Vintage Fashion: A Timeless Trend with Modern Appeal

What qualifies as vintage is up to each of us to decide. Vintage fashion is the trend that never goes out of style. It is already out of time, and perhaps that is indeed what makes it timeless.

Isn’t it funny how some look down on second-hand and pre-loved fashion, but as soon as you call it vintage, they’re somehow intrigued? It is as though they believe it is more valuable, or more interesting once it deemed to be is a vintage piece. But what does vintage really mean?

What is vintage?

The word itself can have the be another word for “year”, such as the vintage of a fine wine. Or as a way of denoting high quality. So in fashion, what would we deem to be vintage? Is it the “best” season in fashion? The finer years, or so to speak? There isn’t a clear definition of what vintage fashion is, since it is used as a rather generic term.

How old does a vintage piece need to be for it to be seen as vintage?

Any fashion piece from more than a decade ago could be seen as vintage fashion. Though most vintage fashion pieces are at least 20 years old. That does mean that we’ve reached and passed the time when 90s fashion was first seen as vintage. To me, it feels a little bit odd to call those clothes’ vintage. They’re still just the clothes that people wore when I was growing up. They are nostalgic, however, and thinking back, very comfortable.

When I hear someone mention vintage fashion, I still tend to think of the fashion that was created between the 1920s and 1970s. But it is already 2024. The years are passing by quickly. The fashion that was popular during the early 2000s is technically vintage now as well. I don’t feel there were many trends at the time that were worth hanging onto.

How can we incorporate vintage fashion into our modern wardrobes?

It’s quite simple. You need to have your own wardrobe in good order and be well aware of what your style is and what your colours are. As well as the fit you like and what you feel is flattering and confidence-inducing to wear. When you know that, it is only a matter of looking back at the fashion from the past. Anything from the 1900s will do, though there are more and more people being inspired by fashion from the 1800s as well.

Google and Pinterest are both excellent sources, but I still think the best resource in general and for this topic in particular, is your local library. They’d have far more information along with photographs and drawings than what millennials have posted on social media.

You needn’t bother with sticking to one decade either. Go with what suits your soul, and make a list of the names of the garments, the colours and why you like them so.

After that, you can get vintage patterns and make your own versions of the clothes. It would still be vintage in the sense that it is based on a trend and pattern from another age in fashion.

Where can you find vintage fashion, fabrics and patterns?

You can make a list of what you are looking for and reach out to local shops or online shops that deal with vintage and second-hand fashion. They will be able to show you the garments they have in stock or they may be able to keep an eye out for future items for you. At any rate, making connections is key. Someone always knows someone.

You might also want to reach out and join online groups of fellow fashion enthusiasts. Make a post of your own in the groups, introduce yourself and see who you can connect with. Other people in the groups may also know places and people whom you have yet to reach out to.

I know people have been able to find all three on sites such as eBay, Etsy and even Craigslist. But if you are looking for stores specialising in vintage fashion, have a look at these:

• Beyond Retro

• Rokit

• thredUP

• Vestiaire Collection

• Frea Vintage

I have had the most luck purchasing fashion items and garments from other fashion enthusiasts on social media, but I know that there are many who have had good luck with vintage fashion stores. I think when you find the garment, pattern or fabric yourself, you’re likelier to find something extra special. Because what you are looking for may not be part of what the shops believe will sell well.

If you are looking to make your own vintage-inspired pieces, you can find buttons, fabrics and patterns that are from and match the style you are going for. That way it’ll all look cohesive and authentic.

Good luck!