Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Understanding the basics of vintage
• Part 2 of 2: Wearing vintage
• Tips

Vintage clothing has never been more popular; with about a hundred years of different styles to choose from, there is something for everyone to find. Go to a vintage store nearby, or "shop" in your grandma's closet. Then you will soon find the perfect outfit by combining modern and retro that will amaze all fashionistas.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Understanding the basics of vintage

1. Choose garments from different eras. Vintage clothing usually means any item of clothing or accessories from the 1980s or earlier, although there is no official definition. That is why you can choose from a huge collection of garments that fall into this category. Although most of them focus on a certain era, you can also combine clothes from different periods. If you really only wear things from a certain era, it can seem like you're dressed up rather than like vintage.
   • The years 1900-1910 were characterized by voluminous lace gowns, corsets and collared tops.
   • The 10s brought the trench coat and lace-up boots for women.
   • The 1920s were famous for the flapper dress and the slip dress, in addition to the beautiful creations with fringes and beads.
   • In the 1930s, brimmed hats with fur collars were very popular.
   • The 1940s were known for tapered pants, pastel colored sweaters and halter tops.
   • The 1950s made the circle skirt, petticoat, leather jacket and unitard popular.
   • The 60s were known for its flared pants, floral shirts and peace signs.
   • The 1970s brought jeans and neutrals into fashion, as did trouser suits and leg warmers.
   • The 80s were famous for the fluorescent colors, shoulder pads, lace tops and the tunic with leggings.
2. Combine vintage with modern. While there may be a few people who would like a full vintage outfit, it's important to avoid looking like you fell in the dress-up box by keeping your outfit 50% vintage and 50% modern. An easy way to do that is this: wear a vintage top with skinny jeans or other more modern pants. If you are wearing vintage pants or a skirt, add a modern shirt or sweater to keep it in balance. You can make a vintage dress a bit more modern by using the right accessories or a hip hairstyle.
   • When you wear vintage, it doesn't have to be all about the big stuff; you can also wear a vintage scarf or jewelery with an otherwise new outfit.
   • Once you get used to wearing vintage, you can add more pieces to your outfit if you want.
3. Don't wear vintage that is in bad shape. Just because something is vintage doesn't mean it's in good condition. If your vintage garment has visible damage, such as stains, tears, or missing parts, don't wear it until you get it to a tailor. Also, let your vintage clothing steam first, because it often contains odors and wrinkles that you cannot get out yourself.
   • The same goes for vintage pieces that are clearly not your size.
4. Consider buying clothes inspired by vintage fashion. While it is less eco-friendly and less fun, there are also stores that offer a collection inspired by vintage clothing. These are good alternatives to real vintage, and you don't have to worry about them getting damaged, they are in perfect condition and often fit better.

Part 2 of 2: Wearing vintage

1. Pick a few vintage tops. Vintage shirts from just about any era are the easiest things to start wearing vintage. Shirts and sweaters require little maintenance and always match modern trousers. Nowadays it is very popular to pair a vintage top with skinny jeans and boots, with some accessories if you want. You can also combine a vintage cardigan or sweater with a modern outfit without looking old-fashioned.
   • If you are just starting to wear vintage, don't choose tops from the 70s or 80s, because choosing them wrong can make you look old-fashioned, as they are still fairly recent trends.
   • You can buy a shirt or sweater that is too big and wear it with tight pants, or with a wide belt to make it more flattering.
2. Look for flattering vintage skirts. Vintage skirts usually come in two categories: long, or knee length.Try styles like the circle skirt, or an A-line skirt, with tulle. Skirts are often easy to wear as it doesn't require much adjustment to make them fit properly.
   • Vintage skirts in a neutral shade (black, gray, brown, beige and olive green) are always a good addition to your wardrobe.
3. Try on a pair of vintage pants to find the right size. Vintage pants are hard to find, as the sizing of pants has changed drastically over the last century. Depending on how long ago the pants were made, there may not even be a size that you can recognize. But if you can try on a few pants and find that a few are right, be sure to add them to your wardrobe! Combine vintage pants with a new striped shirt or an oversized knitted sweater. You can also wear a lace top or a top with a print on it for a more modern look.
4. Find the perfect vintage dress. Vintage dresses are always fun to wear, especially because there is such a huge selection of well-fitting dresses. Find a dress that you can easily wear with some contemporary accessories. This may mean that dresses that already have a lot of decorations or embroidery may look too much like dressing-up clothes to wear on a daily basis. Plain dresses, or dresses with a modest pattern or with a good quality fabric can look great with boots / ballerinas / sandals, a nice cap or hat with a wide brim, and some fun jewelry.
5. Wear a vintage hat or scarf with your outfit. Not ready to get into vintage yet? You can easily wear some small vintage pieces, such as a scarf or a hat, with an otherwise new outfit. You can put a silk scarf around your neck or wear it in your hair. Just make sure it is in good condition when you buy it as you cannot easily (or cheaply) repair or wash them.
6. Look for beautiful vintage jewelry. Jewelry never really goes out of style, so you can wear vintage jewelry without anyone noticing. Find a striking necklace, nice bracelets or funny earrings for your outfits. Remember that the jewelry should not compete with each other, so always wear one eye-catching piece of jewelry at a time.
7. Don't forget your shoes! Vintage shoes are often overlooked, but they can make your outfit very special. It can be difficult to find vintage shoes that are still in such good condition that you want to buy them. Find a classic style, such as lace-up boots or Clarks (men or women!) To add to any modern outfit. When in doubt, choose a neutral leather color that will never go out of style.

Tips

• Head to your neighborhood thrift store for affordable vintage; at real vintage stores you often find things that they themselves have found at the thrift store, but then you suddenly pay a lot more.
• Not sure if a vintage piece of clothing is really beautiful or looks more like a costume? Bring a friend and ask her opinion.