The Modern Girl’s Guide To Vintage Clothing
Without a doubt, I’d say that the clothing that I get the most comments on are my vintage pieces. Why? Because they’re unique. In a day and age where trends are everything and everyone wants the next best thing at their fingertips, we often forget that there’s a whole world of vintage clothing that’s begging to be added to the modern girls wardrobe. Case in point, these adorable snakeskin heels!
Now, I love something new as much as the next gal, but in our pursuit of what’s “new”, it’s easy to lose sight of what it means to have a style that’s uniquely ours. I always feel so accomplished when I find that one of a kind piece! The uniqueness of vintage clothing is the biggest draw for me. It’s funny to me how a piece of clothing that’s decades old can still be relevant and even fashion forward.
One of my favorite vintage pieces is my black Calvin Klein blazer! I’ve styled it with skirt and tee for a street style worthy look as well as with mom jeans and a sweater for a casual weekend look. Vintage clothing can be a bit daunting at times, so I wanted to share 6 easy ways a modern girl can add vintage to her wardrobe. It’s perfect for adding an extra element of style to your looks!
Start With The Basics
Sometimes it can be overwhelming figuring out where to start with vintage because there’s just so much. We already know that I’m all about those quality wardrobe staples. The same thing can be applied to vintage- start with the basics! Some great basics to start with are denim jackets, vintage T’s, leather jackets, and printed silk shirts.
Buy Pieces That Match Your Aesthetic
There’s enough vintage in the world to match everyone’s style! Just because it’s vintage, doesn’t mean that you should throw the wearability factor out the window. Don’t buy a neon sweater if you won’t ever wear it duhhh. Think of your own personal style and what will work for your lifestyle. For me, that means I stick to a neutral palette and look for lots of tailored jackets and coats because I love those one of a kind outerwear pieces.
Mix Old And New Together
Vintage is so much fun, but it can go a bit overboard if you’re dressed in it from head to toe. Mixing modern pieces with vintage, is a great way to keep things unique, yet still feel current. Throw on a pair of your favorite high-waisted skinnies with a vintage band tee and fur coat. Grab that vintage jacket and add a crisp, modern button up and some snakeskin heels ; ) Or update a vintage look with with a modern belt.
Jazz Up Your Accessories
A great way to add a bit of vintage glam to your outfit is to add touches of it through your accessories. There’s nothing like showing off your style with a one-of-a- kind bag or a statement ring from decades past. I went through a major vintage accessories phase a while back! I collected all sorts of beauties for my jewelry box like necklaces, cocktail rings, and bags.
Modernize Vintage With Updated Details
It’s amazing what adding new detail can do for a vintage piece. Even something as simple as adding new buttons to your jacket or top can make something “old” feel like a whole new piece. Plus, it gives it a more personal touch!
Create An Outfit Around One Focal Piece
This time of year, it’s so easy to create an amazing outfit around a statement coat or blazer. I love keeping an outfit neutral and giving it a big pop with my outerwear, it’s kind of my go-to thing. I did it here with my deep red blazer!
My outfit is a great example of some of the tips I shared up above. There’s a mixture of vintage and modern from the vintage blazer, heels, and bag that are styled with a pair of frayed jeans and structured white button for a current touch. The vintage elements are pieces that fit naturally with my minimalistic style. Because they fit my lifestyle as well, I know they’ll get a lot of wear.
To help my blazer to make more of a statement, I added a detailed belt which gives me that defined waist everyone’s raving about this season. I’ll admit, it feels nice to be reminded that I have shape under all those winter layers.
My very favorite part of my outfit are my snakeskin heels! I had my fingers crossed that they’d fit the moment I saw them at a local consignment shop. It felt like a magical cinderella moment when I slipped them on and they were a perfect fit! Tears would’ve definitely been shed if they hadn’t fit. I love the modern square heel and I just adore the ankle straps!
Photography: Diana Elena
I would love to know how you feel about vintage clothing. Do you love it, hate it, or maybe you’ve yet to venture out into it? Tell me all the details!
Meaghan xx
Blazer: Vintage
Jeans: Zara
Shoes: c/o Threads Clothing Exchange
Shirt: All Saints
Bag: c/o Threads Clothing Exchange
Ugh! I love this! I just wish the little store that was near me wasn’t closed! There used to be a cute little shop within walking distance of me and it was shut down for city development. Boo! This post makes me want to go shopping lol
Oh, no! I hate it when a great store closes. I hope you find another awesome vintage spot to add a few pretty and unique pieces to your closet : ) Have lovely weekend Erin xx
Great tips! I love having unique pieces of clothing but sometimes feel like I’m not cool enough to pull off vintage, ha! I need to take a cue from you… you’re rocking it!
