My Stance on Vintage Clothing...

Vintage and retro clothing has made a comeback into the fashion world. It has accompanied the ‘shabby chic’ trend over the past year or so, providing the younger generations with the chance to try out trends from before their time whilst allowing more mature fashionistas to dig out old gems. Whilst some get the vintage look spot on every time, others would look more at home sitting at a bus stop eating mint imperials with the other OAPs.

A favourite vintage item of mine - vintage handbag customised by Call Girl Clothing

Being a University student, I couldn't really escape the vintage comeback. For the past year and a half I've been surrounded by vintage clothing fares, sales and shops, and its wide availability is reflected by almost every other student you see. I can’t deny that some of them look great – what they are wearing suits them; this is my key point. For every person that looks good in vintage, there is one who looks less than wonderful. By observing, however loosely, a few simple guidelines, vintage can look good on almost anyone.

When trying to achieve the ‘vintage’ look, do:

• Shop around for beautiful pieces. Like in any shop, there will be some amazing finds, but that’s the point – you have to find them! Hunt around and leave no stone unturned in the often-crowded vintage shops.

• Team vintage finds with modern pieces. A retro twist on a 21^st century outfit can often look ten times more effective than an all-vintage look.

• Wear what suits you – you wouldn’t go into the TopShop changing rooms and buy something that didn't fit or suit you, so why do it with vintage? And believe me, people do!

• Make sure you’re not getting ripped off. A friend of mine was once asked for over £100 for a vintage coat that looked  neither particularly old nor expensive. You can’t always be completely sure of an item’s origin, but common sense should tell you if something is worth its price.

On the other hand, make sure you don’t:

• Adorn yourself from head to toe with the first few items you spy in the first vintage shop you go into. I’ve seen this happen with various girls around the University campus and it just doesn’t work.

• Be afraid to try a different kind of vintage. The ‘fashionable’ vintage at the moment appears to be centred around ‘boho’ trends – I personally much prefer tailored 50s style clothing, a la Dita Von Teese. If you can pull off the subtle drawn-on beauty spot too, go for it! I have done in the past, and felt very glamorous (although save it for occasions, it doesn’t quite have the same effect if you’re just nipping to Tesco)

• Spend a lot on anything that looks like it’s going to fall apart at the first wash (and yes, students DO wash their clothes thank you very much!). A lot of vintage clothing has small imperfections, which are to be expected. But make sure you inspect items for larger flaws before splashing out; it’s a cliché, but moth-eaten cardigans do not look brilliant.

My final point is to make sure you achieve one thing; a fun, different look that not only suits you but makes you feel good. Whatever you do, don’t follow the trend because you feel you have to; if you don’t like vintage, steer away! You wouldn’t wear a brand new piece of clothing if it didn’t suit you, so don’t do the same with vintage clothing. And make sure you don’t forget accessories – vintage accessories to accompany a modern outfit can be stunning.

Stay creative,

Chyaz xox