This holiday season, ditch the mall and opt for something a little more unique—vintage shopping! Not only is vintage sustainable, but you’re also guaranteed to find one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else will have. And who doesn’t love that? Plus, with a little bit of creativity, you can easily find gifts for all your friends and family members at your local vintage shop. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get started.
What is Vintage?
First things first, let’s define vintage. In the fashion world, “vintage” generally refers to clothing, accessories, and home decor from a previous era (generally, 20 years is the minimum for something to be officially considered vintage). However, these days, the term has become somewhat of a catch-all, with even Y2k style being considered vintage. So whether you’re looking for clothes from the ’60s or ’00s, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for at your local vintage shop.
Where to Shop Vintage?
Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start shopping! If you’re lucky enough to live in a big city, there are probably several vintage shops to choose from. However, even if you don’t live in a major metropolitan area, there’s likely at least one vintage shop within driving distance. And if all else fails, there’s always online shopping!
How to Shop Vintage?
One of the best things about shopping vintage is that you never know what you’re going to find. So go into your local vintage shop with an open mind and be prepared to try on lots of different things. And don’t be afraid to ask the staff for help! They likely have tons of great styling tips up their sleeves.
Do Your Research Ahead of Time
Before you go out vintage shopping, it helps to have an idea of what you’re looking for. That way, you’re not sifting through racks and racks of clothes only to come up empty handed. If you’re unsure where to start, take a look at some fashion bloggers or celebrities whose style you admire and see if they’ve ever worn anything vintage. Chances are, if they have, they’ll be happy to share where they got it. Once you have a general idea of the type of clothing you want, you can start looking for stores in your area that sell vintage.
Know Your Sizes (and Measurements) Ahead of Time
This is especially important if you’re shopping online, but it’s helpful even when shopping in person. Sizing has changed quite a bit over the years, so what may have once been a size 8 is now more like a size 4. In addition to knowing your general size, it’s also helpful to know your measurements. That way, you can easily determine whether or not something will fit without having to try it on. When in doubt, refer to the British standard size chart to find your approximate modern size. This technique is best suited for items from the 1960s onward, but it’s super helpful as a loose guideline for determining your size.
Set a budget
Just because something is vintage doesn’t mean it’s automatically cheaper than buying new clothing. In fact, sometimes vintage clothing can be quite pricey, depending on the item and its condition. A lot of people wander into my vintage showroom, Quirk, thinking it’s going to be more akin to a thrift shop, but it’s really curated, and the prices are a reflection of that. So, before you start shopping, figure out how much cash you’re willing to throw down for a special piece (or pieces). This will help narrow down your options and prevent you from overspending.
Inspect the items before you buy them
When you’re looking at potential purchases, take the time to inspect them for any damage or wear and tear. If an item is too damaged, it might not be worth the purchase, no matter how cheap it is. Also, keep in mind that vintage clothing often runs small, so make sure to try things on before you buy them! For minor imperfections, such as moth holes or slight discoloration, consider if you want to mend them or are OK with them. Some feel it adds character, while some folks are handy and willing to do a little DIY. People who find an item they truly love might also be willing to spend money on getting alterations (your personal fashion stylist recommends this anyway; a tailor is your BFF) or special cleaning done. Just remember that not all dry cleaners are created equal.
Finally, be patient
Shopping for vintage clothing takes time and patience. You might have to sift through a lot of items that aren’t quite what you’re looking for before you find that perfect piece. But trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end when you finally find that perfect gem.
So, this holiday season, think outside the box and try shopping vintage. Not only is it sustainable and eco-friendly, but it’s also a great way to score unique gifts for all your friends and family members. And who knows—you might just find a few timeless treasures for yourself as well… –Especially because it’s definitely time to retire that same gold sequined dress (that everyone has) you’ve worn to every holiday party for the past few years & replace it with something you’d never have found anywhere else… (At least not without the help of a seasoned fashion stylist or personal shopper, of course.)
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