Vintage fashion is having a big moment. From social media to thrift and antique stores, more people than ever are turning to classic pieces.
Fashion has historically served as a time capsule for different eras. Between styles that now play roles in period pieces and accessories that are sneaking their way back into current trends, these fashions are standing out.
In the past few years, people have gravitated towards looks from their favorite 80s films or revived Y2K fashion. Yet, why is vintage fashion so special?
What makes fashion vintage?
Vintage styles typically refer to pieces that are at least twenty years old but can span one hundred years old. Typically, there are central pieces that stick out from the time.
Y2K fashion has extremely particular spotlight styles that people tend to look to when thinking of the decade of fashion. Low-rise jeans, sparkly accents, cropped t-shirts, and tanks are all key elements that scream 2000s fashion.
80s fashion is loved similarly. Bright colors, big hair, statement accessories, and intense makeup looks stand out for the time period.
However, as vintage fashion goes deeper into a time that was much older, things become more antique than they are vintage. Victorian styles are more prominent in period pieces honoring a particular era than they are in everyday and street styles.
What makes vintage fashion so appealing?
Fashion is a fast-moving industry. New styles and designs are constantly breaking through. Yet, vintage fashion has still found a way to appeal to the masses.
A big part of vintage fashion is storytelling. Rather than pieces that are current novelties, they have a story to tell of a different time. They stand out in the masses of new fashions for being unique and different.
Becoming archival is a main reason that vintage fashion has such a tale to tell. Many celebrities have revived looks that have been on runways in the past. By paying homage to old public figures and designers, they solidify the impact that the pieces had.
Vintage pieces have a way of doing this. Even years later, they become archival. These rare pieces create a whole new level of allure.
Not all archival pieces are necessarily vintage. Some don’t have the amount of time needed to be technically considered vintage. However, they serve a very similar effect.
Pulling pieces from previous times allows us to appreciate the style and qualities about it in a new way. This allows their time period to be seen in a whole new light.
Whether pieces are on the road to becoming vintage or already are, the appeal is clear. Some styles are versatile and can be adjusted and adapted to fit present day styles. This appreciation for another time of style keeps these fashions alive and well, regardless of the time.
Current influence
Social media has skyrocketed vintage fashion. Influencers post pieces they find and styles they love, which makes it an even bigger topic overall.
As you scroll on your social media accounts, you’re likely to see posts about specific jewelry, purses, and clothing that stand out from the current styles. It’s easy to fall in love with these pieces because they aren’t something you see every day.
In a time when so many current styles look similar, it is all the more tempting to find a piece that stands out.
Vintage pieces still work perfectly alongside more current pieces. Low-rise jeans can elevate a top you found shopping at the mall. An 80s jeweler can spice up a more basic look. By adding an older piece to a new look, you create a very new, unique style.
What draws people into vintage fashion?
Vintage fashion lures in people regardless of their love for fashion. Although archival pieces and participation styles are popular, they aren’t the only reason people appreciate classic choices.
For people who aren’t particularly into the world of fashion and its history, vintage fashion is appealing in other ways.
For fans of old movies and music, style becomes another way to show their love for their interests. After consistently consuming media from another time, sometimes people start to appreciate the aesthetic of the era altogether.
Fans of movies or television shows from the 70s may start to lean towards styles from that time. Although this doesn’t necessarily mean they have a love for fashion, they want to use style to reflect their personal interests.
Music fans might also be interested in band merchandise and apparel from when they were at their peak. Old concert shirts, styles fans wore to the concerts at the time, and the aesthetics the artists had themselves may all make their way into people’s current-day styles.
Vintage fashion, in this way, serves as a method for self-expression. It goes to show that even though so much has changed throughout the decades, old pieces and styles are still able to find new lives within the present day.
Digital age and vintage
Although the world has changed a lot since certain styles were at their peak, they are still alive and well.
Social media and the internet have allowed vintage pieces to be easier to find than ever. Older fashions and styles are consistently found online through eBay, Depop, and other online shops.
People with an interest in thrifting and shopping at antique stores often sell the pieces that they find online. This makes it easier than ever to find styles and accessories that you love without having to search for them yourself.
Whether it’s a ’90s bag, ’70s bell-bottoms, or a Y2K low-rise jean, there are countless opportunities to find the perfect piece for you without leaving the house.
Sustainability
Many people who love fashion tend to turn to sustainable options. While having tons of clothing options is appealing, it is also important to focus on the effect the production has on the environment.
In an age where fast fashion is so prominent, it can be difficult to find pieces that have been made properly. Vintage fashion serves as a great alternative to shopping unsustainably.
Buying secondhand, vintage items gives a new life to pieces that already exist. It recycles and reuses clothing, which ultimately limits the need for more production.
A love for the story these pieces tell is prominent in secondhand shopping. These pieces have already lived a life before you buy them. Instead of letting them go to waste and be tossed to the side, they are able to be worn and loved once again.
Not only does this spice up your current wardrobe, it reduces the harm mass production causes.
Vintage items are also typically made with more durable, high-quality materials. Fast fashion is known for being affordable, yet cheaply made. Therefore, there pieces are more likely to have a longer lifespan in your closet.
These pieces not only stand the test of time for stylistic reasons, but they are also reliable.
Where to find vintage styles?
After seeing so many posts about vintage pieces, it’s only natural to be itching to find them for yourself.
Shopping online for vintage styles is super easy, but it’s not the only way to find them. Local thrift and antique stores are filled with unique, classic pieces that can work perfectly in your wardrobe.
New York City has countless shops with beautiful vintage designs to take you back to your favorite decade.
Funny Pretty Nice is a secondhand boutique curated and founded in New York City. With both a website and online store, they are constantly finding new, gorgeous pieces to spice up your closet.
Vintage pop-ups and events are also great options to look towards to find your newest statement outfit. New York is infamous for being bustling with events. Searching vintage options and pop-ups near you can be the perfect way to find what you love.
Not in New York? No worries! Many places hold similar events in downtown squares, flea markets, and small shops.
College campuses are also very popular places to buy and sell vintage pieces. Being that college kids are often looking for affordable options while living at school, there are often cheap pieces that can stand out while not breaking the bank.
Students often arrange their own events at student centers or campus areas to sell clothes and meet other fashion lovers.
There are countless options for finding classic clothing that you are absolutely going to love wearing!
Timeless trend
In an industry as fast-paced as fashion, it is impressive that vintage fashion made a life for itself. However, it doesn’t come as a surprise.
Whether you are looking to express your love for music and film, find interest in fashion history, or just rock a unique piece of vintage, there is something for you. It draws you in through a story of another time. It also brings something different to the table than current styles.
Vintage fashion always has and always will have a way of staying relevant. These aesthetics are cool, powerful, and interesting. It’s no wonder they are constantly alluring people even decades later.
