Besides being a sustainable practice, shopping vintage will help you learn to appreciate the styles of previous decades in a whole new way. It truly is a hands-on learning experience that will allow you to recognize vintage details everywhere.
What many outfits some may categorize as “boring” often lack is a degree of extra dimension or texture. That’s where tailoring comes in. Blazers and sportcoats feature lapels that frame your torso and neck, while padded shoulders will compliment and accentuate your form.
If you’ve been wearing the same slim or skinny fit chinos and slim fit suits since 2010, it might be time to switch things up! There will always be a place for tasteful slim fits, but it can be a lot of fun to experiment with roomier clothes, too.
Sometimes, a low-rise jean looks pretty cool! The Ramones certainly had the right idea. But for a good chunk of menswear history, pants have traditionally sat significantly higher on the waist, falling closer to one’s natural waistline.
Tortoiseshell sunglasses have a bit of a softer touch, but work well with all sorts of classic menswear aesthetics. Maybe you’re going for a 1980s stockbroker look? A good pair of vintage style shades can be a brilliant capstone on an already brilliant retro outfit.
Flat-front pants are just fine, but pleats offer a subtle yet noticeable charge of detail and dimension. They afford pants a bit more shaping, and as you very well know by now, silhouette is vital to getting a vintage look right.
Classic silk ties in simpler patterns will work best for formalwear, whereas bolder ties are more of a statement piece. Textured ties, such as knits or wool compositions, can really add to an ivy or academic look. Wider ties tend to be seen as more vintage – but bear in mind that skinnier ties were popular in the late 1950s and 1960s!
A suit made from stretch-infused athleisure fabric might be comfortable, but it won’t exactly communicate a vintage style. Prioritizing natural fabrics will ensure that most of your outfits read as more period-accurate, and they’ll likely last longer, as well.
Vintage jewelry can be a great finishing touch to your outfit, and an even better way to express your individuality. Like authentic vintage clothing, you often can’t beat the genuine article when it comes to antique jewelry.
When it comes to putting together an outfit, your shoes will sometimes be the first thing people notice, and they can truly make or break your overall look. For more casual outfits, consider timeless classics such as Converse Chuck 70s, brown leather derbies, loafers, or even a western boot.