Retro style is undeniably one of the most popular trends today. So what exactly makes retro stylish? More importantly, what makes a vintage look appear vintage rather than old-fashioned? The overall look of retro style combines nostalgia with minimalist chic. It is more popular among trendsetters in fashion and beauty, but has also spread its charm to other industries such as interior design and lifestyle.
Retro style and fashion is not about replicating how people dressed in the 30s, 40s, 50s etc. It is simply drawing inspiration from those periods or revisiting an item of clothing that was forgotten for a while and giving it new life. It’s a modern take on a past genre and it’s been evolving quickly as we start to realize how much better these styles suit us now than ever before (even though we may not have truly appreciated them back then).
This style has been a huge trend in fashion for the past few seasons and it’s not just a passing fad. One of the best things about retro clothing is that it can be worn by anyone regardless of your body shape or weight.
From the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, retro style has been a huge part of the design industry. Retro design alludes to a simple time when music was a little bit slower, TV was in black and white and everyone was happier. This post will teach you everything you need to know about retro styling.
1. White T-shirt
Wear a white t-shirt. Okay, so maybe that’s not the most useful advice in the world but it’s a good enough place to start! A crisp white t-shirt will instantly add interest and possible coolness (if you get a cool print) to your outfit.
A white t-shirt is the base for all of my outfits. I like clothes that have a vintage vibe and white tops are the old school versions (hence why they’re so popular with the fashionistas). The reason I like to keep it simple with a plain white top is because you can wear it with anything; shoes, trousers or skirts, leggings, jeans etc.
Don’t get me wrong, I love standing out in a crowd but it feels too much effort to put a lot of effort into getting dressed. I’m always rushing around doing my make-up and then running late, so having an outfit that looks good without putting too much effort in is perfection.
2. Overalls
You can’t start styling a retro outfit without overalls. Seriously, you need to grab them. Just make sure that everything fits well and looks good, because after all, that’s the most important part of a retro outfit. Everything else will fall into place from here on out.
Overalls look particularly great in combination with retro and vintage-inspired looks. Some people say overalls are kitschy or dated, but the fashion world is coming back around to this trend. Actually, they are the perfect choice for those who find it difficult to mix modern and retro looks
However, there are variations on the overalls, from long to short, half to full, striped to plaid and more. Therefore it is important that you find the ones that fit perfectly or rather the ones that look good on you.
3. Oversized Jacket
Over-sized clothing has seen a revival in the recent years, and I’m elated. Not only do they create that hipster-rebel image, but it completely outshines what people used to wear during the 1940s and 50s like smocks, badly cut dresses and suits, and colors that weren’t in vogue. Of course, you don’t have to strictly keep to 1940s and 1950s fashion but it’s a great starting point.
There’s something about an over-sized jacket that just gives you confidence. Maybe it’s because they look great on anyone, regardless of shape or size and are so cozy, you just can’t resist.
A chic oversized blazer will give you an instant, polished look that is effortlessly stylish and comfortable enough to wear anytime. While you can go for a cropped or short blazer, we think that an oversized jacket is essential for a retro fit. This way it doesn’t matter if your shorts or pants are high-waisted as they will still peek out from under the blazer.
4. Sandals
If you want a cute, casual outfit that is very retro and vintage styled then you can definitely go for sandals. Sandals are one of the most important staple items for your wardrobe and it’s important to own at least one good pair. The most important thing with sandals is fit — you want to make sure you have the right pair for your feet.
Anyone who owns a pair of vintage shoes knows how frustrating it can be to wear them, especially in today’s digital age when the information is at our fingertips, literally. The first tip is to go for a pair of sandals with sturdy straps instead of flip flops or cheap shoes that will fall apart.
The most prominent trend in retro fashion incorporates a barefoot, natural-looking style. Your footwear can totally make or break your whole look! This is why it is so important to choose the right shoes.
5. Accessories
An outfit is never fully dressed without accessories. We all know this. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to find the right pair of earrings or neck piece to complete that outfit.
If you’re not familiar with retro style, it emphasizes unique accessories and clothing choices. Sounds simple right? Seems like just throwing on some hats, a pair of sunglasses and maybe an old-fashioned watch and you’ll have this look down. But really it’s more than that. There’s a bit of art and attention to detail involved to make retro style your own.
Pairing a hat with your outfit is one of the most underrated ways to create a retro look. It doesn’t matter what type of hat it is or what style they are, a hat can instantly upgrade any outfit. If you’re trying to achieve a completely vintage look, try wearing alternative hats and or styles like a bucket hat, beanie or knitted watch.
6. Corduroy Bag
If you are one of those that are thinking about ways to style retro outfits, then you should know that the corduroy bag is your best buddy. The power of the corduroy bag is undeniable when it comes to styling a casual retro look.
Corduroy has a bad reputation, but it really is a great material. It may be old fashioned in some peoples eyes but that doesn’t mean its completely outdated. Corduroy (or faux corduroy) can be used in so many different ways on retro outfits or vintage inspired looks.
The rule of thumb states that if you can’t wear corduroy, then you can’t wear it at all. But this rule was written in a time when corduroy was actually fashionable and people actually wore it regularly. Nobody wears corduroy anymore, right? Well, if done correctly, corduroy looks great on anyone.
