Your Vintage Closet Part 2: Establishing Basics

There are some pieces I have in my closet that I have found indispensable in creating a convincing vintage look from modern or thrifted clothing. By having a few inexpensive pieces, adding new dresses or statement articles will become a breeze. These classics can be worn in the style of a number of eras, and will also keep you looking classy and timeless in your own modern era. Look to ladies who dress with a vintage inspiration like Alexa Chung.

1) Shoes

I think the #1 thing in your closet that makes a vintage look convincing (the true #1 is hairstyle) are your shoes. It’s key to wear era-appropriate shoes! A 20s look in 4-inch pumps won’t make much sense at all. And say goodbye FOR GOOD to costume-y “sexy” platform Mary Janes. Your very best bet are:

1) a pair of neutral color ballet flats

2) a pair of black Mary Janes with a kitten heel 

3) a pair of lace up boots in brown or black that hug the ankle and have a slight heel.

Ballet flats are going to ensure you have something to wear for comfort without entirely relying on sneakers or Tom’s. The Mary Janes will surprise you with their versatility! Anything from the 20s to the 60s can be fudged with a Mary Jane with a small heel. Later you can acquire more era-specific shoes (a pointed toe for the 20s, rounded with T-strap for the 30s, peep toe for the 40s, and square toe for the 60s). And lastly, the boots will mean you have something to hike in, and stay warm in the winter. No being left behind just because you dress vintage! A pair that lace up and rise to just above the ankle or to mid calf will look the most retro.

2) Tops

You need to own collared blouses. A plain white fitted collared blouse with long or short sleeves will be great. The collars can poke out from beneath sweaters, and this can be worn as a top itself or layered with other garments like dresses and vests. Later you can get more specific, with a rounded Peter Pan collar, giant lapels, a pussy-bow, and more!

3) Bottoms

A pair of black leggings cuffed up to mid calf will help you fudge the 50s and 60s style of tight black pedal pushers. A neutral color cigarette trouser is adaptable from the 40s to the 60s depending on styling. A wide leg or flare jean in classic blue will be appropriate for the 40s through the 70s! Skirts vary so much depending on the era, so you may need a few, but a looser pencil skirt (aka not so tight you need to wiggle to walk) or a pleated skirt to just below the knee is a fairly adaptable piece, and was worn from the 30s to the 80s.

4) Knitwear

A cardigan has been a staple piece in a woman’s wardrobe from the 30s on. Choose one in a neutral, adaptable color. One that buttons all the way up (no V-neck) and ends at a cropped length at your natural waist will be your best and most flexible option. A fitted black turtleneck is another staple adaptable to many eras of wear.

5) Outerwear

You can’t go wrong with a camel trench coat, which were popular from the 40s on. A pea coat with a slight A-line will also suit nearly every era!

There you have it, your very basic set of wardrobe essentials that will act as the blank canvas you’ll paint upon with fancier true vintage and vintage reproduction pieces to get a convincing vintage look. Your hat, jewelry, purse, gloves, and hairstyle will all serve to communicate the exact era you’re looking to pull off! Below I’ve selected some looks from different eras made from these wardrobe basics to inspire you.