Vintage fashion has come back into the scene with the many different kinds of styles emerging in our era. Simple, classy exudes ancient and modern at the same time. Vintage clothing is not only good for costumes on Halloween or special occasions, but everyday wear, streetwear to be precise. Clothing is a way we can express ourselves in any occasion or casual day. Like any vintage pieces, it takes at least 50 years to be considered as vintage, but that’s for true vintage. At least 20 years is fine so let’s dive into how vintage streetwear came to be.
Pick an item, any item, as long as one of these items resembles the style from the 60s, 70s, or even the 80s, then creating a vintage fashion inspired style would be easy for you. Pair a cloche or bucket at with a pair of tattered jeans and a graphic tee with the addition of iconic ankle high socks and you’d look like vintage with a dash of street vibes.
What Is Vintage Clothing Style Called?
The term “vintage clothing” style is used to describe clothing that is typically at least 20 years old. Clothing that is labeled as “vintage” often has a certain look or style that is no longer popular or available in stores. Many people who wear vintage clothing like to mix and match pieces from different eras to create a unique look.
There are many different styles of vintage clothing, but some of the most popular include:
- 1920s-1930s: This era is often associated with the flapper look, which features short skirts, loose blouses, and lots of accessories.
- 1940s: The 1940s were all about glamour, with lots of sequins, pearls, and lace.
- 1950s: The 1950s were all about feminine curves, with tight skirts, cinched waists, and poodle skirts.
- 1960s: The 1960s were all about free expression, with bright colors , patterns, and fabrics. The hippie movement brought a whole new look to fashion, with natural materials and flowing, comfortable styles.
- 1970s: The 1970s were all about disco and glamour. Women wore tight, flashy clothes and men donned wide-lapel suits. The decade was also known for its unique style of accessories, such as big, floppy hats and long, dangly earrings.
- 1980s: The 1980s were all about excess. Women wore big hair, bright colors, and lots of makeup. Men donned power suits and big, shiny watches. The decade was also known for its love of logos and other designer brands.
- 1990s: The 1990s were all about minimalism. Women wore simple clothes in neutral colors, and men favored baggy pants and T-shirts. The decade was also known for its grunge look, which featured ripped jeans and flannel shirts.
- 2000s: The 2000s were all about excess. Women wore tight clothing and high heels, and men favored flashy suits and designer sunglasses. The decade was also known for its hip-hop look, which featured baseball caps, baggy jeans and oversized T-shirts.
- • 2010s: The 2010s are all about balance. Women wear both tight and loose clothing, and men favor both casual and dressy styles. The decade is also known for its mixed-media look, which features a mix of different textures and colors.
How To Style Vintage Fashion?
There is no one definitive answer to this question. However, there are a few key principles that can help you create stylish vintage looks, the first step is to find pieces that fit your body type and personal style. Not all vintage clothing will look good on everyone, so it’s important to choose items that complement your figure. If you’re not sure what styles look best on you, take some time to browse vintage fashion magazines or online galleries for inspiration.
Once you’ve selected a few key pieces, it’s time to start styling them. One of the most important things to remember is that vintage fashion is all about mixing and matching different styles and textures. So feel free to experiment with different combinations. Another key styling tip is to pay attention to the details. For example, a simple accessory like a vintage necklace can add a lot of personality to an outfit. And don’t be afraid to add a splash of color. A bright scarf or colorful shoes can really brighten up an outfit. So don’t be afraid to have some fun with your style.
How Can I Wear Vintage Without Looking Old?
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finding the perfect vintage piece. It’s like you’re wearing a piece of history, and it can add a unique touch to any outfit. However, if you’re not careful, wearing vintage can quickly make you look old-fashioned. Here are a few tips for wearing vintage without looking like a grandparent:
Choose the right era
Not all vintage looks are created equal. If you’re going for a vintage look, make sure you choose an era that’s flattering for you. For example, if you’re a young woman, you may want to stick to the 1920s or 1930s, which are known for their flapper-inspired styles. If you’re a bit older, the 1950s may be a better option, with its feminine, retro looks.
Don’t go too crazy
When it comes to vintage, less is more. Don’t try to wear every piece of vintage you own and end up looking like you raided your grandma’s closet. Stick to one or two statement pieces and let the clothes do the talking, start by finding the perfect vintage piece. Something that’s unique and speaks to your personal style. Once you’ve found it, don’t be afraid to layer it up. A vintage jacket or blazer is the perfect way to add some interest to a basic outfit.
If you’re not sure how to style your vintage piece, there are plenty of ways to get inspired. Check out some fashion blogs or look up styling tips online. And don’t forget to have fun with it! Experiment with different combinations and see what works best for you.
How Old Is True Vintage Clothing?
There’s no definitive answer to this question, as the definition of “vintage” clothing can vary from person to person. However, in general, true vintage clothing refers to items that are at least 20 years old, there are a few factors that can contribute to how old a piece of clothing is considered to be. The first is when the garment was actually made. Clothes that were manufactured in the 1990s, for example, would generally be considered vintage by today’s standards.
The second factor is how often the item has been worn. A piece of clothing that’s been worn multiple times is typically considered to be older than a piece of clothing that’s been worn once or twice. Ultimately, the age of a piece of clothing is up to the individual’s discretion. Some people might consider a piece of clothing to be vintage if it’s only a few years old, while others might consider it to be vintage if it’s over 20 years old.
Tip 1: Know Your Vintage Era
There are tons of eras to get inspiration from, but the style we call vintage right now and is rampant in every young teenager’s closet is retro. Retro style of clothing was the prelude to vintage taking over the modern scene. Neutrals and class come from the 1900s to 1950s while color and outrageous style came from 1960s up to the early 2000s since we consider something as vintage if it’s existed for 20 years.
Pick the right top, bottom, and shoes and they’ll become your best friend when dressing up for vintage streetwear. Leather jacket with a pair of jeans and white tee plus white socks and sneakers make an adorable vintage set with a hint of edginess.
Tip 2: Mix and Match
Vintage fashion is versatile, as said earlier, ever changing, it has no rules so mix and match. Match your jacket with your shoes or your belt with your shoes. Modernizing vintage is one of the most breath-taking styles, that’s for me anyway. It combines the past with the present, classy with boojee. Take note of your color patterns too. Retro was erratic while the earlier centuries were calm, restrained. Vintage streetwear takes on a life of its own with mix and matching, an expression of rebellion with class.
A 20s, warm tan coat paired with a light pink blouse and jeans and a patterned belt exudes cute, but vintage as well. Pair this with sneakers or heels and you’d either look old-school – which is in by the way – or confident and edgy. Either way when you mix and match, a new kind of fashion is given light.
Tip 3: Thrift, Thrift, Thrift
A ton of online thrift shops in Instagram are selling quality clothes that have aged beautifully and for a reasonable price. Thrifted items are cheaper and have as good of quality as store bought clothes with brands that make you pay enough to make your wallet cry. Buying thrifted clothes gives you a variety of choices that has a vintage feel to them because the clothes tell a story and are extremely cheap. You’re giving the clothes a new home and a new story to tell than their previous owner.
Thrifting these kinds of clothes would cost you about 5 to 10 dollars at most. Keep in mind which era you want to add to your style though since it’s hard to have too many clothes and barely even use them anymore. Pair your thrifted clothes with accessories to complete the look. It’s also eco-friendly since we don’t waste the fabric manufactured before and just give the piece of clothing a new purpose instead of buying new ones.
