Primer to Vintage and Retro Style Clothing

Retro (post-1960s) and vintage (pre-1960s) clothing, no matter which way you look at them, will always be in style. The challenge isn’t finding a piece you like, but choosing the right pieces for yourself and your wardrobe. It’s worth every extra minute of searching and shopping when you’re adding loads of style to your look with each piece.

When you’re first looking into vintage and retro style clothing, consider the trends. A good way to update your look and add interest is to wear a vintage piece that nods its head towards current fashion trends. Looking for a skinny pair of jeans for the fall in a dark wash? Try an ‘80s style throwback for a nostalgic touch. Need a British-inspired hat to match your perfect trendy jacket? Wear a ‘50s style newsboy cap to complement your look.

Your best bet for vintage clothing world is choosing simple “vintage clothing builders.” Vintage pieces can be like basics in your wardrobe—you’ll need some pieces that you can see wearing again and again. Great vintage clothing to try includes tees, denim jackets, vests, and accessories.

A vintage motorcycle jacket is one piece that just gets better with age; there’s nothing quite like conditioned, aged leather. The price range for vintage leather is slightly high, but it’s a timeless investment—you can wear it for decades! A quality leather motorcycle jacket can range from $300 to $2,000 and beyond. Leather jackets from the 1950s are in high demand and are very popular, but as they are collector’s items, try for retro style from the ‘60s and some from the ‘80s for a similar silhouette. Vintage brands like Turtle Bax, Marbury Coats, Honda Motor Company, and Leathers of New England are prominent brands to search for when looking for old leather jackets.

Another fantastic retro style clothing piece to buy is denim. From denim jackets to denim western-style shirts to jeans of every distinctive decade’s shape, you’ll always win. Denim lasts a long, long time, so if you pick up a good-quality piece and care for it well, it’s one of the smartest retro style clothing choices you can make. Shop for pieces like vintage Levis, Ely, and Wrangler for jeans and other denim pieces.

Shoes are another great retro buy. Cowboy boots and ‘70s trainers are shoes that just can’t be bought new with all the same retro style details. Take a pair of hand-tooled Western style boots, for example: the filigree, cut-out styles are superior, and if the boots have already been broken-in, you’ll have a comfortable pair with a unique look. Brands to look into for western boots include Bohlin, Nacona, and Olsen Stelzer. For trainers, try ‘70s bright colors and fun designs, like vintage Adidas.

Every vintage look can be perfectly accented with a few vintage accessories. A pair of vintage sunglasses can be found on www.vintage-sunglasses-shop.com, with original frames and lenses in quality you just can’t find anymore.

As with any shopping spree, you need to be careful when you’re shopping for vintage-style clothes. When it’s difficult to find a particular piece, you might be tempted to buy a replica. Make sure that the cool, retro style item you’ve purchased is tasteful and good quality.

Hit the books for vintage style fashions: don’t forget that a little research will go a long way. Taking a peek at some older photos may give you ideas on what you’d like to incorporate into your wardrobe. Be careful about what pieces you wear together—don’t pile on too many items all at once—they’ll lose their impact or make you look as if you’re wearing a costume.

The most important thing to remember with any wardrobe is that you’ve got to feel good—after that, looking good is easy. Enjoy the compliments your new pieces bring you, and don’t forget to experiment with different looks. Vintage and retro style clothing can require a touch of confidence. You need to pull off your style with knowledge, flair, and self-esteem.