Vintage Fashion Over the Years

“Fashion fades. Only style remains the same.” – Coco Chanel

All through time people have passed on clothing items, from older to younger and bartered in clothing as it was too expensive to always buy new clothing.

Vintage refers to styles of clothing from a by gone era. Some styles make a comeback; some styles don’t. Vintage in fashion terms depicts clothing of 20 years and older however true vintage refers to 40 years and older. Vintage fashion really started in the 1960’s.

Vintage clothing must not be confused with historical clothing. Vintage also refers to being pre-loved, unique, and appreciated.

To qualify as vintage clothing, it must depict some of the styles of those times as well. Jeans, dungarees, dresses, shoes, sunglasses are all examples of vintage fashion items.

Vintage fashion is generally a classic look think Jackie O sunglasses, Marilyn Munroe dresses, Lady Di hairstyles, lace, cameo broches.

You don’t have to be old to enjoy been seen in vintage fashion.

Just because it is vintage doesn’t mean that the item is old or second hand. It can be made from completely new material and refer to only the style.

All to be found in second hand shops, boot sales and even online today.

The 1950’s were known for their dresses with cinched waists, pencil skirts, poodle skirts, gingham, and polka dot garments, cropped sweaters and cardigans. The hourglass silhouette forms.

1960’s bought the looks of tailored skirts, stiletto heel shoes and suits with short boxy jackets, oversized buttons, geometric dresses, known as shifts. Evening wear was full-skirted evening gowns with low necklines and close-fitting waists.

The 1970’s were renowned for their Tie dye shirts, Mexican ‘peasant’ blouses, folk-embroidered Hungarian blouses, ponchos, capes, and military surplus clothing, bell-bottoms, gauchos, frayed jeans, midi skirts, and ankle-length maxi dresses.

The 1980’s were famous for high waisted jeans, leg warmers, ripped denim, spandex and Lycra, acid wash jeans, statement shoulder business suits (usually with skirts), punk leather items and leotards.

1990’s was notorious for crop tops, baby doll dresses over leggings, shoulder pads, and colored or embroidered jeans.

Fashion trends to return in the current century as they younger generations seek inspiration from the older include: high waisted denim jeans, hair accessories scrunchies, scarves, bike shorts, flared leg pants and puffy sleeves.