Mixing Vintage with Modern Clothing

As the owner of a vintage clothing boutique I often feel that I’m ‘letting the side down’ if I don’t wear vintage clothing all the time. I feel as though I should take my environmental and ethical stand and upcycle and renew; that I should eschew new clothing stores and shun malls.

That’s not practical.

It’s true that most of my clothing is recycled but I buy new too. I tend to buy styles that are similar to 60’s fashion sensibilities … think capris or pedal pushers.

But one thing I love to do is mix a vintage item with a modern piece. What I find happens is that you create a style that is all your own.

And let's admit that finding vintage 60s and 70s pieces can sometimes be a little limiting due to size and fit. It’s true that vintage pieces can fit a little differently. But once you do find that piece that fits, grab it and take it home and mix it with items in your wardrobe.

I find it easiest to find vintage tops and dresses. Pants and jeans tend to be a little more snug whereas many tops (and most dresses) are more forgiving. Occasionally, a form-fitting dress size can be tricky but many are quite accommodating. Match a billowy 70s dress with a belt and a pair of funky shoes and you are ready to go!

The bottom line for me is if you feel that vintage clothing is an ethic as well as an aesthetic then feel comfortable that moderation is a virtue itself and choosing moderation for the sake of style is rewarding for yourself as well as for the environment.

Add a modern piece to that vintage clothing item to make the outfit complete. Match those new 70s-style jeans to that 70s vintage top. Match a new slinky dress with a 1950s vintage shawl. Or match that 1960s vintage dress with new shoes and jacket.

Be true to your style and don’t fret that it’s new and old. New and old always go hand in hand.