Do you want to refresh your wardrobe?
Do you like experiments and originality? Do you treat clothes ironically and each time going out create your own unique style? Then vintage style is for you!
The term ‘vintage’ was originally used to name the wine of high quality that was stored in excellent conditions for more than a decade. Vintage wine was always unusual, exclusive and unique, it was a wine rarity. Now ‘vintage’ is a rarity in fashion world.
So, what’s the modern interpretation of ‘vintage’?
Well, it’s an original or authentic closing item, at least 20 years old, with clear signs of fashion of times when it was popular. For instance, if you find a black turtleneck sweater which was bought by your Mum somehow in the ’70s it will be just a secondhand item.
But if this sweater has clear characteristics of fashion of that period – bell-shaped sleeves, wrap over, wide stitch on the bottom – be sure you’ve found a vintage piece.
So, if you’re keen on vintage clothes you have to love fashion history and know what was in vogue in these or those decades of the last century.
Experts have a few classifications of vintage clothes. One of them is based on age characteristics. As I’ve mentioned before clothes can be considered as vintage if they’re at least 20 years old.
Clothing items that are 15 years old or newer are believed to be modern. However, the most punctilious fashion historians think vintage clothes are those produced before the ‘60s. As for the items manufactured since that time – they are the retro.
Another criterion for classification is a style. If a garment is old it doesn’t have to be considered as vintage for vintage style is an art piece, original and distinctive, expressing fashion trends of that time. Each piece represents its epoch and traditions of people who wore them.
How to buy vintage clothes
First of all pay attention to the state of the clothes. Vintage clothes are old and it’s important to estimate their condition correctly.
Vintage clothes can be:
- Mint, never worn by anyone. Item is in perfect condition, and looks the same as at the day it was made. No signs of wearing are found. However, vintage clothes in this state are very rare.
- Near mint, worn a few times. Slight signs of wearing are noticeable.
- Excellent. Typical signs show that the item was regularly used.
- Very good. There are some essential defects (dirt, oily spots, etc.)
- Good. The piece does not look well and even if you mend it and work on it the result will be poor, it’s too old.
Of course the older the clothes the worse they look.
Though the condition of a vintage garment you’d like to purchase is significant, you sometimes can forget about it. You may feel proud of owning this very item, even if it is extremely old, just because it is a great rarity and no one else has it.
Another tip is – keep the size in mind. I mean when buying a vintage piece remember that the fabric is old and can tear easily.
So, better buy items at least a size bigger. And each time try the clothes on before buying them as the size measurement changes and depends on brand greatly.
How to wear vintage clothes
Wear original vintage and retro items with real flair, and people will understand your message. If you don a piece with something that doesn’t match it you’ll look shabby and poor. Even the oldest piece should fit you like a glove and right to the situation.
In case you like vintage style but a bit unsure about how to wear it and whether it’s appropriate or not you may start from wearing vintage accessories: brooches, jewelry, bags, etc. You can find them in specialized stores. The price usually starts from $50.
And one more thing to remember – original vintage clothes must be differentiated from those that are modern but with retro elements included.
Many designers use patterns, silhouettes, old-fashioned décor in their collections to create a vintage look.
As a rule, lines immediately become popular. It means that old fashion returns and is appreciated even higher than the newly designed items.
I don’t understand those who like vintage clothes. There are so many nice new items and trends why look back??? I think it’s better to look modern rather than shabby…
very interesting! i like your writing! gd post!
I love wearing A PIECE of vintage/retro (whatever!) clothing or accessories mixed with new items. It adds an interesting flair I think and avoids making you look dated if you mix.
Try a tooled leather boxy purse, a costume jewelry brooch, 80’s pumps, leather/suede pencil skirt, 60’s swing fur coat, black velvet bolero, leather jackets, trench coats etc… A lot of these look great with new styles. If you have small feet (envy) – there are really cute shoes from the 40s out there that would look great with tights.
There is a LOT of bad stuff out there though or things that are the wrong size. You have to have patience and a good eye to get the right items.