You’re definitely cool enough to pull off vintage Sara! The beauty of vintage is that there’s something for people with all kinds of styles- classy, edgy, funky, loud, minimalistic. I would check and see if there are any good consignment shops near you, they’re a perfect place to start! All the best xx
i love your ring!!!
Thanks, girl! I got it when I was in Cinque Terre, Italy a couple years ago. I recently rediscovered it and need to start wearing it more : )
Your article is very informative! I love your outfit
Thank you so much Dami! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I hope you have a wonderful weekend xx
I just love the red blazer! My problem is I’m so tall that finding vintage clothing that fits is tough!
I have the exact opposite problem! haha I’m only 5’4, but my saving grace is that I love things oversized. I would recommend finding a good tailor! I take so many tops, jackets, dresses, etc to one and have them modify the fit and sometimes even the style of an item I like. Hope you find some things you love xx
I love that jacket, and those heels!
Thanks so much Sara! Finding these heels made me so ridiculously happy. I love a great vintage find! Have a wonderful week xx
I love this look, you are absolutely stunning. Bag is so nice xo
http://www.theninebyivana.blogspot.com
You’re so sweet!! Thank you Ivana : ) I’m not even sure what the bag is meant to be haha. I think it’s supposed to be a cosmetic bag or something. Gotta make it your own, ya know? Have a beautiful weekend xx
such a chic blazer, and i love the shoes!
http://www.layersofchic.com
Thanks, girl!! These shoes give me life and make me feel super sassy. I’m tempted to just wear them around the house with my sweats haha. Thanks so much for reading xx
I love vintage. My first place is always my mom’s closet because we’re the same size and she still has stuff from her 20s. It’s always fun to go find shops that sell vintage clothes at a reasonable price too
Yes!! My mom still has so many good pieces from her younger years. I currently have her two fur coats and don’t plan on giving them back any time soon haha. It’s so much fun to have a mom’s closet to shop in and great vintage shops too! So happy you stopped by to read xx
My mom won’t hand over her fur but id isn’t inherit my grandmother’s. One day I’m going to sneak mommy’s fur though. Glad to find someone who isn’t side eyeing me for wearing real fur!
Haha I totally cringe and the judgement I’ll face every time I wear mine! I hope you get to rock it some day soon : )
I love vintage everything! Great tips for how to pull it off! XOXO http://www.akeenesenseofstyle.com
Thank’s so much Elizabeth!! I’m glad you liked the post. It’s like a breath of fresh air for my outfits when I’m feeling like I’m in a fashion rut : )
That blazer is amazing!! I’ve been finding the best vintage pieces. I love how you focus on how you can create such a good looking by MIXING current styles with vintage style. It really does make such a unique look. Love it.
Ceta
https://www.clarkandstone.com/how-to-add-animal-print/
Thank you Ceta! I’m so curious, what have you been finding lately? I find mixing current styles with vintage is the way to go for me and I love that you feel the same! Vintage doesn’t have to be overwhelming, so I really wanted to help make it easy for women to branch out into. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts xx
Ah I love vintage! Those shoes are everything! Love these tips, thank you!
XO http://www.lydialouise.com/
Me too, it’s so much fun! There’s nothing like finding a beautiful pair of shoes in your size hehe. I’m so happy you enjoyed the post Lydia xx
You look amazing! I am in love with that blazer and shoes!
xoxo,
Jess
http://www.mustheartstyle.com
Aww thanks, girl!! You are so very sweet. I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend xx
Loving those shoes! So many great tips here.
Xo,
Megan
Thank you, gorgeous! I feel so lucky to have found them. Hope you’ve had a beautiful weekend xx
I love finding a good vintage piece! Those are definitely the best!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
Aren’t they?! They just add a little something extra and are a great way to give clothing a second life!
Ohhh I love shopping for vintage pieces! One of my favourites is from a pantomime costume xD but it’s become one of my all time favourite blouses! You look stunning in these photos 😀 xx
elizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara
(I would love to follow each other on bloglovin if you like! :D)
That sounds like a fabulous blouse! I’m sure it looks amazing on you. I love having something that no one else has and can be uniquely yours. You’re so very sweet with your compliment, thank you Elizabeth xx
OH my goodness!!!!!! I am loving those heels!!!! You have such fabulous style!!!!!!!!! Love that bag too.
xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
Hehe thanks Angelle : ) I feel the same way about your style! I’m always in awe of how beautiful you are. I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend xx