Creating a Vintage Style

To create a vintage style or look in fashion, you firstly need to establish what vintage era you would like to represent and what you are passionate about to wear. Then, decide how you will go about getting the outfit you desire, whether it be something sourced from a vintage/pre-loved clothing shop or overseas boutique, a costume hire shop, made by yourself or personally made for you. There are a myriad of ways to achieve this – only limited by your imagination.

DIFFERENT STYLES TO CHOOSE

Any vintage era of fashion is a good era to represent, I reckon. However there are many popular choices to choose from. My own personal choices are Roaring 20s/Gatsby era, The Rock n Roll 50’s and The Disco 70’s. However, I do also love the 1940’s and elegant Hollywood Golden Movie era. Your’s might be the Victorian era or even the 60’s Gidget/Beach Boys era? Whatever you choose, you will be sure to enjoy every moment of creating your ideal style. Classic styles will forever be fashionable if worn correctly.

WHAT WAS WORN AT THE TIME

Putting an outfit together requires some research into the style of the era. For instance – was it an era that wore hats, gloves or silk stockings? Perhaps the era you desire wore bobby socks and pump or T strap shoes? Or maybe it was fur stoles, flapper dresses and headbands? All or more of these can be bought or reproduced, whatever your budget decides. Jewellery is usually minimal – the old saying goes that “less is more”, unless you are embracing the 80’s vintage era where jewellery was big and sometimes very bold to accessorize a particular outfit.

EXAMPLES OF VINTAGE ERA STYLES

*1920’s  Flapper dresses, headbands with feathers, long beaded necklaces & long gloves – here are some examples you can find at Zapaka Vintage.

*1930’s  Puffed sleeved dresses, bolero jackets, fedora hats, peep toe and sling back shoes – look at these options at Etsy, where you can find many vintage pieces.

*1940’s  Short cardigans, wool plaid skirts or dresses, brooches and platform shoes – learn more about similar styles today, but different types you can find amongst these.

*1950’s  Tight waisted dresses, full skirts and blouses, bobby socks and string of pearls – you can see some great styles right here.

*1960’s  Mod fashion – short A-line dresses in block colours, white tights, patent shoes or Go Go Boots – here are some block styles you might like online.

*1970’s  Bell Bottom or baggy pants, halter tops or  boob-tube / tight tops, platform or block heeled shoes – some examples can be found here at Etsy.

*1980’s  Leg O Mutton sleeved taffeta dresses, blazers with prominent shoulder pads, gold chains and stilettos – learn about these 80’s pieces selling through Etsy.

*1990’s  Oversized sweaters, plaid prints, 3/4 length pencil skirts, flannel shirts, and chokers – you might find some items here at Etsy, through private sellers.

WHERE TO GET IT

If you are sourcing your costume from a local vintage shop or from their website always check with them what they have available, and if possible go there yourself to choose something, as this is usually the best way to get exactly what you need in size and colour. However if it isn’t possible, and the store is far away or unreachable, ask for images to be sent to you with exact measurements. You can check when they will be getting more stock in, as varied and different items can arrive frequently. Also don’t forget to ask about their shipping times when you make your inquiry. A similar situation could be with Costume Hire Shops or certain websites that sell ready made costumes. You will need more information from them, as their stock is usually not unique, but generally mass produced. Costumes bought online can also be tweaked for that personal touch adding trims, embellishments or even reshaping the garment, if you are creative. Here are some ideas of pieces you can start from creating your vintage outfit from this online shopping store for ladies or men’s inspired vintage fashions.

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MAKE IT UNIQUE OR PERSONAL

My all time favourite is making it yourself, or getting it made for you. This opens up a whole different world of textures, colours and fabrics. You can definitely create a “very unique” made to measure style which will certainly turn heads and make you stand out in the crowd with that “WOW” factor. Have fun creating something different if you are able to? There are many dress making patterns available on the market with pattern companies now reproducing this era in their pattern books, due to the popularity of vintage clothing and thus stocking large craft shops or journals with these patterns or ideas. Also online tutorials are available via YouTube.

To accessorize the outfit (once produced) look for unique pieces that stand out. I prefer semi precious stones which look so much more classic than costume jewellery, as they usually have a metal base. Again, inspiration can be found at pre-loved boutiques, antique shops, online or even from flea markets. You are in charge of your budget, and sometimes one of the easiest ways to shop is at an online store, where affordability is paramount.

A rule of thumb, is to allow plenty of time to prepare your outfit for that special occasion. I usually allow at least 4-5 months prior giving me enough time to source or make it. Plan what you need and where is the best place to find it, noting exactly the pieces you need to complete the look you desire. Please keep in mind that not all styles or colours will suit everyone. If you are not sure of what suits you or which colour is best, it's always a good idea to get advice from a style consultant or someone who knows you quite well. 

Let’s get crafty.

Best of luck,

Helen

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