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Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by Steal the Style
If you’ve ever seen out the show Resale Royalty on the Style Network, then you know firsthand that vintage clothing and accessories can be worth a lot of money. However, there are other reasons why making this kind of style preference can work in your favor. For one thing, vintage things tend to be one-of-a-kind finds, so you don’t have to worry about going out and someone having your same dress or shoes on. Two, it’s a great way to relive a past era whether it’s the 40’s or the 80’s. And finally, it can be a fun way to merge your modern flare with a bit of an antique style.
Yet before you go out looking for some “throwback items”, we wanted to provide you with a list of five things that you should consider before making a vintage clothing or accessory purchase.
In This Post:
1. Research the Eras That You Like Most
If you’re looking for an evening gown with a lot of intricate beading, then you might want a dress from the 20s. On the other hand, if you’d like a poodle skirt for an upcoming party, that speaks more to the 50s. Sometimes, just by knowing what kind of era you want or like most, it can make your search a lot easier.
2. Stay Positive
Something else to remember about vintage clothes is that a lot of the items tend to run small. That doesn’t mean that you need to feel bad about your figure or size; it simply means that you need to be a bit more positive-minded and patient as you’re looking for what you want.
3. Be Open to All Kinds of Options
One of the best things about vintage clothing is that you can find it in so many different places. Thrift stores, consignment shops, garage and estate sales and even your grandparents’ attics are ideal areas to search for vintage items. Also, don’t forget that there are many websites that sell vintage and vintage-inspired clothes and accessories too. My favorite online websites that sell vintage clothing and accessories are:
- Etsy
- LuxeDH – Get $25 off your first order through our link.
- LXR and Co – Vintage handbags
- Mod Cloth – Vintage inspired
- Nasty Gal
- Pinup Vintage – Retro fashion
- Unique Vintage
- Ebay
4. Know How to Inspect Things
Although we’re using the word “vintage” within this article, this still means that these items are used and so you have to thoroughly inspect them before making this kind purchase (the kind of purchase that you usually can’t return back to the store, by the way). Whether it’s a couple of vintage handbags, a vintage business suit or even a pair of vintage shoes, make sure that it still has the lining within it, that there aren’t noticeable holes or stains, that it doesn’t have a lot fading in the fabric and that the embellishments are still intact.
5. Try the Items On
And perhaps the most important bit of advice that we can give you is make sure that you try the items on before you buy it. Vintage clothing (and even many vintage accessories) have a way of looking really good on a hanger or mannequin but not quite as well once we put them on our own bodies. Although it takes a few more minutes to follow through with this step, it’s one that can end up saving you a lot of time and money in the long run. After all, the best vintage outfit is one that fits like it was made just for you. No matter what year it was actually designed in…or even who wore it before.
