Making Vintage Work for You

Dress: Vintage via Goodwill (Similar Splurge // Save); Shoes: Sam Edelman via Goodwill (Similar Splurge // Save); Purse: Vintage via Goodwill; Choker: Vanessa Mooney

Being both unique and affordable (usually) with a sprinkle of drama, I’ve always had a soft spot for vintage designs.  I love finding vintage pieces at Goodwill and incorporating those pieces into my wardrobe.  Do you see vintage pieces on the Goodwill racks, but pass over them because, “You could never pull that off”?  Vintage virgin no more! You can make vintage work for you without looking like you got chewed up and spit out of a Mad Men episode with these three tips.

Mix it up.

Wearing vintage from head to toe may give off pre-Halloween vibes, so mix in current trends with vintage pieces. Take one statement  piece and pair it with today’s trends like over the knee boots  or a wrap choker. Keep your hair and makeup contemporary to let your outfit be the star.

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

A drab, shapeless dress today on the rack could easily be a show-stopper by tonight. Switching out the buttons is the easiest and biggest change you can make to a vintage piece. Buttons are a dead giveaway to the age and condition of a garment. There are countless ways to update the garment depending on your level of creativity and skill. Pinterest is a great place to look for inspiration and tutorials.

Modern trends.

Modern designers reinterpret vintage designs every single season. Sheer tops, denim jumpers, and high-waisted ANYTHING are all trends sported by the biggest fashionistas, but easily found on your local Goodwill racks. Fashion trends are cyclical, and many of today’s designs are reinterpreted from style, art, and fashionistas of the past.

Of course, I love the humble brag when I get to respond from the inevitable inquiry: Stranger: “OMG! Where did you get that?” Me: “It’s 1960’s vintage.” (It makes me feel way cooler than I actually am.) Check out my favorite vintage look I’ve ever posted in this 80’s Escada blouse.  Have you ever found a vintage piece that you love? Leave me a comment below!