Ways to Add More Vintage Style to Your Wardrobe

Vintage designs are infinitely stylish, unique and can be integrated to add a retro twist to your everyday wardrobe. Is it vintage? Is it modern? There should be somewhat of a seamless feel between the two, making sure it is completely timeless and can be worn time and time again. 

What is considered vintage clothing? Vintage clothing items don’t have to be pulled from your grandma’s wardrobe or from charity shop shelves. They can be brand new but encapsulate the styles of vintage eras. Vintage clothing can also quite simply refer to the timelessness and classic appeal of a particular item.

To help you choose some fabulous vintage pieces, Joe Browns bring you a selection of men’s and women’s vintage wardrobe essentials. 

Choose A-line Styles

It’s all about the shape! A vintage dress is typically thought of for its voluminous style and shape that is often paired with a polka dot or floral pattern. Fitted at the waist and gently flaring out as it reaches the hem, this design is the epitome of vintage style.

Pair an a-line skirt with your favorite blouse, tucked in for a day at work, using a pair of kitten heels or vintage t-bar shoes to elevate the whole look. During the winter months a pair of knee high boots with an a-line midi skirt will form the ideal pairing, finishing off the outfit with a chunky knit jumper or cardigan for all your layering needs.

Accessories Are Key

Vintage accessories are an affordable but effective way to introduce a touch of vintage style to your wardrobe.  With unique style pieces really helping to capture the whole look, mixing eras is a great way to make your vintage items look up to date and effective.

You can stick to your typical style and add a pair of retro sunglasses to transform your everyday outfit without it looking over the top. Introducing a pop of colour using jewellery, shoes and handbags that contrasts against your clothing is also a perfect way of adding a touch of retro. Red and black make a great pair when it comes to creating a unique vintage-inspired look.

Bold Floral Prints

Bold prints such as polka dots and bright florals in large patterns or ditsy designs are the epitome of vintage fashion. These are most commonly known to be worn on skirts and dresses, but can also be incorporated into your wardrobe through blouses and even patterned handbags.

Making your printed item the statement piece in your outfit will allow you to add a retro flair without it looking like a costume. Choose a brightly coloured and printed skirt or dress and pair with simple accessories and colours. Opting for one colour that is within the pattern will help to keep your whole look feeling sophisticated and stylish.

Fabulous Sleeves

Puffy sleeves are a great nod to the vintage era with many years of tops and blouses sporting voluminous sleeves. Today styles that have been cuffed around the wrist with a loose and floaty material make the perfect option that can be worn in a variety of different ways. 

When wearing a blouse with fabulous sleeves, keep the rest of your outfit simple and classic. Pair with blue skinny jeans and boots for an adaptable outfit that can be taken from lunch with friends to the school run or simply dress it up a little to go into work with a pencil midi skirt.

Men’s Retro T-shirts

T-shirts by nature are the perfect casual clothing choice. By introducing a graphic tee to your wardrobe you are able to keep with your casual style but also add a vintage touch to your outfit. From vintage band t-shirts to minimal designs or bright colours, there’s a retro t-shirt out there for everyone! 

Wondering how to wear vintage rock t-shirts? The best part about men’s retro t-shirts is that they can easily work as part of your everyday wardrobe. Dress down your formal trousers with a minimalistic graphic t-shirt, denim jacket and trainers for the ultimate quirky smart casual ensemble. Alternatively, stay in classic style with your favourite pair of men’s jeans and biker boots.

Style Vintage Knits

Add another layer to any outfit with a vintage knit jumper. Typically, a v-neckline, fair isle pattern and chunky knit will help to create the vintage style. However, a plain cable knit jumper also has the same classic and timeless appeal with the added texture in the pattern.

V-neck jumpers are arguably among the easiest items of clothing to wear and can be styled according to the weather and occasion. Pairing your knit with a modern aesthetic will help to keep you looking cool. Go casual and wear a jumper on top of a basic t-shirt and your favourite denim, or contrast your jumper with some bright trousers for a more unique look.

Choose Brogue Shoes

A pair of two-tone shoes will instantly add a flair of vintage to your everyday styles. The light and dark colour contrast will make your shoes the talking point of any outfit. However, if you’re looking for a more understated look, opt for a pair of leather brogues — they still look extremely dapper but can be worn for just about any event.

Whether you’re wanting a formal or casual outfit, brogues can be styled with just about anything. Wear brown brogues with a pair of light-coloured chinos and a plain shirt for an elegant yet casual approach. Alternatively you could wear them with a pair of skinny jeans, t-shirt and a blazer to elevate your usual denim outfit. If you’re wanting to dress up your brogues, opt for a slim design in a classic colour such as black.

Leather Jacket

A leather jacket has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. While the style of a leather jacket may have transformed over the years, from the very first bomber jacket with a thick sheepskin lining to mainstream fashion, the timeless attractiveness of it has not. 

The opportunities for wearing a leather jacket are endless, from throwing your leather jacket on over athleisure wear to dressing up with a shirt and pair of skinny jeans. Black is the perfect option for matching with almost every outfit, but a brown leather jacket can give a more overall vintage feel. Keeping the whole look simple and functional, but still stylish, will let your leather jacket do all the talking,

Retro Pattern Shirts

Every man should have a retro pattern shirt in their wardrobe. From fun summer prints to ditsy floral designs, they are the perfect way to incorporate a touch of retro style into your everyday ensembles. 

A top tip when styling a patterned shirt is to allow the shirt to be the centre focus of your outfit. Overwhelming the look with too many bright colours and patterns can create an outfit that is overly loud and doesn’t give that timeless feel. Dress smart with a pair of chinos or dress down with jeans and shorts. A lot depends on the styling of the shirt — a relaxed fit typically lends itself to a more casual look whereas a slim fit allows you to dress up and down depending on whether you’re heading out for lunch with friends or to a formal event.