The Big Band and Rockabilly revivals have shown people from all walks of life duplicating head-to-toe looks from the Forties and Fifties. On the other end of the spectrum, some people find vintage clothing pretty to look at, but are afraid to wear it on a day-to-day basis for fear of looking like a walking time-warp. This article will give you a few tips on how to work the vintage vibe without looking like you've stepped out of an old movie.
Play with Proportions
Elephant bell-bottoms won't work with a loose-fitting tee-shirt or a trapeze blouse; a head-to-toe baggy outfit will add unwanted bulk all over. Instead, balance that wide-legged pant with a fitted top, and pair the trapeze blouse with hot pants and tights.
That funky batwing sweater will look smashing when paired with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt.
Love that boxy Jackie Kennedy jacket (Sixties original or Eighties revival) but afraid it would make you look like a stuffy old dowager? Introduce it to a pair of straight-leg jeans and a camisole in a bold color. This look will also camoflauge a thicker middle and show off your legs.
GIve an Old Dress an Update
You can change up a printed Thirties housedress by throwing a modern jean jacket over it, or by wearing it under a shrunken blazer or vest to avoid the costume look.
For the more daring, wear that Holly Golightly shift dress with a newsboy cap, arm warmers, and a pair of fishnet tights. Add a pair of prim pumps for shock value.
Remember that dress-over-jeans look? Why not try it with a swinging micro-minidress? Just avoid baggy jeans to keep the proportions in harmony.
Break up That Suit
This rule applies to modern and vintage suits alike. Wear those pants or pencil skirt with a beaded cardigan, a denim jacket in a dark wash, or a blazer in a complimentary color. Pair that check or pinstripe jacket with solid pants in a corresponding color, or wear it over a cute printed shirtwaist dress.
Mess with Expectations
Treat houndstooth like a neutral and wear it with bold florals. Betsey Johnson mixes up prints, so why can't you?
Instead of pairing that Peter Pan collar blouse with an A-line skirt and an emproidered cardigan, wear it with a motorcycle jacket and bootcut jeans and ruin its reputation a little bit.
Likewise, don't wear those hot pants with a halter top and Candie's heels. Pair the shorts with a Victorian style cotton blouse, brightly colored tights and gogo boots (substitute a turtleneck and ribbed tights for fall). Wear the halter with a smart pair of palazzo pants or a full skirt and high heels.
Just Wear it Already
Finally, unless you're a hardcore collector or an eBay seller, there's no sense in buying beautiful vintage clothes just to have them languish in your closet. Put them on and don't be afraid to make a few mistakes. Exercise your common sense in regards to fit and proportion and pretty soon, those retro threads might become you go-to clothes and not just something you pull out for special occasions.
