A conversation about timeless couture is incomplete without acknowledging the history and impact of vintage clothing. It has withstood the ever-changing scenes of the fashion industry and the questionable, yet, oddly inspiring creations of fashion designers. While celebrities like Christina Hendricks and Dita Von Teese have created an exceptional identity around the look, others like Rihanna, Naomi Campbell, Kirsten Dunst, Alexa Chung, and Kate Moss have been spotted rocking a vintage get-up with modern accessories — Balmain jacket, Lorraine Schwartz earrings or Louboutin heels — and guess what, the fashion police happily approve.
#5 – Get Inspired
Fashion is art, so make sure to let your creativity and personality shine when creating a modern vintage look. Check out Pinterest boards, magazines, and social media for inspiration and don’t forget to make it your own by adding a creative spin to it.
#4 – Vintage Accessories
A stylish modern vintage outfit strongly complements vintage accessories. They are handmade, less expensive, and more durable than most modern pieces. Spice up your outfit with a braided rope belt, 70s leather wedges, a 50s Bakelite bracelet, or a 40s vintage hat — felt, fedora, or beret. Top off your look with vintage sunglasses from any era. Pairing vintage accessories with your modern vintage outfit give it a nice touch.
#3 – Resurrect The Years
The easiest way to effortlessly pull off the modern vintage look is to select vintage items through the years and blend them together. Don’t fall for the “I love this decade” trap. You risk limiting your options drastically. So, instead of focusing your efforts on re-creating a specific Grace Jones look from the 70s, you should consider pairing a 70s jacket with a Fashionova skinny jeans, 90s handbag, and a street-style T-shirt.
#2 – Vintage Clothes, Modern Makeup
The modern piece for this fashion style can sometimes be your hair, makeup, and accessories. If you’re going to wear a vintage dress, opt for a soft makeup look paired with modern accessories. If the dress is bold by design or heavily patterned, make sure to go for a contemporary look with neutral colors that match your skin tone and shows off your bone structure. Pair a 1940’s dress with a simple Smokey eye and a low messy bun.
#1 – The Statement Style
There’s one rule to follow when putting together a modern vintage outfit, don’t wear vintage from head to toe, else you risk looking like you’re wearing a costume to a throwback party. Make a one-piece fashion statement — a vintage coat or skirt with a modern piece, a bold, vintage full skirt with a plain tank top, or a vintage 70s shirt with skinny jeans. Whatever it is, make it stand out against the backdrop of your outfit.