Retro Vintage Fashion Punks

Lately, I’ve come to appreciate a side of fashion I’ve never really had anything to do with – Retro vintagestyle. Whether that is its name or not is up for debate, but let me try to explain what I mean by this. To start, take a classic look from several decades past. Replicate it in vintage-looking prints, complete with a bit of wear and tear.. add in a pair of funky shoes.. stick it on some young headstrong artistic soul.. and voila, the retro/vintage look is complete.

I’m not (and hopefully never will be) a fan of worn-out fabrics. If you’re going to get a pair of worn-out jeans, wear them out yourself. It’s just pretentious to buy them ‘used’ when clearly they’re not. However, I am quite the advocate of buying clothing in vintage fabrics, just because it gives the clothing a different look.

The particular vintage look I’m describing (yes, there’s more than one) comes in a muted, neutral palette. Tans, beiges, dusty rose, maroon, and various dark bottle greens and blues are all staples. I’ve never really liked all those faded colours… but seeing some of the outfits executed in said colours, I am gathering appreciation for the look as a whole.

For ladies, layer a ruffly skirt or blouse (NOT both at once.. jeeze) under a heavier coat, and add boots for a romantic fall look. Another great retro / vintage cut is the straight-legged trouser… You can even hold these up with suspenders for a more distinctive flair. Add jewelry (like long strings of pearls) and wear blocky-heeled pumps as you please. Ultimately, it all comes down to balance .. ground the ruffles with something heavier, spike the bland with an accessory, pull in the baggy with the fitted. Big sunglasses can hide your face on a winter’s day (not autumn, it just looks stupid) and if you’re going to get a new hairdo, bobbed hair always sets this look off well. Providing you haven’t already accessorised your way to hell, you might consider a beret, pillbox hat or some small hairpiece to set your look off.

Here’s a really retro vintage gone wild example, by Comme Des Garcons. Comme is a very good example of the look this entry is all about.. Their clothing (literally “like boys”) for ladies is very tomboyish with a bygone flair.

Mens retro vintage can also be pretty sexy, if done properly. Men, you need (really need) a pea coat or dark three-quarter leather jacket to put over your clothing. If not, you’d better have a blazer handy to throw on in the autumn. Guys clothing (as usual) is a bit less complicated. Use vintage prints like argyle or houndstooth, and old-school leather belts. Straight-legged jeans are your friend, as are straight-legged wool slacks (Speaking of… stay tuned for a rant about jeans in the next few days). Wear sweater vests and cardigans (fitted, so you’re not instantly 75) and carry a funky bag. For shoes, vintage-style with thin laces are really cool.. And if you want to be stereotypical, pop on a pair of Converse. Paperboy caps really go well with this look, but don’t overdo it on the accessories.

…So, I think this was supposed to be a continuation on six-sided intersections, but I never did sketch out my ideas and I’m not sure if the idea interests me any longer. However, more space-age modernism, retro, large sunglasses, and crazy shoes are in short order. That, and a rant about jeans. Keep an eye out!

Fashion Hobo.