December 15, 2022
Last Updated on October 19, 2023 by Dominique de Merteuil
Home » Vintage Fashion Tips » How to Mix Vintage with Modern Fashion
You often ask me in comments how to wear and mix vintage clothes with those of contemporary designers. The thinking behind this is to avoid looking too costumey or like an extra from Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Not that there is anything wrong with looking like you’ve just stepped out from a scene playing the part of a murderess in Miss Fisher’s show.
I would almost be willing to sell out Mr de Merteuil to medical experimentation for such a privileged opportunity, as I’d very much love to be fighting crime in a 1920s couture gown along with the glamorous Miss Fisher.
For full disclosure, I only have half a dozen garments made post-the 1950s so for the purpose of this post, and to show you how to pair true vintage with modern pieces, I borrowed a few items from the closet of my very stylish mother.
How to Mix Vintage with Modern Fashion
Back to the topic at hand, however, the answer to how to mix vintage with modern fashion is simple.
- Start with one vintage garment, or accessory, at a time.
For a complete novice, I would advise that you start with something as straightforward as pairing a dress, skirt or slacks from a contemporary designer with a piece of vintage jewellery or a bag. You would be surprised how much a vintage brooch can elevate even the most basic outfit.
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My Favourite French Sole Velvet Slippers
The Vintage Dress for a Modern Look
For those of you who feel a little bit more courageous, I recommend splurging on a vintage little black dress, if you like dresses that is, and pair it with contemporary shoes.
Pick timeless pieces:
When it comes to vintage clothing, it’s important to choose pieces that will stand the test of time. You want items that are well-made and that won’t go out of style.
Incorporate contemporary shoes and hosiery.
Even though most of the clothes in my wardrobe are from the 1930s, 1940s and the 1950s, I always buy contemporary shoes.
French Sole velvet slippers go perfectly with all my vintage suits and dresses, SPITZ saddle sneakers are a real show stopper and happen to be the most comfortable among my footwear. I also love, Manolo Blahnik and Gucci pumps because they go with everything in my wardrobe.
SHOP MY FAVOURITES
Pair Vintage Clothes with Modern Hosiery
Wolford and Chantal Thomas have a great selection of stockings and tights with bold prints. And when you pair them with vintage clothes, they will give the look a modern edge.
SHOP MY LOOK
Use Vintage as Inspiration for the Contemporary Look
One way to mix vintage with modern is to use vintage clothing as inspiration for contemporary designs.
This can be a great way to add a touch of vintage style to your wardrobe without having to wear actual vintage clothing.
Every designer I can think of takes inspiration from vintage and antique clothes. Ralph Lauren is great for the Gosford Park, country chic look.
How to Wear Vintage Clothes and Still Look Modern
The key to wearing vintage and looking modern is all about balance.
Wear it with confidence:
One of the best ways to wear vintage and look modern is to simply wear your clothing with confidence. If you believe in your outfit, others will too.
Tips on Wearing Vintage Clothes with Modern Pieces
- For those who are just starting their adventure with vintage fashion, I suggest you invest in the 1940s or 1950s skirt suit. It’s easy to pair a vintage skirt with a contemporary blouse or a vintage jacket with contemporary slacks.
- The most important rule to remember is to wear only what you feel comfortable in! I can’t stress this enough, as there is no point in spending your hard-earned money on a pretty but impractical collection that will spend its days as a wardrobe display.
- You can never go wrong with the 1930s coat no matter what you wear underneath. Some vintage coats are such a work of art that there is no point in taking them off.
- Try different things; mixing a vintage dress with a very contemporary belt or the other way around.
Mixing Vintage with Modern Pieces Can Be a Lot of Fun!
A simple vintage skirt, like the early 1950s one below, is easy to style. The sheer blouse I opted for to show you how to make vintage clothes look modern is perfect for an evening night out.
If I wanted something a tad more conservative, I would swap the blouse for a nice vintage-inspired cardigan, preferably one from Wheels & Dollbaby or Emmy Design.
It Looks so Modern. You Wouldn’t Know it was Vintage
Vintage Clothes for the Modern Girl
Vintage fashion is all about being unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Have fun with it and mix and match different eras until you find a look that you love and are comfortable with. And as I demonstrated in this post, you can definitely wear vintage and look modern.
Don’t get discouraged, as it’s a process of trial and error.
You will get there eventually, and remember that you are working on refining your style and not following trends. After all, It’s no secret that fashion trends come and go but vintage is here to stay.