Vintage is never going out of style. Even though decades change and new trends emerge, forward-thinking fashion will always use vintage elements to reimagine classic looks.
But what is the vintage style definition? How did it change through the decades? And how do you dress in vintage style according to the newest trends?
Let’s answer these questions below.
What is Vintage Style?
Today, vintage styles are usually imitations of past trends. But even though these styles revolve around how people dressed in earlier decades, vintage-style brands typically add unique touches to reimagine the styles as they would look today.
Usually, vintage styles reflect clothing from 20 years to a century ago. But the definition of vintage, and the fashion trends surrounding it, are continually evolving. Once clothing surpasses a century, it becomes classified as antique.
Usually, style in vintage is categorized by decade, with each having characteristics that make it unique and relatively easy to identify. Let’s look at some of the most popular vintage styles by the decade below.
Vintage Style Guide: By the Decade
To understand how to dress vintage, let’s look at the distinctive features of each style by the decade.
- The 1920s. Some of the defining features and styles of the 20s were T-Strap shoes, long strands of beads, cloche hats, and the unforgettable flapper dresses that were often worn with a belt.
- The 1930s. The 1930s, known for their glamour, were all about accessible extravagance. This was achieved with elegant evening gowns and status symbols, such as fur stoles.
- The 1940s. The war defined the 40s, so practical clothing, such as tweed skirts, was contrasted by the post-war innovations, like Christian Dior’s 1947 collection.
- The 1950s. In the 50s, full skirts became hugely popular, and pearls made a comeback as the country bounced back after the war.
- The 1960s. It’s impossible to imagine the 60s without the signature pillbox hat., Jackie Kennedy, who defined the entire decade and its style, popularized this look.
- The 1970s. When looking into the clothing of the 70s, bell-bottom pants are an essential vintage style to include, especially if paired with platform shoes.
- The 1980s. In the 80s, leather jackets and extravagant officewear were two trends that defined the decade.
Dressing Vintage: Top 10 Tips
Now that we went through how to dress in vintage style by the decade, we need to explore some tips you should consider when you’re dressing for a vintage look.
- Think Things Through. When putting together your look, you should decide upfront whether you want to stick with a single period or experiment with mixing and matching details.
- Build on Your Positives. To really bring a vintage style to life, look at what you love about your style and try to emphasize it by using fashion trends that dominated various decades.
- Get the Sizing Right. If you want to capture the vintage style that you’re going for, look into sizing guides to make sure that each piece fits as it was originally intended to.
- Be Subtle with Makeup. Makeup is an essential part of some vintage styles, but it’s usually better to accentuate a few details instead of overdoing it.
- Consider Comfort. Even though trying extravagant styles can be exciting, you should also consider if the look you’re going for will be comfortable for you.
- Start Small. If you’re feeling unsure about which style to go with, you can always start with a few smaller details and build up a full vintage style from there.
- Include It in Your Life. Just because vintage styles can be bold doesn’t mean you should be afraid to wear fancy vintage every day, if you want.
- Think of the Statement Piece. When putting together your look, determine which piece will be at the center, drawing the most attention.
- Experiment. There are plenty of rules in vintage style, but none of them are written in stone. If you feel like a rule doesn’t work for you, switch it up and see what happens!
- Match Your Hair. To really bring home your vintage style, think about how you could tweak your hairstyle as well.
Vintage Fashion Trends
Even though vintage style is based on specific periods, the trends that define what is vintage in style are continually evolving. Some clothing options become more popular, while others fade out of style.
This year, flared jeans are incredibly popular, with this classic 70s staple highlighting many trendy looks.
Wearing a vest under a blazer is also a strong look heading into 2021, especially when you pair accentuating colors to enhance the overall look.
Finally, in a flashback to the 50s, oversized collars can add an intriguing accent to any look, so they are definitely worth experimenting with.
Why Choose Hermoza
Finding the right vintage style for you can sometimes seem tricky, but if you’re willing to experiment and keep track of the latest trends, you’ll surely find a style that suits you.
At Hermoza, we offer a wide range of classic and vintage swimwear that showcases the vintage styles prominent throughout the 20th century. To learn more about our selection, contact us today or browse our online store!