How to Mix Current and Vintage Fashion

Many people are drawn to vintage fashion for different reasons. Vintage clothes and accessories tend to be made better than their modern counterparts. Buying vintage may be cheaper than buying a current reproduction of a certain style. Most importantly, vintage fashion can be unique and elegant.


Incorporating vintage fashion into your current wardrobe can be a snap and a definite way of distinguishing yourself from the crowd. Here are some simple ways to add vintage fashion to your current style.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time

1. 

   Check out the latest fashion magazines. Many top designers simply copy clothing styles from previous eras. See what styles are “in” for the current season. Why buy something “vintage inspired” when you could buy the real thing- sometimes for less?

2. 

   Look to your favorite fashion icon for inspiration. Do you have a favorite celebrity fashionista? Do you admire Coco Chanel’s long pearl necklaces or Carrie Bradshaw’s quirky flower corsages? Try incorporating vintage pieces that strike you or that you get excited about.

3. 

   Don’t wear vintage from head to toe. Combine current clothes and accessories with vintage to avoid looking like you are wearing a costume. Alternatively, try incorporating several different vintage styles to create a new look. British model Kate Moss is a master at this. For instance, she combines 1970s fringe leather jackets with skinny 1980s style jeans.

4. 

   Buy only clothes that flatter you figure. You may love shift dresses of the 1920s but a 1950s beaded cardigan and an A-line skirt might be more flattering to your figure. It is easy to fall in love with a great vintage dress or shirt, but if it doesn’t look good, don’t buy it.

5. 

   Consider alterations. Sometimes the hemline on a dress may be too long or the fit may be a bit off. Consider taking your vintage finds to a tailor for alteration to make them look more contemporary. But remember, altering clothing can be expensive depending on what you are altering. A pair of pants that are too long may only cost you $14 to alter but a jacket that is too large may cost you $35.

6. 

   Invest in classic clothing and accessories. Certain clothes and accessories never go out of style. Think about investing in a great leather handbag in a neutral tone, a cameo necklace, or a little black dress.

7. 

   Buy only things you love. Forget who made it or what size it is. Don't buy something because it is a good deal or is cheap.

Tips & Warnings

• Pass up stained clothing. You might want to buy a stained vintage garment thinking you could remove the stain with a stain removal stick or by taking it to the dry cleaner. However, the previous owner probably tried to get rid of the stain also. No matter how much you love it, pass on stained vintage clothing. Additionally, always check the underarm area of a vintage garment for discoloration and stains due to perspiration.

[designyourlife]

on 10/5/2008 Nice article with good information!