There are countless styles and trends in the fashion world, but nothing quite compares to the timeless appeal of vintage clothing. Retro apparel is classic, versatile, and inspires many modern trends, making it a must-have for any stylish man’s wardrobe. This men’s guide to wearing vintage fashion covers everything you need to know about incorporating vintage pieces into your everyday style.
What is Vintage Fashion?
Vintage fashion refers to clothing and accessories from previous decades, such as the 30s, 60s, or 90s. These pieces often have distinctive features, patterns, or materials that set them apart from modern apparel. The fit of vintage apparel also often differs for each decade. For instance, while tailored cuts were popular in the 70s, the 90s embraced more oversized and relaxed silhouettes.
Select a Decade
Choosing a specific decade(s) for inspiration can guide your vintage wardrobe choices, helping you determine your outfit’s overall style, fit, and vibe. Below, we’ve highlighted a few popular decades and their defining fashion elements.
50s Fashion
The 1950s were about tailored suits, crisp dress shirts, and polished shoes; think Mad Men meets James Dean. This decade also saw the birth of the iconic leather jacket, popularized by Marlon Brando in The Wild One. To incorporate 50s fashion into your wardrobe, opt for tailored suits, slim-fit trousers, and leather jackets.
60s Fashion
Fashion changed in the 60s as the world saw the rise of bright colors and experimental designs. Men’s shirts often had bold patterns, while pants and jackets featured bright colors. Patterns such as paisley, stripes, and polka dots were popular choices because they added a pop of color and personality to an outfit.
70s Fashion
Fashion took another turn in the 1970s, partially due to the rise in disco culture. This decade was all about bold, statement-making pieces such as flared pants, platform shoes, and wide-lapel jackets. Embrace the retro charm of the 70s by incorporating flared jeans or a colorful patterned shirt into your wardrobe.
80s Fashion
The 1980s were all about excess and experimentation in fashion. Men’s fashion during this decade featured bright colors, oversized silhouettes, and plenty of accessories, such as chunky jewelry and spiked hair. Look for vintage graphic T-shirts, acid-washed jeans, and bold blazers to embrace the iconic style of the 1980s.
90s Fashion
Fashion in the 90s was all about grunge and minimalism. Popular trends for men during this decade included flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots. To incorporate 90s fashion into your wardrobe, opt for vintage oversized denim jackets, band t-shirts, and chunky sneakers.
Assemble Your Wardrobe
Once you’ve chosen a specific decade or style for inspiration, assemble your vintage wardrobe. A key tip when wearing vintage clothing is to mix and match pieces from different eras to add depth and personality to your outfit. You may also incorporate modern elements into your look, such as layering a vintage jacket over a basic t-shirt or pairing vintage trousers with a crisp white button-down.
Vintage Shirts
Shirts and t-shirts are versatile pieces that can add a vintage touch to any outfit. Look for shirts with unique patterns or statement-making graphics and classic button-downs in solid colors or stripes.
For t-shirts, consider which bands were most popular during your chosen decade and look for vintage band shirts to add a touch of nostalgia to your wardrobe. If you choose the 70s, consider buying band shirts from iconic rock bands, such as Led Zeppelin or The Rolling Stones.
You should also have a few long-sleeve and short-sleeve button-down shirts, as you can wear them to numerous types of events. Short sleeves are generally best for casual settings, while long sleeves are more appropriate for formal events.
Vintage Pants
Vintage pants offer distinct styles ranging from high-waisted trousers to bell-bottom jeans. Since every decade has a signature look, choose a style that best suits your personality and body type. If you’re going for 50s fashion, look for slim-fit trousers in neutral tones, such as navy or grey.
As you browse vintage men’s slacks, evaluate the color of the trousers. Classic hues, such as black, navy, and khaki, offer versatility, while bold colors, including fuchsia, yellow, and orange, add a pop of personality to your wardrobe.
Vintage Accessories
Accessories will help tie your outfit together and add a finishing touch to your vintage ensemble. For a classic 50s look, invest in a leather belt and polished dress shoes. Other accessories, such as pointed neckties, were popular in the 60s and 70s and can add a touch of sophistication to your look.
Have Apparel for All Occasions
A well-rounded vintage collection enables you to embrace the nostalgic aesthetics of the past while adapting to modern lifestyles. It reflects the spirit of the retro era, showcasing timeless designs and craftsmanship that often surpass contemporary fashion trends.
Outfit Inspiration Everyday Wear
For casual wear, mix vintage pieces with modern items. Pair a retro graphic tee with contemporary jeans, or wear a sleeved, button-up retro shirt with slim-fit trousers for a relaxed yet stylish look.
Outfit Inspiration Formal Wear
To impress in formal settings, choose tailored suits with modern cuts that accentuate your body shape. You can also stand out by choosing shirts with bold colors or unique patterns for a touch of vintage flair. Likewise, you can buy colored dress pants and pair them with a solid-colored button-up shirt.
Avoid Fashion Faux Pas
Our men’s guide to wearing vintage fashion wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a few fashion faux pas to avoid. While mixing and matching pieces from different eras is encouraged, you should ensure your outfit looks cohesive and intentional.
You never want your retro aesthetic to look like a costume, which may happen if you go overboard or buy stereotypical retro outfits. For the 1970s, think flared jeans and collared shirts, not a full-on psychedelic jumpsuit. Other faux pas include:
Not Paying Attention to Fit
The fit differed for each decade, typically drifting between loose and tailored. Ensure the vintage pieces you choose fit well and complement your body shape so you feel confident in your apparel.
Overdoing It with Accessories
While accessories are vital to any vintage look, don’t overdo it. Select one or two statement pieces while keeping your accessories minimal to achieve a balanced and polished look.
Not Mixing Vintage with Modern
Mixing vintage with modern elements helps you create a contemporary look incorporating old-fashioned charm. Experiment with clothing and find unique ways to pair vintage items with more current pieces.
You can blend 60s fashion with the 70s and modern styles by wearing a patterned vintage shirt with a modern blazer and jeans for a casual yet stylish outfit.
Shop for Quality Clothing
The key to rocking a retro look is quality clothing. While retro apparel may come with a higher price tag, buying pieces made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship is worth the investment.
Dorothy Zudora sells one-of-a-kind, stylish vintage clothing for men. Browse our collection to find unique vintage pieces that elevate your wardrobe and give you a timeless style. Whether you’re looking for statement-making shirts or classic trousers, our carefully curated collection has something for every man’s taste and style.
