As written for Debutant Clothing
When it comes to wearing vintage, there is no one single path to travel. Everyone’s interpretations of what is right for them is different, as well it should be, but how do you determine what is right for you and where do you find your inspiration?
Perhaps you are just setting out to dip a toe into the vintage pool, or perhaps your vintage look just isn’t working for you any more; there are a few things you can do to create a look that is uniquely your own and find your vintage groove.
Firstly, and most importantly, you need to decide WHAT you are dressing. Are you dressing to suit your shape, disguising any flaws and highlighting your favorite features? Are you dressing to emulate a certain era in the best approximation possible? Are you choosing vintage solely for its sustainable fashion perspective? Are you trying to find a more creative side to your personality by finding a look not dictated by current trends and styles?
All of these elements may play a role in how you choose to dress, either exclusively or as part of a whole; but you need to know which of these factors is the most important to you before going forward.
Let’s assume that your first priority is dressing to make the most of your figure. This will play a key role in determining which era of vintage is right for you. For instance, if you have a more curvy figure, are amply endowed, and like your clothes to skim rather than cling; you’ll be looking towards the 1950’s for your shape. Dresses that are waisted, flared skirts, shawl collars and cinchers to create a waist shape if yours needs a little help.
If you are tall and slim with killer legs and not much waist to speak of, you’ll be looking to the 1920’s and late 1960’s for your style inspirations. With flapper dresses, bias cut jersey (thank you Coco) or even a pair of Go Go boots and a mini skirt; all of these elements can play to your body shape. Getting the picture?
The Spencer Corset 1941 via Flickr
Dressing for your best features is one of the quickest and simplest ways to determine your vintage style, as each era is known for focusing on key features of the figure. It’s just down to you to put in a little research to mix and match those eras to your shape. Also, remember that in the latter part of the 20th century, fashion began taking it’s cues from the earlier years. Thus the 1980’s did its own versions of the 1940’s and the 1950’s, which means you can still get the silhouettes you’re looking for at a lesser price and with more laundry friendly fabrics.
Once you’ve figured out your vintage motivation, it’s time to get cracking on creating a look all your own. A vintage look is more than just a 40’s floral dress hastily paired with some brogues or a cherry print dress and a flower in your hair. The variations are infinite, and it is up to you to make yours something special. A great place to start is by collecting images of your favorite silver screen icons from your chosen era. It is likely that you’ll find yourself gravitating towards the big names like Monroe, Twiggy or Hepburn. But once you have these in hand, it is time to do a little more digging. Thank god for Google, because here is where it comes into its own for creating your look. Start searching for movies made around the same time, with lesser known actresses/ actors, foreign film titles and advertisements. What you’ll begin to see is much more variation on the styles within your chosen era. Marilyn and Audrey had a signature look all of their own, and it certainly isn’t a one size fits all. So it is up to you to create your own signature look, pulling the elements you love from the looks you’re researching. Remember too, that what you see on screen is not always achievable for your everyday look, so keep in mind to search for candid shots off set. Another great resource is to search people’s old family photos on Flickr to see what your everyday gal was wearing to the beach in 1951. Trust me, it is an eye opening exercise and will shatter many of the myths around what it means to dress vintage.
Image via Flickr
Once you’ve sorted all this out, create some collages of your inspirations, or simply set aside an image folder on your computer to store all your favorite pics and have a simple ‘go to’ file for those moments when you feel your inspirations waning. If you’re going for a true emulation of your chosen era, there isn’t much more to do other than follow through on creating the subtleties’ of your look; hair, makeup, shoes; and committing to it. (No, not much at all Ha!) But if you’re seeking a unique look that has the stamp of your own personality woven into it, now is your chance to go wild!
You can pick and mix pieces from your chosen eras and hair from another. Have a thing for cats? Find some great cat print fabric and have a vintage pattern made up in that. Start collecting vintage brooches in your theme and attach them to the hats you find. Have a favorite colour? Choose to go monochrome and develop your wardrobe into a collection of harmonious pieces in a single shade. Don’t just stick to the clothes, choose all our accessories in that colour and go wild with parasols, handbags, glasses frames and the rest. I think you’re starting to get the idea.
Whatever your motivation for dressing vintage, the interpretations are endless. Don’t be dictated to be the current fads for certain vintage eras, nor by big name labels (unless yours is a serious investment collection). The beauty of dressing in vintage and living in the now, is that we are limited only by our imagination. Set yours free!
Image via Flickr
Great post SKM I love combining different era’s and styles.
I really can’t pick a definitive style for myself though – I guess ecclectic is as close as I would get to defined. I swing between ultra girly flouncy florals and punk with chains, zips and wigs – and everything in between.
Fashion can be so much fun!
Great post! My vintage style is influenced by the type of music I do but I do tend to mix and match as well!
Great post! I wear vintage by using it to add a touch of intrigue to a modern outfit, since I can’t commit to any one era, style, or idea.
I’m the same as Rosie, I wear vintage by adding at as an individual idea to a more modern outfit.
I think the photo of the Spencer Corset should have a title. How about “Add a smile and a good bra and loose 10kg”? -_^
Cool post. I only have one or two vintage pieces, but I go for a look depending on my mood mostly using accessories. Have been looking more at vintage lately as I live near some cute vintage stores which I jog past on my exercising days! Motivation to go once more around the block! ^_^
I couldn’t agree more! We all have difference reasons for our love of vintage and express ourselves in different ways. I wish there was more love for glamorous eccentrics…sometimes the vintage online community can be pretty harsh!
