It may be rare for us to dress up, but we can always up the ante on the times that we do. TikTok and Instagram creators have been very active in turning the platform into an avenue for flexing different outfits. Pinterest is on display with its clothing set inspos as if it is its catalog on the internet. From artsy to cottagecore and more, we can observe different clothing styles from the content posted online.
But in this century, there’s one fashion style that never gets old (pun intended). Vintage fashion has always gotten equal love and hate from people of all ages. Perhaps we should look into why it deserves the former rather than the latter.
The Investment in Vintage Antiquities
Vintage has always been aesthetically pleasing in general. Music that would make you think of living in the ’60s. Filters online replicating VHS footage and the like. Multiple film grabs and costume design show the theatrics of vintage fashion as well. Thrift shopping vintage pieces such as these helps achieve a specific look that we want to relive or embody. Get some Vintage Omega Watches and you would feel like Tom Hardy’s heroic character in Dunkirk. Investing in a secondhand vintage wristwatch is something that was practiced a long time ago. Most especially if these are luxury pieces, where the value increases over time.
Just scrolling through photographs and screenshots of those times becomes somewhat therapeutic and daydreamy. The bulky boxed television, wooden musical boxes, and the past designs of cars. It can make one remember simpler times when technology was not as advanced yet. Antique items are eyed by collectors and enthusiasts all the time.
People have tried bringing it all back to the present. Fashion styles from the old era and the new era are being mixed up for everyday wear. Plaid and cardigans have been showing up more, creating this feature of a comfy outfit that is both mature and hip. Trench coats for both men and women have always been seen as haute couture.
The Criticism on Old School Gear
Although it is not limited to vintage clothing, that category always seems to get hate comments. People are reduced to being a hipster, with the connotation being negative.
The argument is that dressing up classical tends to look either costume-like or pretentious. Most people get away with wearing ancient-esque clothing around Halloween as people tend to cosplay around those times anyway. The amount of Marilyn Monroes and Audrey Hepburns coming to life at a costume party is astounding.
The very idea of thrifting is frowned upon as well because of a bias against reusing old clothing and fabric. There’s a stigma that judges people for wearing something that’s already been pre-owned or pre-loved. It may be understandable due to germs and hygiene purposes.
Whenever the opportunity arises, vintage fashion is just considered weird and cringe. It is easily made fun of by strangers and trolls on the internet. But maybe that shouldn’t be the case.
Defending Retro Fashion
First and foremost, people can wear whatever they want. People already bear the brunt of facing other people’s opinions regarding what they should and shouldn’t wear based on their body type and appearance. They shouldn’t have to deal with the aforementioned, nor should they be berated for how they want to present themselves.
Every individual has their own fashion sense and taste. It continues to evolve as they age or gain inspiration for a fresh look. When you look back at photos from your bat mitzvah or high school prom, you hope to feel nostalgia rather than shame. Hope to laugh rather than be annoyed. There’s always room for growth.
Another point would be its external effects. One would be on your wallet, the other on the environment. Thrifting and having vintage clothes always entails a cheaper price for a potentially bigger quantity. And the quality isn’t as bad as one would think; it would sometimes be on par with already known brands and retailers. Nevermind the stigma fashion snobs have on it.
Reusing clothing lessens the demand for garment production, which is a big contributor to climate change. It keeps material out of landfills. It doesn’t waste pre-existing resources.
Along with that, there’s just a joy in traversing aisle after aisle of clothes. It creates an experience as if we are browsing through history. You get to buy and own a special piece that’s solely yours. You treat yourself, and your purchase also helps local thrift stores and businesses.
From the clothing patterns and styles, it is irrefutable that there’s something we can incorporate from vintage fashion to what we wear now. We can wear vintage from head-to-toe, or mix it with everyday wear for an interesting photo-op or self-indulgence.
In a Nutshell
Less is more. For an ideal fit that can suit anyone, plain or flannel slacks can be paired with a crisp white shirt easily. Worn out denim and jumpers are also possible choices with a fun striped sweater. Vintage shoe styles such as oxford for men and pumps for women can complement the overall look when it’s in a neutral tone.
Pieces of jewelry such as a classy watch on the wrist or an intricate necklace can elevate an outfit. You can play with color, but hues like red, orange, and coffee brown tend to be muted and easier on the eyes when it comes to photographs and real life. And at the end of the day, the way a person carries themselves and what they are wearing is what ties everything together.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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