How to Make Modern Clothes look Vintage

As someone with an Instagram following and a distinct vintage style, I often receive the question “how can I make modern clothing look vintage?” Sadly, it can be incredibly expensive to wear true vintage consistently, and the work that goes into restoration and conserving pieces is extensive. Having a ‘vintage’ fashion style in 2020 means either buying clothing from vintage reproduction brands, which can be expensive as they are part of a niche, or utilising modern clothing. I am by no means an expert, but I have put together some of my best tips on making modern clothing look vintage, alongside some examples!

Before we get to the examples, let’s talk about finding modern clothes to use. If you seek a more sustainable approach to clothes shopping then charity shops and thrift shops are now your best friend! Not only can you generally buy more items for cheaper, but if you’re lucky you may even come across an actual true vintage piece. When looking for vintage-looking items I suggest shopping at charity shops in areas that have an older population, you’re more likely to come across a good vintage or vintage-looking find. High street stores also have plenty of clothes that you can use in your vintage looks, and it can be surprising what you can actually find. I have used high street and online finds in this articles examples.

So, you’re in the shops but what should you actually be looking for? One word, basics. You want to be looking for pieces that are versatile and adaptable. Of course, this all depends on your personal taste and style, but I tend to look for plainer items as they are easier to play around with. I covered this in my article on How To Start a Vintage Wardrobe, so pop over there for some more in-depth information.

One of the easiest ways to make what you’re wearing look more vintage is with the use of accessories and hair and makeup. Setting your hair in your preferred decade’s style will automatically make your outfit more ‘vintage’. Jewellery is also a great way to vintage-fy (I’ve just made that word up) your outfit! Your choices will all be dependant on your aesthetic preferences, but I tend to go for pearl earrings and gold hoops, or anything that looks bakelite. 

EXAMPLE 1:

How to style a plain black circle skirt.

This plain black circle skirt I have used here is from Joanie clothing, but you can find other skirts like this very easily. I love utilising plain circle skirts because they are so versatile, and can be used for many different styles.

I have paired the circle skirt with a plain black t-shirt (which I believe is from M&S). I personally like to wear more toned down, monochromatic outfits and so black is one of my go-to colours.

To break up the outfit I have added a brown belt. This also brings emphasises my waist, and was a very common feature of mid-century outfits.

If you want to embrace your inner Audrey, adding a neck scarf can be a great addition and really add to the vintage aesthetic of your overall outfit. Because the rest of the outfit is so toned down, you can really play around with the patterns here!

If you follow me on my Instagram you will know of my undying love of polo necks (they’re just so great!). So, of course, I love to pair my plain skirts with a polo neck. I love that this gives a very chic and classic look, with a 1960s vibe. Its also great at keeping you warm during the colder months! Again, I have used a belt to break up the outfit and bring the eye to my waist.

EXAMPLE 2:

1930s style day dress from Primark.

I have had this dress for several seasons now, so I am unsure whether it is still available to shop, however when I saw it I had to snap it up. It is so amazingly 1930s, from the sleeves to the way the dress is cut and pieced together. This is one of my rare Primark pieces, I try not to shop there often because of their bad fast fashion practices, but I knew I would get a lot of wear from this dress and not throw it out after a couple of wears.

I adore this dress. It is so versatile for different events. Brunch, a cocktail event or just seeing a few friends at home, it is flattering. It has very typical 1930s style puffed sleeves, and many of the panels are bias cut. I speak a lot about buying basics, but that doesn’t mean you can’t invest in a few stand out pieces! Here I have styled the dress in a more ‘modern’ style, with my hair up and basic jewellery. But, it can, of course, also be worn in a more 30s manner. I have added some photos of when I last wore this dress in a 1930s style!

EXAMPLE 3:

The white shirt.

The white shirt is you secret weapon when it comes to making modern look vintage. The shirt has been a staple item in closets for years, I’m talking way back to 1890s in female fashions, and they have remained largely unchanged.

Here I have paired my go-to white shirt with a skirt from Joanie Clothing. I personally love a good “archaeologist in Egypt in the 30s” aesthetic and a great way to achieve this is by using white and beige tones in your outfits.

A common misconception is that trousers do not work with a vintage style, which is so untrue! I personally love to wear trousers and here I have paired by white shirt with a pair of checked, wool, trousers. This outfit sits more in the 1960s or 70s aesthetic, which I love, especially in the winter months. Very cosy!

EXAMPLE 4:

The pencil skirt. (both skirt and blouse are PR items, but views are my own)

Pencil skirts were a staple item in mid-century wardrobes, and I love them! They have such an aura of class, sophistication and sass and a clear indicator of a vintage inspired style.

As always, I have found an excuse to wear a polo neck! This pencil skirt is from Miss Patina and hits at the mid-shin, the perfect vintage length. If I want to feel more casual, and embracing my inner masculine side, I love to accessorise with a pair of braces (this pair comes with the skirt). A perfect look for winter and can be casual and more formal.

A look I call the ‘Elsa Schneider’ or 1950s office lady. I have paired the pencil skirt with a stunning white blouse (also from Miss Patina), which elevates the outfit to a new vintage level. I always feel like I can conquer the world when I wear this outfit.

You may have noticed that in all of these examples I have been wearing the same gold hoop earrings. These earrings are from Bow and Crossbones, a black, female-owned, vintage reproduction jewellery shop. These are the earrings I reach for the most as they go with literally everything I choose to wear! You only need one or two accessories that can take your clothes from modern to vintage.