On the vintage hunt, it is likely that you will find reoccurring items: denim, florals skirts, high-waisted bottoms, blazers, etc. But which pieces are the easiest to find if you're new to vintage clothing? My main goal when I'm looking for vintage items is to find something that can be easily integrated into modern style. I shop a lot of vintage, but I do not want to look vintage. To me, I think that dressing literally in vintage clothing (meaning wearing it how its was worn in that time) is just going back to the past when fashion is constantly moving forward and looking toward the future. But one way to move forward can also be taking cues from the past and reinventing it. That is how the true creativity and uniqueness of vintage fashion unveils. Vintage clothing gives you pieces unlike the ones today, but having the ability to transform it is when an outfit truly shines.
In this post, I styled two items that I regularly look for when vintage or thrift shopping: a 90's floral dress and high-waisted trousers. Both of these items are equally versatile for seasons and occasions. Check out the photos for how I styled them for fall.
I was originally drawn to this dress by the color and the fabric. Supposedly "Millennial pink"is being replaced by "Generation Z yellow" in 2018, so yellow is a huge trend coming up. I like button up dresses because it allows for some styling manipulations. Here I unbuttoned the bottom of the skirt to create a faux slit. You can also create an off-the-shoulder look by unbuttoning the top and and sliding it over your shoulders. I contrasted the "granny couch" floral dress with a modern and metallic puffy coat from the Who What Wear Collection, some bronze combat boots, and a yellow Fendi Micro Peekaboo bag. I always like the combination of floral dresses with combat boots for an easy casual look. Rule of thumb for styling vintage floral dresses: add more masculine or sporty elements to make it modern.
For my second look, I decided to take it monochromatic because I love the white-on-white look. The key for finding vintage trousers is to just try them on regardless of size. Sometimes they look like old lady pants on the hanger, but can look totally different on. Perfect fitting trousers are nice for a refined look, but bigger sizes will give a cool, slouchy and relaxed vibe. I normally wouldn't wear white pants (I tend to spill food on myself), but the silk fabric was beautiful and an interesting vintage find. Wool trousers are also a good vintage staple in plaid and houndstooth patterns. I paired these pants with a bell-sleeved top also from the Who What Wear Collection. I love that it's stylish but also in a comfortable, casual fabric. While my hair is usually a mess, I decided to slick it back into a low pony and tie in a black ribbon bow for an easy hair accessory. The vibe of this outfit is a little more vintage, but the all white keeps it modern. I'd suggest this look for a dinner out (if you can eat without spilling on yourself), but also a casual day out shopping with some converse.
Read why you should shop vintage here!
Shop the items I'm wearing in this post below!