Gift of Gab: How to introduce vintage for the new year, new you
Here we are folks, the 2020s, and with the dawning of a new era, comes the dawning of a “new you,” which for some people, means a new wardrobe.
However, for some, it won’t technically be new as they dive headfirst into the realm of antique aesthetics.
The new year has already been branded as the year of vintage attire as many a 1920s themed New Year’s Eve bash was thrown, so here’s a little how-to on dressing vintage:
- Do not feel pressured to have an all-vintage wardrobe or lifestyle
Due to the popularity of vintage in recent years, true vintage can be expensive, so don’t feel pressured to or feel bad if you can’t buy true vintage.
Trust me, that shit is expensive and you will definitely cry “lost your best friend” level of tears if you rip or stain a piece of history.
Besides the only two good things about a bygone era is the music and fashion, who would ever want to live in a time where racism and sexism is socially acceptable…. Oh wait… But I digress.
The point is there will always be someone you find more aesthetically pleasing than you, it’s just how it is, so stop comparing your style to others and thinking you’re not “vintage” enough.
Don’t be intimidated, life is too short to worry yourself about other people and how much they look like an old photograph of someone’s grandmother or grandfather.
Own your skin, own your shit, own a positive self-perception.
Fashion is meant to be fun, not a competition on who can wear a dead person’s clothes the best.
2. Tailor your style to your own needs
I get you, your confidence level may not be where you like it and you feel like you can’t pull of a certain article of clothing, well say this out loud, “I can wear whatever the fuck I want. Why? Because I can.”
Nowhere does it say that you’re too skinny or too curvy to wear a certain aesthetic, nor does it say that you have to wear what it is stereotypical of your chosen aesthetic.
You want to go full-blown Marlene Dietrich and wear pant suit? You go girl! Vintage style isn’t all skirts and dresses.
You want to wear a leather jacket, white t-shirt, cuffed jeans and Chuck Taylor’s because you find it comfortable? Then go for it, you’re not obligated to wear a three-piece suit and hat just because that was mainstream fashion for that era.
3. Finding your “new” threads
Obviously you can’t have a new style, if you don’t have the wardrobe.
Well have no fear, one can never wrong with thrift stores, especially mom-and-pop shops, proceeds go to a good cause, clothes are affordable and sustainable.
Here’s a tip, stray away from heavily hipster-populated areas, no offense guys, but you’re the reason why 90s fashion is considered vintage and old clothes cost $50 and up.
Another option could be learning how to sew, it would definitely be cheaper than buying reproduction clothes, which let’s face it are overly expensive and cheaply made.
However if you have the funds for true vintage or repro, then go for it, more power to you, I’m merely suggesting options for babes on a budget.
4. Owning your new aesthetic
The final step to embracing a new aesthetic, yes it’s that easy, that’s not mainstream is to not give a shit, just step outside in your go-go boots or circle skirt, and say, “fuck it, this is who I am now, get used to it.”
