Vintage fashion is having a huge moment right now. It’s always been popular but there are several reasons people are enjoying looking for vintage items. Some older styles have come back around, which makes older pieces perfect for adding to your wardrobe. It’s never been easier to find vintage clothes and accessories either, thanks to the apps and websites that make it so simple to search through potential buys. Plus, a lot of people are trying to be more sustainable in their fashion choices, and buying second-hand items is one of the best ways you can do that. If you want to incorporate vintage fashion into your style, start with these steps.
Get to Know Some Different Eras
It might be a good idea to start by getting familiar with some different fashion eras and styles. First of all, what is vintage? There are some different definitions and the lines can sometimes be blurred with other terms like retro or even antique. Some will say that something has to be at least 20 years old to be vintage. Others will say it should be 40 or even 50 years old. Ultimately, the exact age of a piece doesn’t matter that much. If it’s older and you feel it belongs to a past era, you can regard it as vintage.
There are lots of fashion trends and eras to explore. If you’re a history fan, it can be really interesting to explore how certain factors affected fashion too. For example, during World War II, you can observe how restrictions on clothes manufacturing had an effect on the styles at the time. It’s worth looking at different time periods and thinking about what you’re drawn to. Most people have some fashion eras that they prefer over others.
Find Your Style
After you’ve considered a few fashion trends, you might want to think about whether there’s one that particularly suits you or that you really like. Think about different silhouettes, dressing for your body shape, and also just what makes you feel good. If you have a curvier shape, you might be drawn to the fit-and-flare dresses of the 1950s over the straight up and down flapper dresses of the 1920s or shift dresses of the 1960s. Maybe you prefer something a little more simple, or perhaps you like the trends that are a bit flashier and more complicated. There are no rules about what you should wear, but it’s worth exploring whether there’s a certain style you like more.
Go Thrifting for Vintage Fashion
So where should you start if you want to buy vintage clothes? Thrift stores can be a great place to begin. If you live near any, it should be the first place you check. Of course, not all thrift stores are going to be a treasure trove of vintage fashion. But some of them can reveal some nice surprises. Some may even specialize in vintage fashion, which is perfect if you want to have lots to choose from. You might have to be patient if you want to search through what’s available and find something you love.
Use Apps and Websites
Thrift stores are great, but they can be somewhat limiting too. You have to go and visit them, which takes time and effort. Plus, you’re limited to what’s in the store. Looking online can open up a whole new world when you’re looking for vintage fashion. You can head straight to some websites that offer vintage and estate jewelry, like Fuller’s Jewelry & Diamonds. Alternatively, you can explore apps and sites that offer a range of sellers. Apps like Depop can help you seek out vintage finds. Etsy and even Instagram can also reveal lots of curated vintage buys to add to your wardrobe.
Try Estate Sales and Yard Sales
Some people may donate things to thrift stores when they want to get rid of them. Others choose to sell things directly from their home. Estate sales and yard sales can be great places to discover some vintage bargains and even some weird and wonderful items too. But how do you find them? Sometimes you might spot a sign pointing to an impromptu yard sale, but there are better ways to find out what’s happening in your area. You can use websites that list estate sales, garage sales, and more. Checking local groups on social media, such as Facebook, can also be a really useful way to learn about the sales that are available.
Explore Reproduction Fashion
Real vintage clothes are great, but they’re not always readily available. Even if you find some things you like, you might find there are other items you really want but can’t find. There’s definitely nothing wrong with looking at reproduction vintage fashion instead. It might not be completely authentic, but it will often closely resemble the real thing. You can find lots of brands offering vintage and retro clothing styles made with modern fabrics. Sometimes the styles might be slightly modernized too, but this can be a good thing if you’re not so keen on some of the features of the time. This kind of thing can be found across a range of budgets. Some brands are cheaper, while others are independent brands that focus on quality clothing that will last a long time.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Time Periods
You might prefer a certain fashion era, but you definitely don’t have to stick to just one. Mixing different time periods can look great and create a more unique look. In fact, it makes sense with a lot of fashion trends that have come around more than once. We’ve had multiple decades where the fashion trends have looked to the trends of the past for inspiration. And don’t forget that you can mix your vintage items with modern clothes too. You don’t have to go all-out and commit to a completely vintage outfit.
Adding vintage fashion to your wardrobe is a fun way to play with different styles and find a new look that you love.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
