Tips on Finding Vintage Fashions

Looking to make a statement at the next party? Tired of looking like everyone else? Having trouble finding clothes that look good on you?

Vintage clothing has become cutting edge fashion. With more online and local dealers springing up, it has never been easier to find the right used clothing.

What to Know Before You Shop

Before you start looking for vintage clothing, take the time to measure your height, waist, hips, inseam and bust. Sizing standards change. Even if you are the perfect size 8 by today's definition, you may find that vintage clothing marked that size are too large or too small, depending on the era. Accurate measurements are especially important if you are shopping online and unable to try on the clothes.

Think about where you are going to wear your vintage pieces, and what you want to combine them with. It is easy to get carried away when shopping, so make a list of the types of clothing and color schemes you want to focus on.

Where to Go

The vintage clothing shopper has many options. If you want to be able to handle, inspect and try on pieces before buying them, you may want to focus on your local shops.

Many larger towns have stores devoted to vintage clothing. However, that's not the only place to find great pieces. Thrift stores and consignment shops can house spectacular clothing and are often cheaper than more trendy vintage stores.

If you are shopping online, try to find a store with a fair return policy. Make sure the seller provides detailed descriptions of the merchandise, close up pictures of any flaws and measurements of every garment.

Finding the Right Piece

If you think that you will be able to build a cheap and trendy wardrobe by going vintage, you might be surprised! As vintage gets trendier, the prices are going up. To make every dollar you spend count, keep the following in mind:

• How will the clothing look on you? You don't want to look silly. Make sure the garment fits with your personality.
• Will it go with other pieces in your closet? Even the most spectacular blouse is not a good buy if you do not have the pants, skirt or shoes to go with it.
• How much will you wear it? Make sure you will be getting a good return on your shopping investment.
• Does it fit? Buy for right now, not for when you lose weight or grow two inches.
• Will it hold up? Inspect the fabric and seams to make sure the garment will not fall apart after a few wearings.
• Can you keep up with the maintenance? If you throw everything you own in the washer and dryer, skip pieces that are dry clean or handwash only.
• Do you know what you are getting? Make sure you are aware of any pinholes, stains, rips or repairs on the piece. Imperfections are not necessarily deal breakers with vintage clothing, but you want to be aware of any issues before you leave the store.
• Is it really vintage or just ugly? Not everything labeled vintage is a wise purchase. Make sure you enjoy a piece for itself, not because it is vintage, before buying it.

Going vintage can be a great way to break out of a fashion rut and claim a little creativity in your wardrobe. Whether you are looking for one or two pieces to accent your current clothing, or want to completely step back into a whole new decade, local and online retailers can help you create a unique look.