Back To Basics: Part 2

Back To Basics: Part 2

Now that you have cleaned out your closet and you have your list of basics, it is time to go shopping! I believe retro style clothing can be found at all price points, it is only a matter of knowing the different shapes you are looking for. For example, right now really tight pants are 'in'. So if you are going to find a pair of capris, chances are they are going to be tight. Nothing wrong with that, just know it is going to be difficult to find a straight cut or boot cut capri in a 'regular' clothing store (as opposed to vintage recreation).

So what shapes are 'vintage'? I happen to like the silhouettes of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Here are some basic looks from those periods:

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Don't you just love this 1940s outfit! Notice the structured shoulder, the high waist, and the wide legged pants.

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Again with the 1940s. See the similar shoulder (small shoulder pads were used- NOT large ones like in the 80s), nipped in waist, and loose a-line skirts that hit below the knee.

As you can see above, it is possible to find 1940s style clothing that isn't vintage, but it is somewhat difficult because the 1940s are not really 'in' right now. But if you know the general shape, you can find this look. I suggest Modcloth as a great place to start because they specialize in a vintage/retro look at a great price point.

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On to the 1950s. Yes, I know Greese was filmed in the late 70s, but when I think of the 'classic' 1950s look, you are either a 'Sandy' or a 'Rizzo'. In other words skirts were either wide and full, or a tight pencil. Personally, I wear both. I find it very easy to find the 1950s look in regular clothing stores such as Target, J.Crew, Old Navy, H & M, Kohls, etc. As a matter of fact, my favorite pencil skirt is 20 bucks at Target.

Right now it is really easy to find pencil skirts in an array of colors. Full skirts are much harder to find in the mall, but pretty easy to find on Etsy. I  happen to like full skirts because they hide any booty flaws you might have while still looking very elegant.

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The silhouette of the 1960s is similar to the 1950s, but not so poofy. As a matter of fact, sometimes it is hard to tell what it 1950s and what is 1960s. Personally I don't get too caught up in dates because I mix and match what I like and don't stick to period perfect clothing. Because of TV shows like Mad Men and Pan Am, it is easy to find a 1960s retro look, especially when it comes to dresses.

These are very simplistic examples of 1940s, 50s and 60s shapes. Obviously I can't go into each year and how the silhouettes change, but this should give you a basic idea on what to look for. Some other general details I look for are: peter pan collars, bows, retro floral patterns, anything pink, peasant blouses, embroidery and pin tucks.

Now that you have your list of basics and you know the general shapes you are looking for, you should have a much easier time when shopping.