It’s provocative. It’s dated in a good way. It’s unique and well made. Those are the fundamentals of good vintage fashion. Whether clothing, outerwear or accessories, vintage style endures because those fundamentals POP!

You’ve seen vintage mixed in with modern…and it works. You have to mix it, (right?) or else if you’re head to toe vintage, it might be too much. A little “stuck in the past.” (But there are days when I love a head to toe vintage ensemble!) Terms people use regarding incorporating any vintage items (whether clothing or furniture) are “repurposed, recycled, etc”. and it’s so true. Change out the chains, the lengths, put it on leather instead of metal, ….there’s so many options.

Practical uses for vintage items and store etiquette:

• a vintage coat over a basic black turtleneck and jeans which grounds it. (or over a black dress)
• a vintage coat with boots so the footwear fades away
• vintage jewelry over a basic outfit
• if a vintage cap seems overwhelming, start with a clutch instead. Vintage clutches are extremely handy for formal events. You can ease into vintage incorporations with small items.
• if you want to shop at vintage stores but are not ready to wear these styles, purchase an accessory or item as a gift for someone else. Vintage store owners don’t want spectators; they want customers. Just a little vintage store etiquette…
• buy a vintage purse (they are amazing) and change out the chain or strap to make it fit your needs. Back then, cross body bags weren’t as popular as they are today.
• vintage items represent the period, of course, and many shop owners like to talk about that knowledge  so ask them details. I’ve happened upon a Bob Mackie formal gown before and the proprietor loved divulging details about it and how it was procured.
• ask if  you can take pictures. Some store owners have strict policies about this. The window displays are so stunning and often invite gawking and “Instagramming.”
• ring sizes of vintage jewelry will surprise you (and waist sizes of dresses); they are much smaller. Plan accordingly.
• vintage dresses are great for formals, proms, etc….if someone wants to wear something noone else will have on!
• cufflinks are great gifts for men and many vintage stores have these! Cowboy boots, jean jackets, and “onesies” or “jumpsuits” (think Top Gun) are also appreciated by some males.

Vintage stores are all over…..but the Midwest has great ones since homes in this region had large basements as well as attics to store such treasures. People hung onto vintage items for generations due to this and vintage retailers easily collect items from estates because of this.

Start your vintage quest next time you’re out of town. It can be both a travel and local hobby.

photos by Gina Kingsley