Wearing Vintage

Although we are huge fans of going out dressed head to toe like something out of 1950’s Vogue, we know that for the average girl wanting to wear vintage that look is a pretty bold move. To help, we’ve decided to offer some useful tips on how to incorporate vintage pieces into your everyday style.

Often times, less is more. If you are the proud owner of a spectacular vintage piece it is usually advisable to pair it with simple and modern garments to avoid looking dated or frumpy. One look that we are particularly fond of at Couture Panache is the embellished cardigan (circa 1950).  We like to wear our embellished vintage cardigans buttoned all the way up with a simple pair of dark wash skinny jeans and a tank top underneath. This look really showcases the beauty and quality of a vintage sweater or jacket. Another way to wear a little embellished sweater or jacket is to put it over a simple, elegant dress.

This idea also translates well for vintage blouses. An interesting and beautiful vintage blouse also looks great over a pair of dark skinnies, modern shorts, or for a bolder look belted with a skirt. Another beautiful way to wear a vintage blouse is under a solid colored blazer. We LOVE that look!

Vintage Dresses are a little easier to wear; they tend to look brilliant on any body type and worn almost any way. One thing to take note of, however, is the hemline. Styles become ‘vintage’ for a reason and usually the hemline or shape is just a little off from today’s current trends. The key to pulling off a vintage dress is all in the shoes. A pair of modern shoes really compliments a vintage look. We prefer the oh-so-now vintage inspired platforms created by Seychelles.

The most important thing about wearing vintage is the fit. When you find a wonderful vintage item it’s often difficult to pass it up, even if it isn’t your size.  The key is to know what looks good on your body type and to look for items that will flatter.  When in doubt, we suggest finding a good alteration shop. Nothing looks more panache than a perfectly fitted garment vintage or otherwise!

With a little experimentation you will undoubtedly find the right look for your vintage treasures. Take time to go through your closet and pull some items that will compliment your piece without going overboard and remember practice makes panache!!