How To Be Vintage

When wondering how to be vintage, think about what you are trying to convey. Presumably you want to demonstrate a sense of style and individuality. You don't want to look like you haven't bought new clothes in several decades or like you're getting ready to attend a costume party. There are a few key things to keep in mind when thinking about how to be vintage.

1. Choose a time period. Decide what vintage means to you. It could be reliving your tubular 1980s childhood. Or you may want to hearken to a bygone era of the three martini lunch and calling women "dames." In some instances pieces from different eras can work together to compliment each other. For example you might pair retro sneakers from the 1980s with a classic suite from the 1960s. But be cautious. You don't want to look like a virtual timeline in styles encompassing every decade of the century.
2. Select stand out pieces. Don't dress head to toe vintage. Pick one or two vintage pieces such as shoes, a hat, or a shirt. You want items that will add a creative and unique touch to your daily wardrobe.
3. Combine vintage with modern. The base of your outfit should be classic and modern. This will show you have a sense of style and let the carefully selected vintage pieces stand alone.
4. Shop at thrift stores but don't look like you shopped at thrift stores. When shopping in thrift stores and resale shapes keep an eye for quality. A moth eaten coat isn't vintage. It's just old.
5. Be knowledgeable. Being vintage is about appreciating the past. Do some research on things that exemplify the era you are dressing from. Having a concept of what it meant to be a man of that time will help you craft the proper attitude to be vintage.