How To Buy Vintage And Still Look Fashionable

The first step to learning how to buy vintage and still look fashionable is to decide which type of vintage style you want to incorporate into your wardrobe. If you intend to include Boho or Hippie-inspired pieces, you’ll likely be looking in entirely different sections of thrift stores, vintage markets, or even eBay categories than if you’re adding mod or Disco styles.

Numerous companies have cropped up over the past few years who offer authentic remakes of vintage styles. 70’s Disco suits, leisure suits, retro sportcoat jackets and even vintage outerwear are all represented in their inventory, making them a convenient one-stop-shop, perfect for men wanting to buy vintage without scouring shops. For those looking for more authentic pieces, various online e-stores offer actual vintage finds for one-of-a-kind styles.

As a general rule, incorporating vintage styles into your wardrobe is much easier than putting together whole outfits. A good rule of thumb is to only feature one vintage or retro-inspired piece of clothing per assembled outfit; overwhelming your look with numerous pieces can quickly turn your look into a Bohemian collaboration of elements even if your intention was a Disco or Mod vibe. Faded and distressed items can be conversation pieces of clothing, but keep highly worn items to a minimum—the line between Boho and Hobo is a thin one.

 In a nutshell:

• Keep it simple; don’t overwhelm each outfit with too many vintage or retro pieces, even if your closet is full of them.
• Keep it flattering; just because that 30-year-old rugged leather jacket is vintage doesn’t mean it’s flattering for your frame structure!
• Keep it authentic; whether your vintage pieces are truly vintage or modern remakes of retro styles, learn what was typical for the era(s) you want to incorporate. If you don’t want your pals calling you the “Disco king” then leave the Leisure suits on the rack.
• Keep it real; don’t choose pieces simply because they’re rare or highly desirable. Part of rocking a vintage style is picking elements which fit your personality and own private sense of fashion.
• Keep the accessories; buying vintage clothing doesn't stop with bell bottoms and bowler hats. A retro-inspired belt, beaded necklace, or even cuff links can turn your outfit from ordinary modern to retro gold!