Nostalgia is a popular inspiration in fashion, leading many designers and consumers to opt for vintage and retro styles. Vintage items are at least 20 years old and are often associated with a specific time period. These items can be pre-owned or deadstock, giving one-of-a-kind charm to the wearer. Retro styles are newly made but pay homage to specific periods with design elements. Styling vintage can be tricky, so pairing them with modern accessories is key. Retro fashion is more comfortable to style, as it is a fusion of old and new. Both styles are making comebacks in the fashion industry.
Vintage vs. Retro: Which Old-School Style is Making a Comeback?
As fashion trends come and go, nostalgia has become a popular inspiration in recent years. Many designers and consumers alike often turn to vintage and retro styles as a way of diving into the past while keeping up with current fashion.
What is Vintage?
Vintage is typically used to describe clothing or accessories that are at least 20 years old. These items are often associated with a specific time period, such as the 1920s or 1980s, and are either pre-owned or deadstock – meaning they have never been worn but are still of the era.
One of the biggest draw factors of vintage fashion is that it is one-of-a-kind. In a world where mass-production dominates many industries, it’s difficult to find clothing that holds a unique charm. Vintage pieces have already been worn and loved, and each one is a piece of history unto itself.
What is Retro?
Retro is a broader term that covers clothing, accessories, and even home decor inspired by a specific period – but that is not necessarily from that period. Retro styles can range from just a few decades ago to several centuries past.
Unlike vintage, retro clothing and accessories are newly-made, but have design elements that pay homage to the past. These pieces are perfect for those who cannot find or afford actual vintage pieces, or for those who prefer new, unused items.
How to Style Vintage?
Vintage clothing can be tricky to style as it’s essential to stay on the right side of looking fashionable rather than outdated. For example, if you’re wearing a vintage dress, pair it with modern shoes, a leather jacket, or sneakers to ensure you look chic and modern.
When it comes to accessories, blending modern pieces with vintage fashion is the key to keeping your vintage outfit contemporary. A modern bag, jewelry, or a scarf can pull an entire outfit together.
How to Style Retro?
Retro fashion is a lot easier to style due to its fusion of old and new. You can take inspiration from a particular era and match different pieces to create a unique, modern-day outfit. For instance, if you’re in love with the 70s wide-collar shirts, you can pair it with high-waisted jeans or denim shorts.
If you prefer an entirely retro look, stick to retro clothing, and pair it with accessories that are from the same era. This will ensure you look like you’re from an entirely different time, but with the comfort of modern-day amenities.
Which Style is Making a Comeback?
Both vintage and retro styles have made a huge comeback in recent years- every era is getting the limelight! From the 70s bell-bottom pants to the 90s denim jackets and scrunchies, and early-2000’s velour track pants; the list goes on.
The comeback of these trends comes with a modern-day twist. Instead of recreating the exact look from the past, people are using vintage and retro as inspiration while creating something entirely new and modern.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both vintage and retro styles have their merits and are making comebacks in the fashion industry. It’s all about personal preference and how you choose to style them. Whether you opt for vintage pieces or love the modern take on retro styles, remember that the key to looking fashionable is confidence and comfort in what you’re wearing.