Vintage fashion is classic, and aspects from specific styles influence our current trends. Slim-fit pants, high-waisted jeans, and graphic T-shirts are all styles that started decades ago but have regained popularity in recent years. Let’s explore how to start building a vintage wardrobe filled with apparel you’ll love!
Consider Your Preferences
Before you begin shopping, you need to understand your personal style preferences. Are you drawn to fitted clothes, or do you prefer a more relaxed silhouette? Do bold prints excite you, or are you more inclined toward subtle patterns? Knowing what you like helps you make informed decisions as you curate your vintage collection.
Pro Tip
To get started, assess your current wardrobe and identify key aspects of the pieces you love and wear frequently. This will give you a sense of your style so that you can determine which retro styles align with your preferences.
Decide What You Need
Next, determine what you need to add to your closet by asking yourself questions such as:
- Are you completely revamping your look?
- Can you incorporate your current wardrobe with vintage pieces?
- Are there any specific eras or styles you want to focus on?
Knowing what you need will help you narrow down your options when shopping. For example, if you want to blend vintage clothing with current apparel, you may buy retro shirts to wear with your jeans.
Set a Budget
Once you’ve identified your needs, set a budget. Clothing prices vary depending on the brand and the materials used. Generally, better-quality clothing is more expensive and lasts longer than cheap alternatives.
Ideally, you want clothing that will hold its color and shape through countless washes, as this can save you money in the long run. Likewise, you’ll get more wear from a well-made piece, making it a worthwhile investment.
Select a Decade
Vintage fashion spans multiple decades, each with its unique characteristics. While the 1960s saw fitted trousers, the 1970s were all about wide leg jeans. Although there were some similarities throughout the decades—the 1970s and 1990s both had a grunge influence—narrowing the exact styles you prefer makes shopping more efficient.
Consider researching different fashion eras and their defining features to determine which decade resonates with your preferences. If you love how flared jeans look, you may want to focus on the ‘70s, but if you prefer fitted clothing, the ‘60s may be a better option.
Understanding the Trends
Each fashion era brought about specific trends that appeal to various styles. Examples include:
- The ‘60s: shift dresses, fitted shirts, and bold prints
- The ‘70s: wide leg jeans, platform shoes, and bohemian styles
- The ‘80s: shoulder pads, neon colors, and oversized jackets
- The ‘90s: grunge fashion, crop tops, and plaid patterns
Consider incorporating these trends into your outfits as you build your vintage wardrobe.
Get Inspired
A key aspect of knowing how to start building a vintage wardrobe is getting inspired so you know what to look for. To draw ideas for your apparel, consider the following.
Explore Fashion History
Start by exploring fashion history to understand the trends of your chosen decade, such as which colors, prints, and fit styles (loose vs. tight) dominated your select fashion era. Books, documentaries, and online resources can provide valuable insights into the trends. This also allows you to see what pop culture icons of the time were wearing, offering ideas for your wardrobe.
Check Out Social Media
There are many online outlets you can check out for ideas. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are treasure troves for styling ideas. Follow accounts dedicated to vintage style and save images that resonate with you.
Flip Through Fashion Magazines
Contemporary and vintage fashion magazines are another great source of inspiration. Look for old issues at thrift stores or browse archives online. Pay attention to the styling and details in the outfits to see how people style retro fashion today.
Create a Mood Board
A mood board is a visual representation of your desired aesthetic. As you draw inspiration from various sources, create a mood board to guide your vintage wardrobe choices. Use this to evaluate how retro pieces will fit your overall style and guide your shopping decisions.
Buy the Basics
Start your vintage collection with essential pieces that form the foundation of your wardrobe. Essential items include:
- Shirts
- Pants
- Shoes
- Accessories
To make shopping easier, create an itemized list of the exact items you need and the quantity of each. For instance, you may want six retro shirts, three pairs of pants in various styles, and two options for shoes; the exact quantity of each item differs for each person and depends on your budget.
Shop for Quality Apparel
Quality is paramount when it comes to vintage clothing. You’ll want apparel that looks stylish and feels comfortable. When shopping, check the garment’s condition, fabric quality, and overall construction.
If you buy your apparel online, read the product description to note the material used to make the clothing and wash instructions. Additionally, read customer reviews to get a sense of how the item fits and whether previous buyers were satisfied with their purchase.
Mix and Match Clothing
Owning vintage pieces adds character and depth to your wardrobe. Use them to express your personality and style. One of the joys of vintage fashion is mixing and matching pieces to create unique outfits that fit in with modern styles. You could pair a vintage button-down shirt with modern jeans or add a retro accessory—like a neck scarf—to a contemporary shirt.
Fashion Tip
If you buy apparel inspired by numerous decades, organize them by era to keep your wardrobe clutter-free and make outfit pairing easier.
Have Fun With It
Experimentation is key, so try different combinations and see what works for you. No matter the decade, all fashion is about individuality and creativity, so have fun with it.
If you’re unsure which decade you like the most, try blending styles from different eras for a unique and eclectic look. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of a particular era, fully embrace it and incorporate multiple pieces from that period into your wardrobe.
Start Your Wardrobe
Dorothy Zudora sells men’s vintage clothing. We have retro clothing for men inspired by the ‘60s and ‘70s; when you order a shirt, you can buy a matching neck scarf or pocket square to complete the look. Start your journey toward building an envy-worthy vintage wardrobe!
