Dabbling in retro style is a fun way to experiment with vintage trends while still keeping your look modern. Here’s how to dip your toe into retro fashion without going full-on throwback.
Decide on Your Decade of Inspiration
The first step is deciding which retro decade you want to channel. Here are some of the most popular ones to consider:
1950s
- Poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and scarf headbands
- Greaser and rockabilly styles
- Pearls, cat-eye glasses, and red lipstick
1960s
- Mod shifts, go-go boots, and mini skirts
- Hippie styles with flowy fabrics, fringe, and floral prints
1970s
- Boho chic with peasant blouses, midi skirts, and wedge heels
- Disco fever with wrap dresses, bell bottoms, and platform shoes
1980s
- Big hair, shoulder pads, and acid wash denim
- Neon colors, leg warmers, and oversized sweaters
Once you select a decade, it will help focus your retro vibe. But don’t feel limited to just one – mix and match eras for an eclectic style!
Add Retro Accents to Your Wardrobe
You don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe to achieve a touch of retro flair. Start by incorporating small accessories and garment additions:
- Jewelry: Look for vintage-inspired statement pieces like big cocktail rings and rings, dainty pearls, and charm bracelets.
- Hair Accessories: Scrunchies, headscarves, and decorative clips and barrettes are fun retro touches.
- Makeup: Try a bold red lip, cateye eyeliner, or colored mascara for a retro makeup look.
- Belts: Cinch your waist with belts in materials like patent leather, velvet, or chain styles.
- Tights & Socks: Colored tights or thigh high stockings, sheer ankle socks, and footless tights create retro leg looks.
- Shoes: Mary janes, saddle shoes, go-go boots, and platforms make retro shoe statements.
These small accents help create a vintage vibe without going overboard.
Shop Vintage and Second-Hand Stores
Skip fast fashion and hit up thrift and consignment stores to find high-quality retro garments at affordable prices. Keep an eye out for these retro treasure pieces:
- Swing coats and duster cardigans
- Pencil skirts in colors and retro patterns
- Blouses with puff sleeves, bows, and ruffles
- Sweaters like 3/4 sleeve, crew neck, and mohair
- Wrap dresses, A-line mod dresses, and babydoll dresses
- Tailored slacks and high-waisted jeans
- Denim, leather, or corduroy jackets
When thrifting, look closely at the cut, construction, and materials for pieces that will last. Curating true vintage items adds authenticity to your retro style.
Adapt Modern Trends With Retro Touches
Some current fashion trends get a fresh spin with retro styling. Try these ideas:
- Crop tops: Tuck into a high-waisted skirt for a 50s/60s vibe. Add puff sleeves for 70s charm.
- Mom jeans: Pair with a billowy poet blouse and mule heels for Boho 70s style. Or tuck into boots like the 80s.
- Slip dresses: Layer under overalls or denim jackets to nod to the 90s. Add a belt for 60s flair.
- Bike shorts: Wear under dresses/skirts like 80s workout gear. Or go full retro with stirrup leggings.
- Oversized blazers: Cinch with a wide belt for exaggerated 80s shoulder pads appeal.
Putting a retro spin on current pieces avoids looking dated. Use modern items as foundations and add vintage accents.
Decide How Far to Go
When channeling retro style, decide how subtly or fully you want to commit:
- For a touch of retro, just add some accents like jewelry or makeup to your everyday modern clothes.
- Retro casual has more vintage pieces styled with basics like jeans, tees, and sneakers.
- Retro chic goes fuller vintage with hairstyles, makeup, accessorizing, and retro garments.
- An over-the-top retro costume goes all-in for theme parties or events.
Decide how much retro flair you feel best suits your personal style. You can always up the vintage volume for special occasions!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some common questions people have about dipping their toes into retro style:
How do I avoid looking like I’m wearing a costume?
- Focus more on adding retro accents to modern garments rather than wearing full vintage outfits in everyday settings.
- Make sure your clothing fits properly – ill-fitting vintage can look like a costume.
- Style your hair and makeup in a more modern, wearable way if your outfit is very retro.
Where can I find retro-style clothing?
- Thrift stores and consignment shops carry quality vintage items and retro-looking modern clothes.
- Some brands like ModCloth and Unique Vintage sell new retro-inspired clothing.
- Etsy has handmade retro accessories and vintage-look garments.
- Customize modern pieces by adding your own retro accents like shoulder pads.
How do I do retro hair and makeup?
- For hair, use hot rollers or curling wands for bouncy curls. Style with scarves and floral hair clips.
- Watch online tutorials for vintage makeup styles like winged liner, bold lips, and faux beauty marks.
- Use styling products for retro hairstyles like finger waves, pin curls, bouffants, and beehives.
- Look up images of iconic women from the era for hair and makeup inspiration.
What if my body type doesn’t suit vintage fashion?
- Look for retro pieces made of stretchy fabrics that conform to your figure.
- Seek out vintage-inspired garments designed for modern body types and fit.
- Add shapewear if needed to get the smooth silhouette of pencil skirts and tailored dresses.
- Adapt trends to flatter your figure – a maxi skirt instead of mini, fuller skirts over pencil, etc.
Conclusion
Dipping your toes into retro style lets you experiment with vintage glamour without going full-on costume. Start slow by adding accessories, makeup, and small garment accents to your modern wardrobe. Shop second-hand stores for authentic pieces, adapting trends with retro flair. Decide how subtly or boldly you want to channel the retro eras that most appeal to your personal style sensibilities. With so many ways to incorporate vintage charm into your look, everyone can find a way to work retro chic into their own fashion aesthetic!
