Mixing Vintage and Contemporary

By Cleverbuttons @cleverbuttons

For stylish wardrobe pieces that no one else will have, it’s always a good idea to go vintage. You can find clothing, jewelry and accessories from the 1970s and earlier by shopping in thrift stores and secondhand stores, and the beginning of the year is a particularly fruitful time for such sprees since donors usually try to fit their donations in before the previous tax year ends. But this isn’t the only viable resource. You can also try shopping vintage sellers online with websites like Ebay for uncomparable finds and convenience.

But that’s only half the battle. When it comes to toeing the line between vintage and old-fashioned, it takes impeccable style judgment to know the difference. Keep reading to find out how you can be seamlessly combine vintage and modern fashion.

When wearing vintage, step into this century with your hair and makeup. We all love a good pair of Victory Rolls, but wearing this kind of hairstyle with even one vintage piece may be a bit too much. Instead, if you’re wearing a retro top or vintage skirt, keep your hair classic. Try loose waves created with the barrel of a curling iron or a messy ponytail. And use soft colours on your lips and cheeks to keep makeup demure.

Use accessories to balance your look.When it comes to achieving a balance between modern and vintage, accessories can be used to tip the scale in your favour. If you’re a lover of contemporary party dresses, for example, always have two or three statement vintage necklaces on hand that you can mix and match them with. Costume jewelry, such as cocktail rings and clip-on earrings are perfect for adding vintage flair to a modern outfit and require almost no time to put together; these are items you can easily grab while you’re on your way out the door.

Look vintage without wearing vintage. And what if you don’t own any vintage pieces, or are still mustering up the courage to show off your yesteryear style? You can wade into the waters of vintage fashion without having even one vintage blouse or skirt. The right shade of red lipstick can be reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. You could also grab a little hairspray and try Marilyn curls or the Gibson tuck. Or fashion a crown of flowers to wear with your modern maxi dress. And the simplest way to sport retro fashion is to wear your contemporary scarves in a retro way; simply tie one around your waist or use it as a head band.