Don't be boring, let us dress vintage style!
If you're enchanted by the charm of vintage fashion and want to incorporate it into your everyday life, you're in the right place! Vintage style isn’t just about the clothes—it’s about the whole aesthetic, from your hair and makeup to the colors you wear and the inspiration you draw from the past. Whether you're a dedicated vintage lover or just starting to experiment with retro looks, this guide will help you create a timeless, effortlessly chic style.
Where to Find Vintage Replica Clothing
Not everyone has time to dig through thrift stores for the perfect vintage find, and sometimes you just want something that looks old but feels new. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing brands that specialize in vintage-inspired fashion.
Unique Vintage, based in California, is a goldmine for retro lovers. They carry styles from the 1920s to the 1970s, from flapper dresses to classic swing skirts. If you love the elegance of Old Hollywood or the playful pin-up vibe, this shop has you covered. They even collaborate with well-known brands to create exclusive collections that capture the essence of past decades.
Unique Vintage has been a staple for me as they are a local business and have some great replica pieces. During my days as an assistant director for a dapper tap dance group that specialize in choreographing retro or vintage dance numbers we used this store many times as their pieces are comfortable to dance in! I miss these good old days as I was a part of them for more than 11 years!
If you prefer a mix of vintage and modern, Modcloth is the way to go. Their styles have a quirky, feminine feel, often featuring playful prints and flattering retro silhouettes. The best part? Their inclusive sizing ensures everyone can find something that fits and flatters.
For budget-friendly vintage-inspired pieces, Allegra K is a hidden gem. They focus on classic cuts, high necklines, and retro details that work perfectly for both everyday wear and office outfits. Their styles are a great way to subtly incorporate vintage into your wardrobe without breaking the bank. You can also find this brand at Target and Kohls!
If you're looking for something truly authentic, Revival Vintage UK is an excellent choice. Based in the UK, they recreate designs from the 1940s to the 1970s, ensuring historical accuracy while offering new, well-made clothing. They even stock reproduction accessories, so you can complete your look with period-perfect details. Unlike other replica brand this company provides fantastic items for both women and men and are high quality. They give the most beautiful 1940's looks and make you feel like you are in a BBC historical drama or helping a detective solve the case!
And if you're shopping from Europe, Top Vintage has a fantastic selection of vintage-inspired dresses, skirts, and coats. Their high-quality fabrics and flattering fits make them a great place to find timeless wardrobe staples.
Finding Authentic Vintage at Thrift Stores
If you love the thrill of the hunt, thrifting is a fantastic way to find authentic vintage clothing. The key is knowing where to look and what to look for.
Start by checking the fabric—older clothing tends to be made from high-quality materials like cotton, wool, or silk, which have stood the test of time. Labels can also be a giveaway; vintage clothing often has unique tags, union labels, or country-of-origin details that differ from modern brands.
Goodwill, estate sales, flea markets, and small vintage boutiques are some of the best places to browse. Some thrift stores even have dedicated vintage sections, so it never hurts to ask if they have any hidden gems in the back.
Patience is key. Vintage shopping isn’t like walking into a department store—you have to dig, search different sizing sections (since vintage sizing runs smaller), and sometimes even alter pieces to get that perfect fit. But when you do find something amazing, it’s incredibly rewarding.
I absolutely love thrift store shopping or hunting and get a thrill digging through the bins, or looking behind items to find that true one of a kind piece or something truly special. Ventura County, the City of Pasadena, or Old Towne Orange have some wonderful thrift and antique stores. Both cities are relatively a close drive from my hometown of Santa Clarita, so I tend to go here. One of my favorite traditions is when we are on vacation I love to find old record stores and bring back a vintage vinyl or maybe a classic Broadway recording.
Everyday Vintage Hairstyles
The right hairstyle can take your vintage look to the next level, and the best part? You don’t need a professional stylist to pull it off. Here are a few easy vintage hairstyles that you can try at home.
The Victory Roll, made famous in the 1940s, is a great way to add instant retro charm to your look. To achieve it, part your hair down the middle, take a section from the front, roll it around your fingers, and pin it in place. Repeat on the other side and finish with hairspray for that perfect polished effect.
