Great vintage style advice

Collecting vintage clothes is no longer just shopping – it is a rewarding hobby. Spending hours collecting vintage garments is pleasurable, and the ultimate prize is a hidden treasure that no one else has, a little piece of history and an item that can truly reflect your personal sense of style.

I spend countless hours cruising the streets of London to find small little vintage shops and I have so much fun.

Whether you area of choice is the 50s, the 60s or 90s, you are sure to be inspired by  one of a kind pieces in vintage shops, from eras that inspired you in old films for example. Collecting vintage pieces can also be seen as an investment for a future, and could be a good incentive to look after your clothes so they earn more value over the years. If you are looking for a version of a trend that’s in shops right now , you can look in thrift stores too. Since fashion is cyclical, you can be sure that what is in fashion now has been in fashion before, and can be found second-hand. When buying vintage, you have to know what to look for – certain eras and designers, and be careful with the sizing. You may need a tape measure, as sizing has changed greated through the decades. But fashion doesn’t have to be the driving force behind vintage shopping. Firstly, it is known for being ethical, and secondly, it goes further than the fashion trends. You can rely on classic cuts and shapes, that won’t go out of style and choose pieces that flatter your figure.

Vintage is no longer a dirty word – you can spot it on celebrities everywhere, and for many reasons, it is the best way to build an individual style. First, it won’t break your bank – it is no longer about having the latest expensive it-bag, but about wearing that unique piece of clothing no one else has. Each item is like a little piece of history and its unique fabric, texture and cut will make you stand out from the high street. Moreover, most vintage fashions are inexpensive, yet they retain good quality. Often better produced than on the high street, you will find vintage clothes show superior attention to detail. It will make any outfit stand out, with your own individual stamp on it. With a little skill and attention, vintage can be mixed with new finds so that it looks current and modern – the last thing you want is for it to look dated – or worse, costumey. But apart from fashion reasons, you can rely on vintage clothing to have this eco-friendly edge the high street doesn’t. By buying what has been made decades ago, you are contributing to a recycling cycle, and stop encouraging big companies with their landfills and exploited labor. You are contributing to a fairer clothing market, and if you shop at charity shops, you are also donating your money to a good cause.