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I’ve long believed that incorporating one-of-a-kind vintage into your wardrobe is the surest way to make it feel like your own—less rigidly assembled, more casually (but thoughtfully) accrued. There’s a particular satisfaction in being stopped on the street, someone curious enough to ask where you found that slightly unusual piece, and getting to say, “thanks, it’s vintage!”
It carries a certain implication: that your taste operates on a slightly different frequency, that what you’re wearing isn’t entirely replicable! You have achieved the ultimate goal of being truly unique!
But, acquiring said cool, one-of-a-kind piece is only half the story.
There’s a noticeable difference between discovering something you love and figuring out how to wear it in a way that feels natural within the rest of your wardrobe. Without that, even a great find can come across as a bit too deliberate—more costume than instinct.
Let me guide you!
I’ve talked about this before, so without repeating myself too much, I’ll simply recommend you start here, where I go a little deeper on where to shop, what to look for, and some other looks to try out:
But First, Hair and Make-up
One of the most important elements in making vintage feel modern rather than costume-like is how you approach your hair and makeup.
A look that’s too defined—a bold lip with a strong eye, overly set curls, heavy hairspray, or fussy accessories—can feel overly tied to a specific era and add to the “Halloween costume” feel.
A lighter touch tends to work better.
Let the vintage piece stand out, and keep everything else relatively simple: a bit of shimmer, some gloss, a small pop of color. The goal is balance, not recreating a full look from decade long gone by.
Now that we’ve got that figured out, let’s get to the finds…
The Opera Coat, But For Errands
Striking ornate evening coats are no doubt having a moment in the zeitgeist, but they are a forever collector piece in my personal wardrobe, as I do believe they can, in fact, be dressed up or down — like so!
vintage 1950s metallic opera coat (fem l, $316 on sale, never worn!) (honorable mention to this striped raw silk option, this killer blue option, and this black one)
this outfit works because of the shape of this coat, more swing-like than tapered, which adds movement to help it adjust to a more “daytime” feel, less stiffalex mill cashmere sweater cardigan (new, $328)
vintage “don’t worry about it” tee (vintage l, $64.99)
look at the related tees! go down a rabbit hole!lizzie fortunato lapis round earrings ($250)
i love these little round dangles, the lapis makes them exude an “outer space” kind of vibelouis vuitton vernis brea ($427)
dedicated trash heads know i love the slightly camp charm of the louis vernis, especially when they’re a little discolored and well-lovedjw anderson pigeon crochet bag charm ($390)
it’s….a need?le monde beryl woven burgundy flats (new, $630)
A Little Witchy, But Polished
For the girl who has Florence Welch wailing in her headphones on her commute to a slightly stuffy office job (this was once me, when I was the EA at an old school executive placement firm) You can let your freak flag (modestly) fly by incorporating vintage that can easily feel sophisticated (but still has that hint of whimsy!)
celine tortoise cat eye sunglasses ($127.50)
vintage 1960s marimekko rain coat ($550.50, ships from Belgium)
this rain coat! truly special and perfect for fighting the rainy day dull drab feels away in spring (this seller has amazing finds, worth the shipping, me thinks)theory black short sleeve turtleneck (new, $235)
vintage jean paul gaultier pants (fem 8, $108.50)
you know i love a little PANT — they’re so classic and sweet and can feel fancy or fun (with a strappy sandal and vintage tee)cartier panthère black sling backpack ($508)
i collect old cartier handbags and this one is my favorite of the bunchle monde beryl black leather kitten heels (new, $655)
lizzie fortunato pearl earrings ($150)
pearls can easily feel stuffy, but i love a simple tiny little dangle1980s adrianna papell sequin jacket (fem l, $99.99)
she’s so fun!!!!khaite silk gathered midi skirt (fem 2, $385)
this color is a delightantique metal mesh chain purse ($129.99)
be the only gal at the function with chainmailgucci patent acrylic wedge heels (fem 8, $600, new with tags)
Lady Like, But Not Stuffy
She’s fancy, but she probably still has an arm full of tattoos. The key to doubling up on statement vintage (the coat and the dress) is pairing it with funky modern accessories that juxtapose the vibes — enter everyone’s favorite Tory Burch strappy sandals and my favorite Loewe sunnies.
1950s pink coat (fem m/l, $85)
1940s rayon wavy pattern dress (see measurements, $219)
1940s is my favorite era to collect, and cold rayon is one of my top searched for things — i love the way it lays, it’s easy to find pieces in good shape, and the textile feels soft on my sensitive skinsalvatore ferragamo woven purse
this link is now missing mysteriously from TRR even though it says “coming soon”! keep your eyes peeled! this bag is a stunner, i love the modern depth it adds to this ensembletory burch white sandal heels (new, on sale!, $119!)
WWCBW? (What Would Carrie Bradshaw Wear?)
Another way to wear a “cute little pant” — something I am very, very passionate about.
miu miu tinted sunglasses ($365)
st. john camelia brooch ($134.99)
ELEGANTvintage prada pink silk coat ($381)
this color!!!!éterne tank (new, $95)
vintage liz claiborne silk paisley pants (fem 8, $55.25)
there is a sea of 100% silk “cute little pants” on ebay (like here, here, here, here and here) and (well-priced!) vintage designer ones on the TRR (like here, here, here, and here)vintage leather celine top handle purse ($284)
she’s a little beat up, but the size is so funstaud patent leather tan mule heels (new, $350)
chan luu blue paper trench coat (new, $445)
not super into the chan luu hype, but this coat is insane in the best way and i am a firm believer in a statement coat being a wardrobe essential sooooooorange y2k silk pant set (fem XL!, $75)
search: silk pant set, vintage pant set, y2k pant set, 90s pant set1960s woven leather trim purse ($29.99)
this has some staining on it, but nothing i don’t think could be embellished over perhaps? or add some pins? get creative!gucci light blue horsebit mule heels (fem 8.5, $655)
Goth Girl Goes to the Beach (She’s Not Getting in the Water)
Okay, this is probably too light and playful for the true goth in your life, but this girl is definitely experimenting with adding “color” to her wardrobe for the first time.
