How To Style Vintage & New Clothing Together
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For some, the allure of brand-new clothing is irresistible - the thrill of scouring stores or browsing online, reveling in the exclusivity of a garment untouched by others. Conversely, there are those drawn to vintage apparel, relishing the hunt in specialized shops or digital marketplaces, finding joy in reviving pieces once cherished by others.
So, where do you stand? Do you lean towards the crisp lines of new attire or the storied charm of vintage wear? Must you pick a side?
Fortunately, the answer is a resounding no. You need not choose one over the other. Embracing both styles allows for a rich sartorial tapestry, where each piece, new or vintage, finds its place. With a few savvy tips, blending these distinct aesthetics seamlessly becomes an art, maximizing the potential of your wardrobe.
Curious to learn these tricks? Read on to discover how to effortlessly integrate new and vintage pieces, ensuring your style remains timeless, regardless of its origins.
Start With A Balanced Wardrobe
Looking to refresh your wardrobe with some new additions? It's best to start by assessing your current collection and decluttering anything that no longer aligns with your style, fits poorly, or simply feels outdated. Streamlining your wardrobe ensures you're left only with pieces you genuinely love and will wear.
Once you've tidied up, it's time to categorize your items into two groups: vintage and new. You might find a balanced mix of both, which is a great starting point. However, if you notice a shortage in one category, it's a cue to start your shopping journey there.
Remember, it's crucial to maintain timeless classics in your wardrobe—a well-fitted pair of jeans, a crisp white blouse, the quintessential little black dress, among others. These classics, whether new or vintage, serve as the building blocks for countless outfit combinations, so ensure you have an ample supply.
Shopping For Vintage
When embarking on the hunt for vintage treasures to complement your wardrobe, there's one cardinal rule to abide by: prioritize quality above all else. While the longevity of a piece speaks volumes, it's essential to scrutinize every aspect before making a purchase. The last thing you want is to eagerly bring home a newfound gem, only to discover it's on the brink of falling apart.
As you peruse vintage boutiques or online marketplaces, pay close attention to the garment's construction. Check the hem and seams for signs of durability, ensuring they're free from unraveling or fraying. Additionally, inspect for any pesky holes or stubborn stains. While these flaws aren't necessarily deal-breakers, be prepared to invest time and effort into repairs, or negotiate a discounted price to offset the inconvenience.
By maintaining a discerning eye for quality, you can curate a collection of vintage pieces that not only exude timeless charm but also stand the test of time in your modern-day wardrobe.
Finding Vintage Stores
Shopping for new clothes is straightforward—just step into any store or browse online, and you'll discover countless places to find fantastic outfits and individual pieces for your collection. The challenge lies in choosing from the thousands of options available, but locating them is simple.
However, this ease doesn't always extend to the vintage side of your wardrobe. To find the best vintage items, you'll need to know where to look. Start by exploring second-hand, thrift, and charity stores, where people often donate old clothes without realizing their true value or vintage status. Finding quality items in these stores can be hit or miss, though, so your best bet is to visit specialist stores that exclusively sell vintage pieces. These stores ensure authenticity and provide a wider selection, increasing your chances of finding the perfect item. Don't forget to search online as well—if there's no vintage store nearby, the internet offers a wealth of options, often with a much broader selection to enhance your search.
Create A Focal Point
Once you've gathered the clothing you desire, it's time to mix and match to create a unique combination of vintage and modern pieces. Knowing where to start can be challenging, so consider beginning your ensemble by creating a focal point for your outfit. Select one piece you absolutely love—be it a contemporary statement jacket, a vintage designer handbag, or a favourite dress—and build the rest of your outfit around it. This approach ensures that everything coordinates well, as you're constructing your look around a central item. It also helps prevent your outfit from becoming too busy or disjointed, maintaining a cohesive and stylish appearance.
Balance Your Silhouette
Achieving the right balance is crucial when combining vintage and modern pieces. You want to avoid going too far in either direction, aiming for an even mix of items from each era. Generally, strive to wear about the same number of pieces from each time period, with some flexibility for accessories based on their style and impact.
Begin with a top and bottom, selecting one vintage and one modern piece—it doesn't matter which is which. Then, gradually add items from each period until your outfit is complete and well-balanced. For example, you could pair modern jeans with a vintage blouse or a trendy crop top with high-waisted vintage flares. The key is to maintain a balanced look, ensuring your outfit harmonizes and looks cohesive.
Play With Textures
In addition to achieving the right balance, it's essential to consider the different textures in your outfit, as they significantly impact both the look and feel. There's no point in an outfit looking fantastic if it's uncomfortable to wear, so texture plays a crucial role in overall comfort and style.
Paying attention to texture adds depth to your outfit and enhances its appeal. For example, a chunky vintage knit sweater offers a rich texture that can be beautifully complemented by a sleek leather skirt. Similarly, a delicate vintage lace top pairs strikingly with a durable, modern denim jacket. Focusing on texture ensures that your outfit not only looks good but also feels great to wear.
Add Some Accessories
Accessories can be the finishing touch that either makes or breaks an outfit. They offer a perfect way to incorporate vintage elements into a modern ensemble without overwhelming it, or vice versa—modern accessories can complement a vintage outfit beautifully. It all depends on your preferences and what's in your wardrobe, making it a versatile combination either way.
Vintage accessories are particularly popular because they offer a wide range of options with history, nostalgia, even whimsy, and often a sense of timelessness. With a vintage collection you're almost always going to have a classic piece on your hands as styles continue to cycle and come back around again! Brooches, necklaces, and classic watches are just a few examples of vintage accessories that can add intrigue and interest to even the most contemporary outfits. Whatever you choose, the right accessories can enhance your look and provide a unique, stylish edge.
Don’t Forget your Shoes
Finally, what shoes should you wear with your mixed outfit—old or new? As you might expect, the choice is yours. The key is to ensure that your shoes complement the overall balance of your outfit, so you don't undo all the hard work at the last hurdle. Whether you opt for vintage heels, modern sneakers, or anything in between, just make sure they harmonize with your ensemble and enhance the cohesive look you've carefully crafted.