Vintage fashion has never been so in trend as it is right now, with an increasing number of people looking to incorporate clothing from the past into their modern wardrobes. Finding vintage fashion that complements your current wardrobe means you need to blend timeless, high-quality pieces with modern basics to create a personalised aesthetic. It will allow you to look one of a kind, as you combine pieces to help you dress differently from everyone else.

This guide will explore the best ways to find vintage pieces when shopping in person to complement your wardrobe while making you look stylish. Continue reading to find out more about the best styles to incorporate into your vintage wardrobe and how you can make sure each piece is legit.

Finding & Styling Vintage Pieces

Audit Your Own Wardrobe

Before you start vintage shopping, have a look at your own wardrobe to see if any particular gaps need filling. You might have several pieces of clothing that go together really well, but you realise you’re missing the final touches to give your outfit that extra boost. A modern outfit can be elevated with one or two standout vintage pieces, such as an old-school sports jacket or unique denim clothing from the 1990s. This helps to give you a structured plan as to what you need to keep your eye on while you’re on the prowl for vintage goods.

Focus on Key Pieces

To help you with your search, you should focus on key pieces of clothing that are staples of a vintage wardrobe. This includes:

• Denim: Look for classic brands like Levi’s or Wrangler.
• Knitwear: Search for 70s-80s chunky knits, V-necks, or fair isle patterns for a cosy look.
• A-line Skirts: These are timeless staples that work well with modern blouses.
• Tailored Smart Clothing: High-waisted trousers or 80s-90s blazers add structure and sophistication to a modern wardrobe.

Build with Accessories

If you are new to vintage, start with accessories like silk scarves, leather bags or vintage sunglasses. These add a hint of retro flair without requiring a complete style overhaul, so you don’t need to worry about splashing out on large items with the fear of them not matching the rest of your wardrobe. A strong accessory can be great to plan an outfit around, too, so try to find a statement piece that brings your outfit to life.

Mixing Eras

Your best way to achieve a unique aesthetic that will completely change your wardrobe is by embracing and mixing different areas. A trend that is coming back is combining a 1950s blouse with modern jeans for an eclectic look. However, this strategy can be risky as it can leave you with outfits that don’t really go well together, but if you can pull it off, then more power to you.

Don’t Focus on Sizes

When you’re vintage shopping, you’re going to see a lot of pieces that you love but aren’t available in your size. For a more effective approach, you should purchase the items that you like the look of without thinking about the size. You can always make adjustments to the pieces after you purchase them, making a baggy jacket cropped instead.

Where to Shop for Vintage Fashion

Online Platforms

Depop and Vinted have become the most popular places to find vintage clothing at great prices. Users can upload unique pieces into the platform at their desired price, with other users purchasing it from them or suggesting a different price. It’s the best place to find clothing you like, but at a lower price.

Thrift Stores

To find the most unique pieces, you should go to thrift stores that have clothing that isn’t easily available on online platforms. It can give you a good day out, as you look through different thrift stores for the best deals. Every place will have something unique from the others, so you’re sure to find at least a few places that will fit your wardrobe.

Sustainable Shopping Centres

There are shopping centres in the UK, especially those that are designed to be eco-friendly, as they are transforming retail by integrating net-zero goals, renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Shopping centres in Romford have some of the best choices for vintage clothing, with The Liberty having multiple stores where you can find pieces that match your wardrobe. 

Checking for Authenticity

To check for authenticity when vintage shopping, make sure to take a close look at the tags for older fonts or union labels. You should always prioritise items with metal zippers, as this indicates that they were made pre-1970s, with manufacturers no longer doing it today due to high costs. Clothes with hand-finished seams rather than serged edges are also a good sign that it is legitimate. Check for “Made in USA” labels, as mass outsourcing started in the 1990s, and it will ensure that natural fibres are present.