1920s woven flapper cloche hat ($92)
FUNgucci black reflective sunglasses ($310)
you could go with a true vintage bug eye or cat eye silhouette here, but i like mixing it up with someone a little twisted and unexpected1960s mini playsuit (vintage fem m, $85)
vintage rattan barrel purse ($85)
search: vintage rattan, wicker, woven with lucite, acrylic in the keywordsa. emery black wrap sandals (new, $250)
kallmeyer beaded cap (new, $636)
you needn’t spend this much, I’m sure you can find some floating around eBay or Etsy! (though this one is divine)1970s black cotton eyelet pant set (fem s, $255)
inès bressand woven purse ($212)
1970s lucite ball ring (size 6.5, $39)
la double j tassel leather sandals (new, $560)
not a huge “chunky” sandal person but these are a delight
Sunshine Dressing
Colors that are meant to be seen in — expect attention (and probably lots of compliments!)
lizzie fortunato black agate dangle earrings ($345)
i love these!!1960s drop waist orange floral dress (see measurements, $199)
orange and black doesn’t have to feel like Halloween!proenza schouler orange leather sandal heels (new, $890)
1960s bonnie cashin orange leather jacket (fem s/m, $649) (alt here)
high sport red gingham flare pants (new, $880)
no no, you needn’t purchase $880 stretchy pants, but these are a great visual illustration of a classic pattern and vintage silhouette that forever feels fresh (I have the Gap version and I wear them at least twice a week, no lie)1950s woven basket of flowers purse ($45)
CUTE!!!!margaux woven flats (new, $325)
loving the woven flat over the mesh flat (personally) — these feel a little more resistant to the trend cycle
A Modern Take on a Retro Evening
Because you don’t have to opt for the same dress/clutch/shoes recipe for every special occasion! Skirts don’t get enough love! Imagine these dressed down with a paper thin vintage tee and a flat sandal…
1960s blue floral darlene cardigan (see measurements, $78)
1980s midnight blue taffeta drop waist skirt ($48.75)
SO good — drop waist! taffeta! under $50!vintage whiting and davis mesh drawstring purse ($45)
this is also SO good — rare shape for whiting & davis, tbhle monde béryl cream mesh kitten heels (new, $565)
if you’re gunna go mesh, get weird with this cream color!dries van noten green crop blouse ($122.50)
1940s brown rayon skirt (fem xs, $134.50 on sale)
gucci embossed bamboo purse ($1595)
she’s tiny and decadent and specialjimmy choo rope sandal heels (fem 6, $175)
an unexpected shoe is the best kind of shoe - this color combo is unique and intriguing
A Groovy Occassion
For the garden party/vineyard wedding/backyard soirée on your calendar, why not wear a show-stopping vintage gown that has everyone saying “where’d you get that?”
kenneth lane amethyst and peridot costume earrings ($99.99)
kenneth knows how to make good costume jewelry1960s malcolm starr pink plaid silk gown (see measurements, $858)
malcolm starr, the ultimate designer of 1960s/70s evening wear! would also search: victor costa, l magnin, bill blass, geoffrey beene, lillie rubin, lilli ann, donald brooks, adele simpson (the list is endless, just look at the related finds!)cult gaia grape purse ($598)
idk why they insist on putting their brand name on the exterior of their otherwise very cool clutches, but this one is much less noticeable and asking to go to the vineyard with youmanolo blahnik pleated red heel mules (fem 6, $457.50)
She Sells Seashells
Nautical themes are the definition of classic, with every era having their own sea-loving trend that defined the decade. I personally think you should view this with your rose-colored-Blazy-esque glasses on, and twist the color story on its head — get weird!!!
miu miu tinted sunglasses ($365)
vintage navy drop waist striped pleated dress (fem m, $69)
vintage small navy woven round purse ($118)
pointless maybe, but +100000 adorable pointssaint laurent blue woven sandal heels (fem 7.5, $571.50)
these instantly make this look fresh, modern, etc etcmarni mermaid earrings ($228)
these are so kitschy and sweet and adorable1960s red sailboat nautical dress (fem m, $249)
loeffler randall green caged sandal shoes (new, $295)
alémais silk nautical printed scarf ($156)
love this1960s terry cloth red striped pom pom dress (fem s, $88)
carnelian pearl earrings ($180)
unexpected find on TRR!bode blue leather trim bucket bag ($441.75)
ralph lauren cap toe sneakers (new, $78)
Old Hollywood Vibes
Was maybe influenced putting this look together while watching Martha Lady Sitwell rock her best 1940s frocks on the new reboot of Ladies of London (I’m obsessed with her)…but this is also what I would wear to a fancy warm weather function.
vintage tortoise style hair pins ($24.99)
1940s rayon floral backless gown (fem m, $420 on sale)
antique gold beaded tassel purse ($125)
snatch this up!victoria beckham blue satin mule heels (new, $920)
Well, there ya have it! Go forth and find something old and give it a new spin on life!
It’s a thrill, I promise.
Until next time,
xo,
G
I enjoyed all of this so much. The sequin jacket is a stunner and I bought the exact same one on Ebay a few weeks ago. Plan on wearing it with busted up levi's, and black strappy sandals this summer.
This seller has great sequin jackets: https://www.ebay.com/usr/neongrayv
And the same jacket in a medium: https://www.ebay.com/itm/277677854896 (still in my saved list ha!)
Yessss Trash Head wedding guest!!!