Vintage Clothing – A definition

Whoever says vintage is gone is definitely missing out on some of the most beautiful pieces ever created. Vintage fashion has a vast assortment of unique clothing that you can incorporate perfectly into your modern style. In fact, the longer i live, the more i notice the life cycle of fashion trends which indicates that ‘vintage’ is ever present!

The official description is, as follows;
‘While “vintage” is commonly used to refer to all old clothing, items a century old or more can be considered antique, while those at least twenty years old are vintage. Retro, short for retrospective, or “vintage style,” usually refers to clothing that imitates the style of a previous era’.

A lot of people make mistakes when defining what vintage clothing means. Many people think it is a fancy name for used or second-hand clothes, which is incorrect. The word vintage alone indicates the time frame, so when you think about it, the possibilities of the vintage gems available to us are almost limitless! I’ve the privilege of seeking treasures in places such as America, the UK, and other European countries, but suppose we looked further… What if we looked to the vibrant colors and patterns of Africa, the intricate embroidery in Asia and even some parts of the Middle East for their fabrics adorned with precious stones?!! I mean, lets say you are a fan of the 70s fashion trends – what would that look like in Ivory Coast, Singapore or Lebanon?

As opposed to what many think, vintage clothing is generally very high-quality clothing worn and/or representing a bygone era. There are certain print, patterns and designs that are synonymous to a particular era.

I personally like to take inspiration from all era’s depending on my mood!

Wearing a beautiful piece from the past can make you look and feel like a million dollars and can immediately elevate a regular outfit. Those are what is known as statement peices – be it earrings, (sun)glasses, a bag or something as simple as a brooch. Examples of bigger statement pieces may include a lush fur coat, or designer pair of shoes! Even those who can’t lay hands on authentic vintage clothing are dressing in a retro-inspired outfit which shows how much everyone wants to be dressed in vintage clothing. There are so many styles to choose from, so it won’t be difficult for anyone to find what they feel comfortable in.

One of the reasons why a lot of people find it easy to adapt to vintage clothing is that they can be easily styled with modern pieces. Yes, vintage clothing is greatly amazing. Not difficult to style, and can help you define your sense of fashion by giving you an avenue to reflect your personal taste. So, you can easily mix and match your vintage and look fabulous in your outfit. There are several other reasons for you to incorporate vintage clothing into your wardrobe. They include:

Great quality and long lasting A great percentage if vintage you lay your hands on, whether clothing, accessories, or shoes comes in great quality. Most of the time, the quality a vintage item offers you is unmatched with modern high street fashion.
Have you noticed that garments from old times are usually passed down to the younger generation? This shows the quality, durability of the materials and attention to detail.

Vintage is unique and interesting Dressing in vintage clothing can make you unique in any gathering you find yourself. It can get a lot of eyes watching you interesting. People will stare at you and get inquisitive about how you are special and different from others.

In the world today, uniqueness is so hard to find because we all wear the same thing, which makes it hard for you to get a single compliment in a day. Everyone in your office has the same show you are wearing. How about some vintage shoes that will be completely unique and different from what every other person is wearing.

Fast rules to wearing vintage You probably have seen a friend or stranger work vintage in an amazing way, but you don’t know how to put yours together. Don’t panic. Here are some fast rules to rocking your vintage clothing perfectly without looking like a clown.

#1. Be careful when wearing all vintage – To dress up in a complete vintage outfit could bring about the possibility of appearing like you are going to a fancy dress party. Only those with the confidence in their chosen era, (and I mean those that actually live it), tend to be able to present the era correctly. Use caution.

#2. Work around a centerpiece – Sometimes, all you need is a centerpiece to create a masterpiece. Choose a piece of vintage clothing as a centerpiece or focus. Your centerpiece can be a 1930s teadress, an ’80s Hawaiian shirt, or ’70s style flared jeans. Just make it stand out by keeping your dressing simple. That way, you can let more focus be around your vintage centerpiece.

#3. Find inspiration from modern trend when picking your vintage clothing – When shopping for vintage clothing, look out for those pieces, designers are trying to bring back in trend. Modern designers are constantly drawing inspiration from vintage clothing. It just makes it easy for you to blend your vintage garment into the modern trend. Most contemporary or modern styles you see today see simply re-stage from the past era, so you can easily feel modern with your vintage clothing.

#4. Don’t go for pieces that don’t fit you – Avoid buying pieces that don’t fit you. There is no magic about it; if it doesn’t fit you when you first tried it at the store, then you shouldn’t going home with it. Only go for the pieces you are comfortable in. Well, this may not be a problem if you have a good tailor that knows how to work around vintage clothing very well. Aside from that, ensure to leave out those garments that don’t suit you. Take your time to pick the best for you!

#5. Don’t forget to accessorize – Accessories are highly important. Anything from vintage sunglasses, a clutch purse, a hair pin, brooch, or even a hat will help define your outfit.

See https://www.pinterest.com/vintageandtailor/pins/ for great examples of vintage styles.