What are the essentials for a retro wardrobe?
If you're a new fan of vintage style , you may be wondering where to start to look your best. As in all areas, you first need good foundations! Indeed, it is, initially, necessary to invest in a few very adaptable pieces. Dresses, skirts and other clothes that you can easily match with each other. But what exactly are these vintage wardrobe basics?
Let's take a quick look at this essential wardrobe. If you have at least one piece from each of these categories, you have a great foundation!
First basic of the vintage wardrobe: the shirt dress
Second basic: the dress or flared skirt
Flared skirts and dresses, or skater dresses, are true icons of vintage fashion. If you put one on, you will see the princess in you come out. Believe us, it's practically impossible to resist the urge to twirl to make it twirl!
In addition, this type of cut is very flattering for the figure because it highlights the waist. It particularly highlights figure 8 or V shapes. You will find skater dresses in the 40s to 60s , their success being at its peak in the 50s .
Third basic: the dress or pencil skirt
Giving a business woman look , these dresses and skirts are excellent for sporting a style that is both vintage and professional. How to wear them?
It's simple !
Add to it a pair of pumps, with more or less high heels depending on what you consider comfortable. Opt for a small quilted leather handbag and wear your hair in a low bun, and you're already ready to go to work! This piece therefore has its place in your wardrobe, because it allows you to be elegant very simply.
Fourth basic: the Peter Pan collar
The collar of a shirt or blouse is a small detail, which nevertheless has the power to transform a garment. The pie shovel pass? It takes you back to the 70s. The shirt collar? It brings you a touch of sophistication. The Peter Pan collar? It takes you back to school from the 1900s to the 1950s. Giving a very “good child” look, this collar is also a must-have for vintage dressing.
Indeed, it alone embodies the nostalgia of school before the 60s. You can therefore opt for a blouse with this type of collar and match it with a printed skirt for example. It will always give that little retro touch to any outfit you wear.
Fifth basic: the dress or skirt with retro prints
Among all the print patterns that exist, two stand out for their ultra vintage appearance. Peas , first of all. Whatever their size, they always evoke the 50s and 60s , and are ideal for achieving a pin-up look for example.
On the other hand, floral patterns are also emblematic of vintage fashion. You can wear them as a total look, with a floral dress , or on a top, a skirt or just an accessory.
Small morphology reminder: the larger a pattern, the more it tends to grow. Take the good into consideration when making your choice, or you risk buying something you'll never wear. To accessorize these two designs, nothing could be simpler!
You can simply choose your bag, your shoes, etc. in a color that you find on the pattern. You can also get them in a neutral color. It’s up to you to decide according to your tastes!
Sixth basic: long dresses
You will find long dresses mainly from the 20s and 40s. Charleston dresses, for example, are typical of the Roaring Twenties and can give you a totally original style. They are perfect for evening wear, to look chic and positively stand out.
As for long dresses from the 40s , they are ideal in summer, because of their material. Fluid and light, they often include tulle or chiffon, combined with light shades. Everything we love in summer!
Seventh basic: strappy pumps
Strapped pumps are among the essentials of the vintage wardrobe because they recall the 40s to 60s.
If you look up old shoe advertisements from those years, you'll find that they were indeed fashionable. You will even sometimes see them at the feet of certain pin-ups.
So, this type of pump really completes a retro look and it's hard to do without them as they add the finishing touch to the outfit.
To have good basics in your vintage wardrobe, remember that:
- You should be able to alternate between straight, flared, retro patterned or plain skirts or dresses.
- The shirt dress is one of the essentials, because it can be adapted as desired with numerous accessories.
- A blouse or blouse with a Peter Pan collar is ideal for giving a retro look to an outfit, because this type of collar is reminiscent of childhood and school from the 1900s-1950s.
- Long dresses from the 1940s , with their light and airy appearance, are among the summer essentials. 1920s Charleston dresses , on the other hand, will have you dressed for a night out in no time.
- To complete the look, avoid shoes that are too out of step with the retro style (sneakers for example). Favor strappy pumps , undeniably vintage.