Retro Styling
Well Fall is officially here my dears and I have been pulling out some of my favorite clothing and accessories! This season is the perfect time to really showcase your style because of the versatility that can be achieved. Being a person who loves vintage and retro style, it really gives me the chance to pull out all of my most stylish vintage and retro accessories with the help of being able to layer or take away items when needed. I have a few go-tos that never fail me that I thought I'd share today!
Some people in the vintage community believe that a person who is into vintage styling can ONLY wear all authentic vintage pieces. I find this rule pretty ridiculous! Buying all vintage can be impractical for a lot people. It can get pretty costly dependent upon where you live and it can be a lot to maintain with proper hand laundering and dry cleaning. You can achieve a vintage look with all modern pieces simply in the way that you pair pieces together.
Tip 1# Is to mix new and old clothing. Doing this can really pull together a fresh look with a nod to the past. This black mock turtleneck knit crop top is thrifted and is a staple in my closet. I've had this top for many years now and the neckline showcases that. There are a few snags of the knit at the center front neckline, so I typically wear the top backwards. The skirt is a sheer pleated iridescent soft pink that I wear with my black half slip underneath. I love mixing two different textures with patterning going in the same direction.
Tip #2 is choosing the appropriate sunglasses. We all know by now that I am a sunglasses kind of gal. These 60s style white circle sunnies are from H&M. I love finding mod style frames at stores such as, H&M, Forever 21, and Aldo because it is a quick (and cheap) way to make an outfit look more retro.
Tip #3 is rhinestone jewelry! The pink rhinestone stud earrings are thrifted from a lovely shop in Lakewood, Ohio called Designer Consignor. I frequent there for vintage style jewelry and handbags. They have a huge selection of rhinestone and costume jewelry that always remind me of Audrey Hepburn's character Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) and Maria Callas. (Both ladies sported costume jewelry well!)
Tip #4 is the appropriate retro style/vintage undergarments. I don't know if you guys noticed, but I have on my bullet bra for this look! Since I wore an outfit that is not form fitting, I decided to wear the bra to give a point of tension and showcase my bustline. Without the bullet bra, the outfit would make my body look a bit like a straight line. Bullet bras are perfect for adding dimension!
Tip #5 is to pick up vintage handbags (or reproductions)! This small vintage tapestry shoulder bag is perfect for adding a bit of color to an outfit. The gold and burgundy tones also give the vibes of Autumn.
I love to carry this particularly when I'm wearing a modern outfit because when paired with a vintage outfit it can look a bit dated.
Tip #6 Shoes are another great way to showcase a retro style. These black pleather pleated shoes are perfect with knee high socks for Fall. Whenever I want to find a good pair of retro style shoes, I always browse on Ebay or Amazon and simply search "Retro Shoes," or popular shoe styles from the past such as, "Mary Janes." You can always find pairs of retro shoes for a good deal online!
Tip #7 is probably my most important tip of all: scarves! They play an integral role in my wardrobe. I have a vintage hat box filled with various scarves both vintage and modern in all colors and sizes. I have figured out many ways to tie a scarf--as a head wrap, a head scarf specifically for driving and windy days (a la Elizabeth Taylor style in A Place in the Sun-1951), and most important around the neck with a knot in the center. When done right, the scarf can really play up an outfit. Many people will say you remind them of a flight attendant (I cannot tell you how many times I've heard that one), but who says a flight attendant doesn't look sophisticated!
Tip #8 is how to tie a scarf. Here is a little video on how I tie my scarf that I hope you all enjoy!
Tip #9 is to smile often! It can do wonders to improve your mood if you're having a bad day or it can brighten someone else's day!
And Tip #10 is to be comfortable in your own skin and rock whatever style makes you feel grand!
Hope you all enjoyed my little tips and tricks and I will see you next Friday!!
All photographs taken by: Henrietta Audu.