Can we reboot the year like a laptop that doesn't work? It certainly feels like it. Don't lie; you've probably been wondering the same thing. Wouldn't it be nice to go back in time and make sure that 2020 gets a better start? Unfortunately, there is no off and on button that you can press at will to kickstart 2020 into a fresh new beginning. Time escapes us once more.
*Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post
Image from Pinterest |
However, that doesn't mean you can't go back in time for a little while and spend a day in your favorite decade. Or perhaps, you're more of a mix and match vintage person? It doesn't matter. We can't move the clock backward, but we can directly bring the past into our day-to-day life. After all, who doesn't like a little vintage to spice up our lives?
Where should you get your vintage items?
The best oldtimers you can get are those who are preloved. Anybody who still has a few jumpers and t-shirts from their teenage years is in an excellent position to create a playful outfit. An original t-shirt with Baby, Mel B, Mel C, Ginger, and Posh is guaranteed to look stylishly cool. If you didn't keep hold of your old clothes, you've still got a few options in your family. Parents, siblings, and other relatives may have accumulated items they don't like or wear anymore. You could come across some gems, such as a designer's outfit from the 1980s. Old-school clothes have a timeless charm that goes with the iconic design.
Let accessories tell the story
It's not always practical to keep something from the old days. A 1980s outfit with huge shoulder pads or a quirky 1950s pinup dress may be cute for a day, but it can be tricky to incorporate those into your everyday style. Thankfully, you can fake vintage with smart fashion accessories that stamp date a neutral outfit. A cute little black dress with a pair of cat-eye frames can immediately evoke the glamorous 1960s, even if you've just bought your dress from Topshop. Another great tip is to play with hair accessories that have a vintage feel. Hairpins, for instance, can work well with a pinup outfit. Delicate headbands can bring 1970s freedom or the new romantic edge from the 1990s. You can throw a vintage outfit together using only accessories to highlight an area in time. For 1970s enthusiasts, nothing beats platform clogs and boots.
Actually, I want to buy vintage clothes
Are you ready to buy a real vintage piece for your wardrobe? In any normal situation, second-hand shops would have been the ideal place to find original garments. However, at a time when COVID-19 remains a risk, it's best to avoid small and quirky shops. These are lovely to explore, but right now, they can struggle to meet the necessary health and safety requirements. Instead, head to the world's biggest vintage store, eBay. The Vintage Clothing section is filled with exciting items, ranging from the late 19th century until the early 2000s. You can even find some handmade outfits up to the late 1970s and beyond. Nothing says vintage like an original maxi prairie dress from Woodstock's days!
Would vintage-inspired clothes work?
More and more brands are creating modern versions of some of the most iconic vintage outfits. So, if you're not ready to look after an original article, you can fake it with a modernised vintage look. It's advantageous for many reasons! Firstly, you'll find that stretchy fabric can be a lot more comfortable in modern clothes. It doesn't take much elastane to squeeze your hips into a tight pair of trousers. But it can make all the difference in the world!
Besides, women's sizes have changed dramatically in the past few generations. Some of the original vintage clothes have such tiny waists that they would be impossible to wear nowadays!
How about vintage hair?
Your hair is, by far, your best accessory. If you're going all-in for the golden days, you want a proper 1940s look that matches your hair type. Did you know, for instance, that 1940s hairstyles were significantly different between women? We all know Rita Hayworth's pompadour style, but did you realise that Africa-American and Caribbean women preferred a smooth pageboy style? Your hair can set the era perfectly. If you're going all-natural, head for the freeing hairstyles of the 1970s that embrace natural curls, frizziness, and less is more.
Are you ready for a little time-travel? Step into your TARDIS/wardrobe and get ready to recreate your favourite era. Sure, it may not change 2020, but it's guaranteed to put a smile on your lips.