Often when discussing fashion, people who dress modern and people who wear vintage tend to be put into two separate categories as if the two practices are completely separate entities. We think this separation is reductive and untrue: modern and vintage can absolutely coexist in one wardrobe.
Shopping vintage but dressing modern is a super easy practice once you know how to do it properly.
Due to the cyclical nature of fashion, vintage clothes are basically always in style. With the right techniques, you will be able to look super trendy while wearing the best vintage clothes.
All you have to do is continue reading, and you’ll have all the tools you need to maintain that modern fashion while wearing vintage clothes.
Layering Is Key
Layering is a super-easy way to rock some retro clothes while looking modern and chic.
There are all kinds of ways to layer clothes, which means even more opportunities to shop vintage and play around with how you style those garments.
One of the most popular layering techniques is the long sleeve shirt trick. This style is perfect for chillier weather and is rather self-explanatory. All you have to do is wear a long sleeve shirt and layer it with something on top. We recommend going for a vintage slip dress or a vintage sweater vest to look extra fashionable.
Layering does not belong just to clothing items. A great way to stay modern with layering is to rock some vintage pieces by stacking some necklaces. To master this look, all you need are two or three of your favorite vintage necklaces. Then, loop them around your neck at different lengths to achieve that layered style.
Layering is a simple way to keep up with modern trends while still rocking vintage clothes.
Can’t Go Wrong With Leather
Leather jackets and leather pants are two garments that are vintage by nature but will never go out of style. Leather looks are very in right now. Even famous models Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner agree that leather is here to stay.
It is super easy to wear vintage but still be up to date with your leather apparel.
Grab a vintage leather jacket from the ’70s and pair it with a white tank top and a pair of blue jeans, and you will look extremely fashionable for both modern and vintage standards.
If the jacket isn’t your style, but you still want to stay current with the leather movement, instead try wearing a pair of vintage leather pants. You will look edgy and unique with a vintage pair but will never feel out of place in our modern world.
Go For a Flare
Flared jeans and pants are extremely popular today, and fortunately for our vintage lovers, this is not the first time in fashion history that the flare style has dominated the world of pants.
The ’70s were known for their love of all things flare. You can easily shop vintage with a pair of flare faded blue jeans but still look modern as the style is all the rage today. Jeans come in so many styles that anything from ‘90s mom jeans to ‘70s flares will integrate into your style seamlessly.
If you want to make a fun twist on the current flare trend, you can try rocking a vintage flare sleeved dress. This dress has the iconic ‘70s colors and silhouette we love. With some styling choices like combat boots with knee highs, you can bring this look right into the 21st century.
Adding some vintage spice to your wardrobe is a great way to ensure that you look modern but still continue to buy from your favorite vintage boutique.
Grab Some Heels
High heels are a style of shoe that is coming back in full swing this year. The classy shoewear is regaining popularity in modern fashion, especially paired with more casual streetwear.
You, too, can look cool and eye-catching in your style but with a pair of vintage heels instead.
Black heels are a must-have this season, so snag a vintage pair of 80’s black heels to make your outfit stand out. Black goes well with everything, so having a reliable vintage pair will serve you well in the long haul and will always look stylish.
For a more bold style, give a vintage pair of red leather heels a go. With a pair of heels like that, you kill two birds with one stone in terms of upholding modern fashion standards: you’ll be rocking heels and leather!
Heels are a fun, modern way to elevate your style, and there is no shortage of vintage heels, so this is a great way to stay trendy while shopping vintage.
Blazers for Days
Blazers are very in right now, and you can easily incorporate a vintage blazer into your wardrobe while still looking every bit the modern business mogul.
Blazers are great right now because they are so versatile. They can be worn as part of your business casual uniform, they can be dressed up for a fun night out on the town with friends, and they can even be a cute way to bundle up as the weather gets colder.
However you choose to style your blazer, you will still look very modern and chic with a vintage one of your liking.
Vintage blazers are also a great way to express your individuality while keeping up to date on the latest fads. You might prefer a vintage blazer with shoulder pads, or you might prefer to opt for the vintage oversized look. These more boxy shapes pair well with skinny jeans or black leggings. For an extra bold ensemble, throw a mini dress under the blazer for an entrancing contrast.
Whatever your blazer preference may be, you will fit in with any vintage one you can find.
Modern and Vintage Go Hand in Hand
Even finds from one hundred years ago can leave you feeling fresh and up-to-date.
In fact, shopping vintage is a great way to play along with the current trends while still maintaining a sense of individuality and personal flair. Not to mention that it is kinder to the environment when you avoid purchasing fast fashion items.
Many of the modern fads actually have roots in the past. Styles like the obsession with flare pants, leather jackets, and even high heels are all looks that can easily be found vintage. You can rock some unique vintage styles and still look modern today.
Sources:
How to Layer Your Clothes for 2021 | Glamour
Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner Wear 90’s Style Leather | Vogue
Are People Really Wearing High Heels Again? | New York Times