How-To Basics: Wearing Vintage

It’s indisputable: vintage is “in.” Girls everywhere are pillaging their mothers’ closets in the hopes of finding handbags from the ‘60s, blouses from the ‘70s and boots from the ‘80s. Grandma’s costume jewelry becomes priceless (even though it’s probably only worth about 20 bucks). Granddad’s old cardigans are like gold. Vintage stores offer more hope and promise than the church with the billboard down the street and, suddenly, you’re kicking yourself for donating those so totally ugly-cool, oversized-at-the-time flannel oxfords you were handed down from your cousin back in middle school. When it comes to getting dressed, the time to hesitate is through—don’t waste time pairing the perfect shirt and skirt; just throw on whatever’s lying around. It’s sure to pass as grungy-chic, right?

With the lackadaisical attitude surrounding vintage clothing, it’s easy to cease thinking altogether about what you’re putting on your body—an approach I do not recommend as the result could prove utterly humiliating. Here are some basic tips to help you avoid looking like a complete time warp in public:

1) Do NOT dress head to toe in vintage. Instead, integrate vintage pieces into your modern wardrobe. A pencil skirt here, a cardigan there. Maybe sport a vintage tee with your designer jeans. Regardless of what you pick and choose, you should never have on more vintage pieces than you do current.

2) Keep in mind what’s trendy today when shopping for items from yesteryear. By having pieces that appear to be up-to-date, you’ll be playing it a bit safer and are sure to attract positive attention. People will want to know, “who makes that awesome necklace,” and you’ll be able to proudly tell them, “it’s vintage,” dashing their hopes of ever having something as magnificent as what you’ve got. Don’t feel bad. They’ll find their own fabulous vintage-wear.

3) Undoubtedly, the safest way to incorporate vintage elements into your personal style is by way of accessories. A necklace, hat or handbag is less likely to dramatically change your overall appearance. This is the best route for those more hesitant vintage-curious dressers. Nevertheless, you should still strive to be a little adventurous when picking out your “safe” vintage items—go for the brightly colored bag or the obnoxiously bejeweled faux-diamond necklace over the bland, plastic ‘20s-style pearls. Vintage is about celebrating the history of fashion, so why put something on that could be easily looked over? In the words of my favorite 1980’s icon, “express yourself!”