Boring to Brilliant: How to take your Vintage Outfit to the Next Level

Are you struggling to put together vintage outfits that really pop? Sometimes thrift-shop clothes just look frumpy and boring. Even if you have an idea for a great outfit, it can be hard to pull off. There’s likely just a few areas that you’re falling short in, and with a few quick fixes you’ll be on track again. Take your look to the next level with these five tips. 

1. Fit and Flatter 

Think of your outfit like an artistic statement. Remember — the clothing is not just hanging on a rack. Your body is part of that statement. You want the clothing that you chose to wear to fit you correctly, so that the effect of the outfit as whole is pleasing. If a gorgeous dress just doesn’t fit you right, your outfit will look off. Pick up some sewing skills so that you can resize your second-and clothing yourself, or get to know a tailor! 

2. Add Contrast

One quick way to bring the ‘wow’ factor of your outfit up a notch is through contrast. This can be with color (think black with white,  warm red with cool blue), or textures (think knit sweater and leather pants). Contrasting colors or textures add some drama to your outfit. If you want to turn heads, this is the way to go! 

3. Be an Individual — What Makes You Unique?

Dig deep and figure out what you truly want to express about yourself with your clothing. If you’re honest about who you are, your style will reflect that. For example, if you’re a musician at heart, start dressing the part! People will see that you’re being true to yourself, and that’s an attractive quality. 

4. Don’t Forget to Accessorize

One reason that an outfit can be boring is that you forget (or are in too much of a hurry!) to accessorize. If you throw on a pair of jeans and a top without stopping to consider what other details you can add into the look, you’re going to miss the mark. Instead, take a minute or two to look over your outfit and calculate what’s missing. Color? Contrast? A feminine touch? Fill in that missing element with an appropriate accessory. A red belt, a touch of silver jewelry, or a flower in your hair might just do the trick! 

5. Unify the Look

If you mix and match clothing items from different decades, your style is going to be muddled. Go for a unified look by picking a theme and sticking to it. This might mean that you have to hit the shops to get a few more pieces, and that’s a good thing, right? We all love to shop! So take note of what you’re missing, and go get it. For example, if you’re into wearing eighties fishnet stockings, skirts, and vintage tees, but you don’t have a cover-up to match, go on a search for a jacket that will pull the look together. You’ll be happy that you did! 

So, where have you been falling short with your style? Were your outfits lacking contrast, accessories, or a unified theme? Now that you know a few tips, you’re going to knock your next outfit out of the park. Which tip was your favorite? Leave a comment below to share!