The only rule to remember when you are dressing retro is that you have to make a commitment to the vintage style. You have to go all out with shoes, hair style and the attitude. A half hearted attempt, more often than not, ends up with disastrous results.
The vintage look requires a keen eye and attention to the minutest detail. While this holds true for dressing trendily in general, the vintage look requires a little extra effort. If you think wearing ‘old’ clothes is a simple task, think again. In fact, classic American vintage clothing is one among the toughest to imitate and requires plenty of dedication. You have to ensure that the end result makes you stand out from the crowd – not because you are sloppily dressed, but for all the right reasons!
Here are some basic tips to keep in mind before embarking on a retro journey:
Consistency:
You have to be cohesive in your dressing. Obviously, its great fun to mix and match different clothing but you have to keep in mind how all the various pieces of clothing will look together. I once saw a girl in a gorgeous cowboy shirt. Sadly she mixed it with khakis ruining the entire effect! You have to be extremely careful about what you wear and how you wear it!
Accessories:
Your chains, earrings and shoes could not be more important. They not only compliment but also complete your look. The wrong pair of shoes could completely ruin the old school look you are trying to achieve. Another grave danger is getting your eras mixed up.
Grooming:
If you want to look the part, then do your homework. Find out which hairstyles and what kind of looks were in fashion then. You do not have to ape it completely but ensure that you are in sync with the era. Add a bit of modern twist to your hairstyle while still maintaining the retro look.
Once you have the above three points in mind, you can be initiated into the world of vintage fashion. The old school look is not for the weak hearted. It requires plenty of guts and even a small amount of sassiness. Here are a few outfits you can try onto compliment your vintage look.
Necklines:
Opt for gowns, sheaths and dresses with high necklines. Illusion necklines work fantastically for these creations. Illusion necklines usually have sheer material up to the neck followed by a more opaque fabric around the area of the bodice. A higher boat neck style is also a great idea.
Sheath Dresses:
This is the perfect choice and can be worn both during the day and night. Imagine pleats and ruffles. Oversized button details are a favorite.
Vintage Party Dresses:
You are in luck here since there is plenty of availability of these. Larger skirts are a hallmark of the retro era and are quite popular even today. The only difference is that today’s styles are a little more subdued with smaller silhouettes.
