintage piece into the present. Sometimes a modern shoe is all it takes to make an older style feel fresh.
Try Vintage Prints in a Simple Outfit
Vintage prints can make an outfit stand out, especially floral, polka dot, paisley and bold geometric patterns.
If you are wearing a printed vintage blouse or skirt, keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple. Neutral shoes, a plain handbag and understated jewellery can help the print become the main feature.
You do not have to match every colour in the print. Choosing one colour from the pattern and repeating it subtly through your accessories can be enough.
Mix Different Silhouettes
Modern fashion gives you plenty of freedom to experiment with proportions. Use that to your advantage when styling vintage clothing.
A fitted vintage blouse can be paired with wide leg trousers. A loose vintage shirt can work with a fitted skirt or straight leg jeans. You can also add a cropped jacket to a longer vintage dress to give the outfit a more contemporary shape.
Playing with proportions prevents the outfit from looking dated.
Do Not Be Afraid to Tailor Vintage Clothing
Sometimes a vintage piece has a beautiful fabric or design but does not fit quite right. A small alteration can make a huge difference.
You could shorten a skirt, adjust the waist of a dress or change the sleeves on a jacket. The idea is not to remove everything that makes the piece vintage, but to make the fit work better for your personal style.
A well fitting vintage piece will always look more polished.
Make Vintage Fashion Your Own
The best thing about vintage clothing is that you do not have to follow the rules of the era it came from. Wear it in a way that feels natural to you.
You can take a vintage dress and style it with sneakers. You can wear an old blazer with jeans or pair a vintage skirt with a modern crop top. Fashion is about experimenting, and mixing different periods can create some of the most interesting outfits.
Vintage clothing does not have to look old fashioned. With the right combination of modern basics, accessories and proportions, you can give classic pieces a fresh personality while still allowing their original character to shine.
