Why would anyone want to wear vintage
clothing? First of all, it's fun! When you wear vintage, you
stand out from the crowd. The chances of someone else
wearing the same exact outfit to that special event are slim
to none. More and more high school girls are shopping
vintage for dances and proms because it guarantees
originality. Yasmine, a vintage clothing collector from Los
Angeles, says, "I wear vintage so I can add a little
something authentically retro to my clothing and not look
the same as everyone else, which is difficult in style-conscious
L.A."
Vintage clothing is also nostalgic.
Remember the good old days when there were party lines and
soda shops? Me neither, but wearing vintage gives a girl the
chance to experience a small part of history. In today's
ambiguous world, it feels nice to pull on a crinoline and
full feminine skirt once in a while. Let's face it: grown-up
girls like to play dress up, too!
For the thrifty, the prices on vintage
items should be incentive enough. Local thrift stores, flea
markets, and yard sales are excellent sources of old
clothing at unbelievable prices. Broke? Go volunteer to help
clean out grandma's attic! I've gotten several vintage
pieces handed down to me since I began collecting about two
years ago.
Online Shopping
The internet has made it easy for vintage
clothing enthusiasts to comparison shop and buy items that
may not be available in their area. Type "vintage clothing"
into any search engine and you'll get hundreds of results.
There are a few things you should know before purchasing
vintage wear online, however.
Carol, owner of Dandelion Vintage, a fun
and inexpensive online Vintage Clothing shop based in New
Jersey, recommends that first-time buyers be aware of what
it means to buy and wear vintage clothing. "It's not like
something new and fresh from Macy's, it's going to feel
different and smell differently (there is no "new" clothing
smell) and the items do need to be treated a little more
carefully," she said, adding that customers should always
ask questions up front about the garments, especially if
they are unsure of the size or condition. When shopping
vintage online, she says, be sure to read the site's terms
of sales, ordering procedure, and return policy before
ordering.
There are many different styles and eras
to choose from. Items from the late 19th century on up
through the 1980's are available. Whatever your style, you're
sure to find something to suit you. Carol suggests customers
buy what they like and avoid following trends, which is
excellent advice when it comes to collecting of any type.
Making it Work
Vintage clothing can be teamed up with
modern apparel or mixed and matched with other vintage
pieces. Back in L.A. Yasmine says, "I find that wearing head
to toe vintage is just not practical in day to day life, but
by adding a few pieces I can create a look that is uniquely
my own. I often buy high-end designer shoes and team them
with a $1.00 vintage dress and a Gap cardigan. The look is
pulled together and definitely mine."
There you have it: vintage clothes are fun,
affordable, and enable the wearer to create and maintain an
original look. So what are you waiting for? Go shopping!
