A cheat’s guide to vintage
Vintage style has gone mainstream in the past few years, and can come with a hefty price tag. Many great vintage pieces can be hard to get hold of, so here is a cheat’s guide to doing vintage for less .
1. It doesn’t necessarily need to be vintage.
You can get a great vintage look, without even buying anything vintage. Many high street shops are getting their inspiration from vintage styles and mass-producing them for a cheaper price. Topshop is often a great port of call, but also be sure to check out Pearl Lowe’s collection at Peacocks, her vintage inspired dress designs will make you look like a glamorous forties housewife with effortless easy style.
2. Go for modern remakes of vintage designs.
It doesn’t need to be the real deal, when it looks the same. Vivien of Holloway sell great 50s inspired dresses that look like the real thing. So instead of trawling through hundreds of vintage stores for that iconic fifties dress, that’s too small or smells weird, why not go for something shiny and new and made for you? They also sell great forties swing trousers, as well as tea dresses. Some of it is a little pricey, but if you’re looking for an investment or special occasion it’s a great place to check out.
3. Wear modern clothes in a vintage way.
You’d be surprised how your modern clothes can easily look vintage with a bit of smart styling. Team a high-waisted mid-length skirt, with a tucked-in tee or blouse. Add tights and court shoes and voila!
Or you can always revamp some of your dresses with a waist belt. Leopard print is a great way to go, and everywhere this season (Take some tips from Bette Lynch). Just stand in front of your wardrobe and experiment.
4. It’s all in the hair.
Try some vintage hairstyles to give your look that classic edge. Think Bridget Bardot and get that bouffant high and proud. Simply section off the top part of your hair and backcomb, apply hairspray and backcomb some more. Get height to your hair, push up and clip in place. It may take a few goes and a lot of hairspray but it’s worth it. Or you can channel your inner T-Bird and work your fringe into a quiff. Again a lot of backcombing and hairspray is in order, but you’ll be a vintage vixen by the end.
5. Accessorise!
For bags, raid your local charity shops. You’ll be amazed at the amount of handbags dropped off there, and they are sometimes the only decent thing found in charity shops (apart from the odd pretty scarf).
A little accessorising can go a long way, and like clothes, a lot of modern jewellery is being inspired by vintage designs. Freedom at Topshop is your best bet with its bangles, big earrings, and kitsch necklaces.
Picture by yatenkaiouh via Flickr