Although they vary from store to store, vintage shops have a
tendency to be cluttered and panic-inducing. When you first enter,
you will likely encounter racks of shoulder-padded gowns or 90s
prom dresses. However, do not be discouraged by an initial
overview of the shop: sort through the racks of hopeless pieces to
find the hidden gems. When you find that perfect dress, jacket or
blouse, don't stress if it doesn't fit perfectly. Clothing can
easily be taken out, taken in or hemmed. In fact, a great way to
modernize a casual vintage dress is to shorten the hemline.
Beautiful lace slips also make for great summery dresses, but make
sure your slip doesn't look like lingerie. Cinch these slips with a
leather belt to give yourself a flattering silhouette and add
layers to the look.
Along with impressive selections of clothing, vintage shops also
offer a variety of accessories. Costume jewelry is a fun way to
liven up any plain outfit. Be sure to look out for oversized 70s
sunglasses, ladylike hats from the 40s and saddle shoes from the
50s. And don't be afraid to ask employees for advice. They are
usually passionate and knowledgeable about vintage dressing and
extremely excited to help their customers.
If you are not ready to dive into the world of vintage clothing
stores, many modern stores and websites offer retro inspired pieces
that can help you achieve the look for which you are searching.
Boat neck dresses with fitted bodices and full skirts come in a
variety of patterns and have a classic appeal. Other popular
styles include dresses with sweetheart necks or dresses in classic
patterns such as polka dots, gingham or stripe. Styles from later
decades are inspired by punk and grunge, so be sure to explore
those option in stores as well. High-waisted cutoff shorts can be
mixed with dainty floral prints and studded leather. Keep an eye
out for different styles of shoes, whether they be combat boots,
tomboy oxfords or ladylike Mary Janes.
