We all have that one friend. You know the one. She has impeccable style and always finds the most incredible, one-of-a-kind pieces at unbelievable prices. She’s the Queen of the Vintage Store Scene and those skills are a dime a dozen..
While the process is much simpler to find quality secondhand pieces these days, it can be intimidating if you’ve spent your life shopping in malls and boutiques. Standard stores lay everything out in a way that makes it easy to find, offers multiple sizes, and have specific aesthetics that cater to your personal tastes. Secondhand and vintage stores don’t always have that vibe (except for The Real Real!).
It’s time to kiss your uncertainties about vintage shopping goodbye! At The Cool Mom Co, we’ve got all the best tips for building a totally sustainable wardrobe that’s 100% you!
Come Prepared
Before heading out to your local vintage shop, you should arm yourself with some basic info. Pull out that tape measure because it is time to learn your measurements.
We all know that sizing between stores can vary widely. The same goes for vintage stores. A 1950s dress labeled as a “medium” won’t necessarily be the same thing we think of as a medium today.
Additionally, many vintage pieces have lost their labels over the years or are handmade garments that don’t include a size tag. For this reason, your local vintage store may choose to label things by measurements rather than letter size.
Knowing your measurements will save you lots of time. It is also helpful if you are trying to shop for secondhand pieces online. The key measurement to have on hand will be your bust, waist, hip, and inseam.
Keep an Open Mind
One of the tricky things for vintage newbies is trying to visualize how a piece will look on your body. Many of us aren’t familiar with vintage silhouettes, so it can be easy to dismiss a piece outright.
As you learn, focus on other elements rather than shape. Maybe you like the fabric pattern, the beading detail, or the color. Keep an open mind, and try on things you wouldn’t normally. This will help expand your fashion vocabulary and help you understand what styles and eras work for you.
Think About Maintenance
Most of us are used to wearing fabrics and clothing items that can be quickly thrown into the washer and the dryer. However, many vintage pieces are not designed for our modern methods of washing. They may require hand washing or dry cleaning only.
Before purchasing a piece, talk with the shop owner to see if they can give you a sense of what kind of maintenance will be needed for the garment. Be realistic with yourself about whether or not if you have the time to care for the piece too.
Remember To Tailor
When shopping secondhand, a good rule of thumb is always to buy bigger rather than smaller. While we are used to buying clothes from stores, vintage pieces were often tailor-made to the people who wore them. Because of this, you can sometimes end up with some bizarrely measured garments that are too specific to fit most people.
The good news is that you, too, can get clothes tailored to you. Look for larger pieces you like the style of, and then find quality tailors in your area. Pro tip: your local vintage store owners probably can recommend a few!
Do Some Research
Not all vintage stores are created equal.
Some focus on high-end, designer pieces; others curate a more quirky collection of thrift store tees and old Levis. Some offer clothes from specific eras, others consider anything from the 2000s and older vintage.
Spend a little time online, getting to know what the shops around you specialize in. This can help you find a store with options that will work best for your style and budget.
Be Realistic
Any seasoned vintage shopper can tell you tales about finding an AMAZING 1970’s ball gown, 50’s skirt, or 80s heels that were PERFECT for that wedding/work party/holiday get-together.
…and then they never wore it again.
Many people wear vintage clothes as standout pieces rather than everyday wear. Because of this, it is easy to purchase many special occasion outfits that only get worn once or twice.
When shopping vintage, take a realistic look at your preferences and the activities in your everyday life. Do you need fabrics that are easy to move around in? Can you work in dresses or are trousers better for your work environment? Will you actually wear those cute cowboy boots?
Asking ourselves if the clothing is not just cute but also useful in our life is a great way to keep our purchases sustainable.
Becoming a vintage aficionado may take some trial and error, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the style icon of your cool mom friend group.
Do you have a favorite local vintage shop near you? Share your hidden gems in the comments below!