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20 Tips to Modernize Vintage Clothing

Remember the good days when people dressed up before going anywhere? It’s time to bring that tradition back. It’s now “in” to wear vintage clothing. Now, there’s nothing wrong with wearing a full head-to-toe vintage. One of the biggest concerns when getting into vintage is diving head first and feeling as though you’re wearing a costume. Thankfully, vintage clothing can be modernized so you don’t stand out. Instead, you’ll look incredibly stylish. Some may even consider your style trendsetting.

Wearing vintage clothing with a modern twist makes you stand out in a good way, but it isn’t always the easiest thing to do. It takes a lot of prior knowledge, otherwise, something about your outfit will just look…off. These are some tips from vintage style gurus to make you look your best no matter which decade you wear.

If you’re interested in learning how to modernize vintage clothing, click next and give some of the tips a shot. Just remember that you should always feel comfortable with yourself and love how you look. Everyone has their own personal style and every tip may not fit for your look. If you aren’t happy and loving your outfit, then feel free to play around with what you’re wearing.

Stay True to Your Style

Stay True to Your Style

We want you to love how you look. When you’re incorporating new pieces into your collection or going out with a new outfit, pick clothing that’s an extension of yourself. There are no “musts” with modernizing vintage clothing.

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Make a Statement

Make a Statement

The best way to start wearing modernized vintage clothing is to use a statement piece. Whether it’s top, bottom, jacket, or accessory, you can design your outfit around it using modern clothing. Just make sure not to add too much color if your statement piece is a little on the wild side.

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Choose Vintage That Looks Modern

Choose Vintage That Looks Modern

You don’t have to step out in a classic Edwardian shirt or a flapper dress. You can start with vintage looks that look modern or trends that have become more popular. Swing dresses are becoming more popular, and oxfords are always classy.

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Pair with Contemporary Hair and Makeup

Pair with Contemporary Hair and Makeup

Contemporary hair and makeup can go a long way with vintage clothing. If you love vintage hairstyles and makeup, you can update the look with a more modernized style. Modernized 1940s loose waves or a Hollywood glam look can look fantastic with a modernized vintage outfit.

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Mix Eras

Mix Eras

Mixing eras can be a great way to make your outfit seem modern without really wearing newer pieces. Blending neutrals with a pop of color from your accessories will create a unique outfit that fashionably stands out. 

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Don't Wear All Vintage

Don't Wear All Vintage

For those that are worried about wearing too much vintage, you can stick to wearing one or two pieces per outfit. If you’re wearing a vintage dress, it’s enough to stand alone. On the other hand, two vintage accessories are key to creating the perfect flow to your outfit.

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Use Modern Fashion Tips

Use Modern Fashion Tips

Some fashion tips are universal and should be followed no matter what decade you’re wearing. Use modern fashion tips to upgrade your outfit from the old and into the new. For example, wearing a shapeless dress can make someone look frumpy. Belts are the perfect accessory to add shape to the dress and make it look great for any body shape.

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Get Tailored

Get Tailored

Never underestimate the power of a tailor. With the right fit, any outfit can look amazing no matter what it looked like before. If a vintage outfit doesn’t wear right, a tailor can alter the fabric and have it accentuate your figure.

Separate Sets

Separate Sets

Don’t be afraid to separate sets of clothing. This tip goes double for sets that have incredibly dated pants like bell bottoms from the '70s. If you find a suit with a chic blazer, don’t be afraid to use it on its own.

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Add Modern Accessories

Add Modern Accessories

The best way to update a vintage outfit is by adding modern accessories. A fashionable belt, a set of minimalist jewelry, or a hat can give your look that updated look it needs.

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Use Modern Reproductions

Use Modern Reproductions

Vintage clothing isn’t cheap, and it can be hard to find the part that completes your outfit. Many clothing designers have started making modern reproductions that can pair well and look right at home in the past.

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Look for Vintage Basics

Look for Vintage Basics

"Vintage basics" has no firm definition, but it’s used to describe clothing that was common from an era and can be easily found. Band t-shirts are one of the most popular vintage basics and can be dressed up or down. Some other vintage basics include circle skirts, leather jackets, and pantsuits.

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Consider Customization

Consider Customization

Don’t be afraid to customize an outfit to fit your body type or personal style. If you love the '80s but could do without the massive shoulder pads – just cut them out. With some sewing skills, you can also alter your own clothing to fit your personality. Many people that love vintage fashion encourage others to learn how to use a sewing machine.

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Think Outside of the Box

Think Outside of the Box

Fashion isn’t cut and dry. It’s unique to each person, and thinking outside of the box can yield surprising results. When you can customize your clothes, you can do whatever you want. It doesn’t take much work to turn a dress into a shirt and skirt to wear separately.

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Try Minimalism

Try Minimalism

One fashion tip many designers are suggesting is minimalism. When you have a busy pattern or statement piece, minimalistic accessories are the best way to go because it tones down the outfit a little.

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Avoid Damaged Vintage

Avoid Damaged Vintage

Distressed or worn can look stylish, but damaged and destroyed isn’t chic. Instead, your vintage clothing will look tattered and cheap. It can also make someone look older than they really are. 

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Accentuate Your Body

Accentuate Your Body

No matter what era you’re wearing, you should accentuate your figure. Some designs change the way your body can look – like horizontal stripes. Try to purchase outfits that will hug your curves rather than puff them out. 

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Buy the Right Size

Buy the Right Size

If the piece feels too small, don’t buy it. Unless you plan on getting it tailored, it may be best to avoid something too large as well. No one looks good when a top hangs on them like it would a hanger. 

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Wear Modern Shoes

Wear Modern Shoes

One of the most dramatic ways to change a vintage outfit is by wearing modern shoes. For example, you can pair a circle skirt with a pair of pumps. It livens up the outfit and brings it to the current era.

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Dress Down (Or Up)

Dress Down (Or Up)

The best thing about vintage clothing is that you can wear it for any occasion. Many party dresses from the '50s or '60s can be easily dressed down with a leather jacket. You can also dress up a band tee with a circle skirt and a cardigan.

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