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Vintage is the New Black!

by MeyMey (May 14, 2007)

Vintage clothing used to be looked down upon and considered “welfare”, but not anymore!  Some vintage clothing today can carry high price tags that are pretty much par with some top designers out there. More often than not, the clothing in vintage boutiques, reflects much of what we see at high end retail stores.

Read up and take note of what’s going on in Vintage!

First, in fashion today, pretty much anything goes. Sure there will always be "trendy" items that get featured in magazines but more than ever, a confident woman has permission to wear anything and everything that catches her fancy. In fact, mixing high-end designer clothes with thrift store finds is becoming an enviable art.

In addition, more and more celebrities are being photographed wearing vintage pieces and America loves to mimic its celebrities. From Julia Roberts' gorgeous Valentino Oscar gown to Sienna Miller's boho look to the Olsen twins' cut-up and otherwise recycled vintage outfits, as some of you see more celebrities embracing vintage fashion, you too, start to embrace it.

The recent popularity of vintage clothing is probably also due to what we're seeing in the latest fashion pages. For example, last spring embroidered tunics were all the rage. Similar embellished blouses were popular in the sixties and seventies and you can be sure that at least some of the ones you saw strutting down the street were vintage pieces purchased on Ebay or at one of the many internet clothing boutiques.

This fall, fur, slouch boots and Victorian looks were popular. All of these were available in vintage pieces that were most likely costing less than what you'll pay for a new version at retailer.

I’m often asked if a certain piece I’m wearing is designer.  “Is that Prada?”  Uhhh nope—it can be a no name piece I picked up for 20 bucks. You can experience the same thrill of being complimented on your outfit or handbag and being able to smile politely and say, "Thank you, its vintage!"

So what are you waiting for? If you've never worn vintage before, perhaps now is the time to start. Here's some tips for the Vintage Newbie:

1. START SMALL.

Before investing in a vintage Pucci bodysuit, try picking up a smaller, less expensive item--perhaps a scarf, newsboy cap or little clutch.

2. BUY WHAT YOU LOVE.

Forget what the magazines say are "in." If you absolutely love the way it looks and feels on you, and you know you'll wear it, BUY IT.

3. BUY IT NOW.

Vintage pieces are one-of-kind. I learned the hard way to be decisive. By the time you get home and call the store to ask them to hold that perfect dress, it could be gone and it may be years before you see another one like it. If you're bidding on eBay, consider using an auction snipe service so you don't lose out.

4. CONDITION IS KING.

Unless you have fabulous sewing skills or are best buddies with an excellent seamstress, be sure to factor in the cost of alterations and repairs for any piece you're interested in purchasing. With some vintage clothes, you'll pay a premium for that "lived in" factor. A shiny black leather jacket just doesn't complete the look in some cases...you need one that has been worn outdoors for a few years so it carries that vintage patina. Small problems can be excusable--for example, a small hole on the inside seam of a sweater is insignificant. One on the middle of the chest of that same sweater is not. Check items over carefully before purchasing.

5. GET TO KNOW VINTAGE SELLERS.

Ask questions of online sellers and talk to owners of vintage stores you frequent. Let them know what you're looking for and ask them to keep their eyes out for you and contact you when they get something similar into their shops.

6. BROWSE, BROWSE, BROWSE.

Browsing respected vintage shops is one of the best ways to acquire an eye for quality vintage pieces. Also know what similar new items are selling in stores by browsing at the mall and in fashion magazines. Start to learn which designer vintage labels will carry a premium due to their collectibility. Keep track of your favorite eBay sellers and that perfect store you stumbled upon so you can go vintage shopping whenever the mood strikes you.

One final word of caution: Wearing vintage clothing can be addictive. Before long, you'll probably be collecting a particular period, designer or item. I assure you, this will just add to the fun of being a vintage fashionista!  Your Stylist Truly, Meytal.

About the Author

MeyMey is a professional wardrobe stylist. She has consulted for various performing artists such as Massari and Nelly Furtado.