Retro fashion is the perfect way to add a touch of nostalgia to your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for a blast from the past or hoping to start a new trend, a retro style can make you stand out from the crowd. From the bright and bold prints of the '60s to the flared jeans of the '90s, retro fashion is all about embracing classic styles with a modern twist.
With this guide, you’ll learn all about retro fashion, including what it is, where it came from, and how to style it. From tips on how to repurpose vintage pieces to advice on creating modern looks with a retro twist, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to make your wardrobe look like it’s straight out of the past. So, let’s get started and explore the world of retro fashion!
What is retro fashion?
Retro fashion is the act of incorporating vintage designs and nostalgic trends into your everyday wardrobe. While the word “retro” is often applied to modern trends that are reminiscent of retro designs, retro fashion is all about embracing classic styles with a modern twist. From vibrant patterns to geometric prints, bold colors and statement accessories, retro fashion is all about repurposing vintage designs and creating something different and unique.
It's all about making a statement and standing out from the crowd. It’s about taking a look back in time and finding inspiration in vintage designs. Whether you’re looking for an authentic retro look or hoping to start a new trend, a retro style can make you feel like a true fashionista.
A Brief History of Retro Fashion
Retro fashion dates back to the 1920s, when the “flapper” style emerged and women started to embrace shorter hemlines and bolder patterns. In the ’30s and ’40s, women’s fashion was heavily influenced by war efforts and rationing, resulting in more conservative, utilitarian designs.
The ’50s saw a resurgence of bold colors and patterns, while ’60s fashion was characterized by psychedelic prints and vibrant colors. In the ’70s, the “casual Friday” dress code resulted in a more relaxed style, while the ’80s saw a return to more structured designs. Finally, in the ’90s, fashion was influenced by the rise of hip-hop and street culture, with baggy jeans and bold prints dominating the scene.
How to style retro fashion
When it comes to styling retro fashion, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. The beauty of retro fashion is that it can be styled in a number of different ways. Whether you’re going for a completely authentic retro look or hoping to create a modern twist on retro designs, there are a number of styling tips that can help you nail the retro look. Let’s take a look at some of them:
- Start with the right fabrics. Retro fabrics are bold, colorful, and often highly textured. Try to incorporate these fabrics into your outfits to get the retro look. Natural fabrics are also a great option, so consider incorporating silk, linen, or wool into your retro outfits.
- Opt for retro accessories. Whether you’re going for a fully retro look or are hoping to create a modern twist on retro designs, retro accessories can help you nail the retro look. Bags, shoes, jewelry, and belts can all be a part of your retro outfit. Choose bold prints and bright colors to really make your accessories pop.
- Don’t be afraid to accessorize. Retro fashion is all about making a statement and standing out from the crowd. So, don’t be afraid to accessorize your retro outfit and make it your own. Whether you’re going for a completely authentic retro look or hoping to create a modern twist on retro designs, there are a number of accessories that can help you nail the retro look.
Tips for buying and repurposing vintage clothing
There are many advantages to shopping for vintage fashion pieces. Vintage pieces are often one-of-a-kind and special items that you won’t find in any modern store. They also often cost less than their modern alternatives, making vintage clothing a great choice for budget-friendly fashionistas. Unfortunately, vintage items also come with their fair share of cons. It’s often difficult to determine the original size of vintage garments, and there’s always a risk of the item being stained, damaged, or faded.
To make shopping for vintage garments safer and easier, follow these tips: - Shop at vintage clothing stores. Vintage clothing stores are often specialized in vintage clothing, meaning they’ve got a wide selection of retro garments in various sizes. Although vintage garment stores are often more expensive than thrift stores, they often offer a better selection of clothing.
- Find your correct vintage size. Although most vintage garments are one-of-a-kind items, many vintage clothing stores will list the original garment size. You can use this information to find your correct size, making it easier to shop for vintage fashion pieces.
- Shop vintage online. You can also shop for vintage fashion online. Just make sure you do your research and buy from a reputable seller.
- T-shirts are almost always part of Retro style and shopping for tees from the 70s and 80s can be fun. Ringer Tees were very popular then and have made a comeback as more and more people add this old school style to their wardrobe.
Vintage themed style often starts with Retro Style Tees.
- Repurpose vintage clothing. You can also find retro garments by repurposing old clothing. Try to find retro garments at second-hand stores.
How to incorporate retro elements into your wardrobe
If you’re looking to add retro elements to your wardrobe, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, retro fashion is all about bold colors and vibrant patterns. So, start by choosing retro-inspired garments in bold colors and patterns. Next, make sure your retro garments are high quality.
Retro fashion is all about originality, so make sure your retro garments aren’t too modern. Try to find retro garments that look old and remind you of the retro era. Finally, retro fashion is all about repurposing vintage designs. So, try to incorporate retro elements into your wardrobe by finding vintage garments and reworking them into modern pieces.
How to create modern looks with a retro twist
If you’re hoping to create modern looks with a retro twist, try to incorporate retro elements into your outfits. You can also try to mix retro garments with modern pieces and create something new and unique.
The best retro fashion trends to try now
Retro fashion is always evolving, meaning new retro trends keep emerging. Whether you’re looking for something that’s totally retro or hoping to create a retro twist in your outfits, retro fashion has something for everyone. Here are the best retro fashion trends to try now:
- Bell Sleeve Fashion: One of the most popular retro fashion trends is bell sleeve fashion, or the retro revival of the cropped sleeve. This retro trend is characterized by short sleeves that end above the elbow, resembling a bell.
- Tropical Prints: Tropical prints are another retro trend that’s making a comeback in the fashion world. These retro prints are characterized by palm trees, coconuts, and other tropical elements that are reminiscent of the Caribbean.
- Full Skirts: Full skirts also make an appearance on the retro fashion scene. Full skirts are characterized by large, flowing hems and can either be full skits or full-length dresses.
Popular Retro Fashion Icons
Retro fashion icons are people like Elvis Presley, an American singer and actor who became one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He is a founding member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and is commonly referred to as "the King of Rock and Roll." Retro fashion icons are people like Norma Jean, also known as Marilyn Monroe, who was an American actress in the 1950s and 1960s. She is known for her role in 1953's "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," as well as her many appearances in "The Seven Year Itch" and "Some Like it Hot." Retro fashion icons are people like Audrey Hepburn, a British actress, humanitarian, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She was noted for her roles in the romantic comedy "Roman Holiday" (1953), for which she was awarded the Academy Award for Best Actress, the drama "The Nun's Story" (1959), and the comedy "Wait Until Dark" (1967).