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Francesca Regazzoni
Jul 21, 2009
Vintage clothing is an investment that should be considered by anyone who appreciates fashion statements and time-defying trends.
Many shoppers new to vintage cannot tell the difference between an antique and a retro and they raise their eyebrows at the price tag and wonder why something used should cost sometimes more than the latest trend. Understanding what vintage clothing is, appreciating how timelessly its appeal will last and learning how to properly seek out genuine vintage pieces are essential to shopping for vintage.
Definition of Vintage Clothing
The term 'vintage' refers to any clothing, high-end designer label or otherwise, made between the 1920s and the 1980s. Vintage clothing is not to be confused with retro clothing or antiques, as the former denotes items from the '60s to '70s while the latter alludes to collectibles that shouldn't be worn but rather kept for one's pleasure.
Wearing Vintage Today
Vintage items add an instant glam factor to any outfit. Be it a tunic from the '70s or a cloche from the '20s, vintage pieces catch the eye by epithomizing on style. Many feel deterred by the price tags on what can be associated to as second hand clothing, but understanding that vintage is an investment the way art can be, may aid the financially conscious shoppers in making the decision for themselves. While true that shopping for vintage is often just as costly as shopping for contemporary fashion interests, the value of the items in question speak for the quality that's surpassed the test of time and trends.
Amateur Vintage Shopping
There are hundreds of details to watch out for, little things like initials on the zipper, the length of the sleeve or even the care labeling. Novice shoppers may benefit from understanding the type of cut, material, labelling and stitching used between the '20s to '80s as this can help narrow down the real time and era the item of clothing was made.
Putting Together an Outfit with a Vintage Accent
Vintage pieces are fashion statements on their own that shouldn't overwhelm the assemble. It is best to wear vintage by picking one or two items at most and mixing them with more contemporary clothing. When using vintage accessories, they are best left to stand out by themselves; likewise, vintage shoes are best paired with subtle outfits that allow the shoes to soak all the attention.
Resources for Vintage Shoppers
Shopping for vintage should be done at exclusive boutiques which articles are sourced individually, carefully inspected for quality and selected for their craftsmanship. Thrift stores and consignment shops should not be the first resource, as these mostly get their items from charity donations. There are also great online sites that sell vintage clothing and have flexible arrangements for returns, such as Fashiondig.
Vintage shopping is not for everyone, as it involves a studious approach on top of personal self-expression that cannot be taught. However, successfully done, vintage clothing is truly an investment to be entered with the same approach one would partake in buying art.
Sources: Vintage Fashion Guild
Basics of Vintage ShoppingOriginally from: http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/basics_of_vintage_shopping
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