Nevertheless, great tips and post
This is an amazing post! Great tips
I will definitely heed your advice. Now to squeeze into the corset *BREATHES IN*
That was a nice post, with some excellent advice – thanks!
Excellento post
I find that there are some great vintage reproductions out there and I do love a bit more modern edge.
I prefer to stick to a certain silohette that I know suits me – which is the 50′s full skirt and nipped in waist. And I’m sticking to a palette of red, navy, black, white and grey at the moment. Though I have been branching out to lighter shades of blue lately
Esz: Having a palette makes it so much easier! I found that is my key to successful packing too.
Lila: Thank you.
Ashita: Corsets are absolute magic – hard to drive in- but still magic!
Miss Red Lips: Long live the Glamorous Eccentrics!
Tray table: That could be an expensive jog.
Icy: A smile covers a multitude of sins, a corset even more!
Rosie: Perfect.
Emma: Oh I like that idea – matching an outfit to my music. Perhaps a mission for next week?
Bec: A girl after my own heart!
Great POst!
mmm where can I get me one of those Spencer corsets…
After having baby 2, and still edging to lose the baby fat, I am starting to lean towards 50′s era, though my main reason for my style is sustainable fashion.
As much as I used to love the 60′s look – it didnt love me. So I am very happy with my Cath Kidston – late 40′s style sundresses. Modern fabric, original prints and so easy to just pull over the head – a compliment every time I wear them so it must be “my style” era.
xx
Great post, SKM!
I’ve been asked so many times lately how to find one’s vintage style, and you summed it up beautifully! 
In fact, I’ve been working on a post for my blog about building a vintage wardrobe (on a budget–hopefully! 
, and will definitely link to your post for further inspiration and ideas. 
After I lost 45 ks recently I decided to dress the way I wanted. Now, I am a bit older than some of you ladies and one of the rules I follow (loosely) is to avoid anything I wore the first time around. I tend to wear one or at most, two vintage pieces at a time, for example, vintage dress, Fluevog shoes, all else contemporary or vintage sweater, modern slacks and accessories. I can’t look too fashion forward nor too over-dressed, working in social services, but I don’t want to look like I have been diving in my granny’s closet either.
I also find that, for me, having a contemporary hairstyle off-sets my vintage glasses, etc.
It is truly a balancing act for some of us.
I loved this post! Great pics.
Made me want to dress vintage today. I think I most definitly prefer the 1940ies look. Its crisp yet feminine and perfect for office wear.
I have to agree with everyone else when I say “Great post.” I’ve been starting to get into vintage styles when I realised I was getting sick of looking like everyone else. Baby steps for me though. A vintage shiloutte here, a vintage hairstyle there, just little bits at a time until I find my feet.
Great post! I wish I can find great pieces of petite girls. I’m 5 feet and weigh less than 90 pounds :-/
-meream
Great post. The rago girdles (pricey but worth it, they’ve been making them forever!) from What Katie Did are fabulous for giving a smooth line and a waist under a 50′s skirt! They are not too uncomfortable once you are in (apart from driving) but once I am in I can try to channel Joan from Mad Men in a shorter, plumper, blonder way!
Fabulous post!!
It’s so very true about what people actually looked like back in the day.
There wasn’t photoshop, or much else.
Even old pics of Bettie Page for example, (even though she’s well known) shows everything from cellulite, to generally a lady who is curvy with all the bits that people from this day, feel so embarrassed of.
People need to look at those old and real images and realise that they’re gorgeous, and that beauty includes all these things that they don’t like.
She is of course one of the greatest sex symbols of all time, which should say it all.
That went a bit astray from the post, and I blabbered away a bit, but in conclusion, real photos are the best thing to look at because it’s how real women are, and what real men have and love.
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I’m currently changing my vintage style, I’ve just lost 20kg and can fit all my vintage dresses but they seem to just look like old dresses on me. Maybe it’s because I’m 39 and don’t suit them anymore. I’m heading towards the wide leg pants, short blouses/tops, chunky bakelite jewellery, pencil skirts, fur collars – kind of 30′s/40′s style. I’ve always sourced out vintage looking new clothes as I don’t want to ruin real vintage clothing for everyday wear, and don’t really want to look like I’m going to a fancy dress party…
Fabulous post. That girdle picture is great!
Deeply excellent post, SKM. I truly believe that fashion must be to each of us what makes our heart the happiest, and to me that means vintage styles, but I’ve never fallen into the mindset that I must follow a certain look to the exact letter (unless of course, I want to).
I firmly believe that dressing should feel like a joy, not like you’re forever trying to put together a look for a costume party. I echo your sentiments and wonderful tips in this immensely helpful post, and will be including it in my weekly link roundup post this coming Sunday.
Thank you for posting such a wonderful piece.
<3 Jessica
Jessica: Thank you so much! The vintage community, like any sub culture, can be so hard on each other and themselves when it comes to style. Which is really a shame as it takes from the joy of it as you said. Let’s have fun with vintage!
Thank you thank you thank you!
You’ve given me so much to think about. This is the best article I’ve read on dressing vintage. I will be bookmarking it for future reference. Thanks!
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