For softer waves, Pin Curls (popular from the 1930s through the 1950s) are a timeless choice. Start with damp hair, apply setting lotion, and wrap small sections around your fingers before pinning them flat to your scalp. Once dry, remove the pins, gently brush through, and shape the curls for that classic, romantic wave.
If you’re looking for an easy updo, the Gibson Tuck (seen in the 1910s and 1920s) is a fantastic go-to. Gather your hair into a loose ponytail, roll it inward toward your nape, and pin it securely. This style works beautifully for both casual days and elegant evenings.
And if you’re feeling bold, try Bumper Bangs, a 1950s rockabilly favorite. Use a hair rat or a small rolled-up fabric piece as a base, wrap your front section of hair around it, and pin it under to create dramatic volume. Pair it with a bandana or hair scarf for a fun, playful finish.
For my own look I tend to lean towards a mixture of 1930’s-1950’s styled clothing, hair, and makeup as these are my favorite. My go to hairstyle for my naturally curly hair on wash day or day after is a simple pull off the face twist. I do this by pulling the front parts of my hair up and twist it a few times and bobby pin it back. I make sure that it is not pulled tightly back and has some volume. This gives a faux Victory Roll or a soft 1940’s look.
Vintage Everyday Makeup
Makeup is another easy way to channel vintage beauty. A flawless matte complexion is key, so opt for a light foundation or pressed powder to create that smooth, shine-free look.
For brows, think defined but not overdone. A soft arch gives you that 1950s elegance, while a thinner, dramatic shape brings back the 1920s flapper style.
Winged eyeliner is a must for that classic cat-eye effect. A liquid or gel liner works best—just extend the flick slightly upward for that retro charm. And of course, nothing says vintage like a bold red lip. One of the easiest ways to bring vintage into your daily routine is through beauty products. Besame Cosmetics, a woman-owned small business, is a dream for vintage lovers. They specialize in historically accurate replica makeup, offering everything from richly pigmented red lipsticks to vintage-style compacts. Their products capture the glamour of past decades, making them a must-have for anyone wanting to add a touch of vintage elegance to their makeup routine.
They are best known for providing a true beautiful red lipstick for the show Agent Carter. One of my all time favorite shows and characters. So much so that I have cosplayed Peggy Carter and “dragged” my husband into cosplaying as Captain America/Steve Rogers. I wear Besame Cosmetics on a regular basis and it is one of my go-to makeup staples!
Aww aren't we cute as Agent Peggy Carter and Captain America!
Retro Color Palettes
Color is a powerful way to evoke different decades. If you love the elegance of the 1920s and 1930s, think soft pastels, gold, and deep jewel tones like emerald and sapphire. These hues, influenced by Art Deco, bring a luxurious and dramatic feel.
For a 1940s or 1950s vibe, go for bright, cheerful colors like cherry red, mustard yellow, mint green, and powder blue. Floral prints and polka dots also fit perfectly within this aesthetic.
And if the 1960s or 1970s is more your style, earthy shades like avocado green, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep brown are key. The psychedelic movement also introduced bold, high-contrast colors and mod-inspired patterns that make a statement.
Where to Find Vintage Inspiration
When you’re building your vintage style, inspiration is everywhere! Pinterest is an amazing tool for gathering vintage outfit, hair, and makeup ideas. Create themed boards to organize your favorites and experiment with different looks.
I have done the work for you by creating a Pinterest board together of images and ideas that influence me!
On Instagram, following vintage fashion influencers can give you daily inspiration. Search hashtags like #vintagefashion, #retrostyle, and #vintagebeauty to discover new ideas and connect with fellow vintage lovers.
Classic movies are another treasure trove of vintage style. Watch Old Hollywood films and pay attention to the wardrobe—icons like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Brigitte Bardot set the standards for timeless beauty and fashion.
If you love history, check out vintage magazines and books. Old issues of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, along with fashion history books, offer incredible insights into past trends.
With these tips, you’re ready to bring vintage into your everyday life! Whether you’re shopping for replica pieces, thrifting for hidden treasures, or perfecting your hair and makeup, vintage style is all about having fun and embracing timeless elegance in a way that works for you today.
Let us chat about some of your favorite items you have found! I would love to hear about them.
Thank you!
