Vintage: Something Everlasting

Fashion is cyclical and style from the past is most likely being new again. Be above the trend and one of a kind and invest in vintage clothing. Vintage clothing is individual, unique and "embodies nostalgic romance" (Bamford 2003, 6).

Before you go vintage shopping, let us establish how old the clothes have to be before it is classified as vintage. Clothes before the 1920s are deemed antique while from the 1920s to 1980s are considered vintage (Bamford 2003). Retro refers to "clothing that imitates the style of a previous era" (Markezic 2009, 127) and anything post 1980s is considered second hand (Bamford 2003).

Ease your way into vintage clothes by starting with a theme and then shop for pieces and accessories that fit into that period (Bamford 2003).

 

The dresses of different eras:

 

Orig. images from http://glamourdaze.com/

1920s - Dresses from this era have a straight-up-and-down shape and as was described by winifredandbance.com "mannish, skimpy and flamboyant (bobbed hair, long pearl necklace, cloche hats, knee length and thin dresses etc.)" really do sum up the fashion of the 1920s for me.

 

1930s - The style of this period is softer, more feminine and a slim silhouette through bias cut with some flare at the hem (Bamford 2003).

 

1950s - The shape of dresses in this era is similar to a disproportion hourglass, with one end more flared out. A large bust, trim waist and full skirt (ibid). 

 

1960s - Mod dresses are your typical dresses from this period. A-line with "skirt flares out straight and stiff from the waist or bust" (ibid, 18).

 

Vintage accessories:

Orig. image from Shop til you drop April 2009, p127

 

 Eight instant age giveaways:

 



Orig. Images from http://www.polyvore.com/ 

1. Peter Pan collars - Popular in the early 1960s (and was named after the collar of Peter Pan's costume in 1905 [Wiki]).

2. One-shoulder dresses - The heights of the 1970s disco period (and can be first seen in ancient Greece).

3. Bracelet-length sleeves on jackets and coats - Popular in the late 1950s.
4. Handkerchief hemlines - The characteristics of the 1920s fashion and reappeared in the late 1970s.

5. Empire line - The height of the early 1960s (and popular during the Regency period and fashion of Jane Austen's novels).

6. Halter-neck dresses - Popular in the 1950s.

7. Sweetheart necklines - Shape of the 1940s especially with built-up shoulders.

8. Waistline around the hips - Dated back from1920s.   

 

Taking care of vintage clothes:

 

Orig.Image from Shop til you drop April 2009, p131

   

Reference List:

• Bamford, T. 2003. Viva Vintage. United Kingdom: Carroll & Brown Limited.
• Markezic, E. 2009. Buyer's Guide to Vintage. Shop Til You Drop, April.
• Website: http://www.winifredandbance.com/, accessed on May 2009.

Images from Shop Til You Drop April 2009; glamourdaze.com (definately worthwhile checking the site for all things vintage. Refer to the link above); and polyvore.com.

 

Additional website  

For 100 topsites for vintage clothing: http://vintagecityclothing.com/topsites/