How to wear vintage without looking like you're in costume?
3 tips for an authentic yet modern look
😅 The cliché of vintage = costume?
You love the retro aesthetic, but you're worried about being asked if you're going to a themed party? You're not alone. Many women hesitate to wear vintage pieces every day for fear of overdoing it—or not knowing how to style them.
But the good news is: vintage can be worn with subtlety, elegance, and character , without looking like you're in costume. All it takes is a few simple guidelines… and a touch of daring.
💡 Tip 1: Mix old and modern
The secret to a successful vintage look is balance.
- Combine a strong vintage piece (shouldered jacket, silk blouse, high-waisted skirt) with contemporary basics : raw denim, white t-shirt, minimalist sneakers.
- Conversely, a total vintage look can be modernized with a pair of current glasses , a structured bag, or a fresh haircut.
🧥 Example: an 80s men's blazer + flare jeans + pumps = chic urban look without excess.
💡 Tip 2: Play with fabrics and cuts
Certain vintage fabrics (virgin wool, natural silk, antique linen) instantly add character to an outfit. The trick is to choose them in cuts that suit you today .
- A 70s dress can be belted for a more modern look.
- An oversized blazer can be rolled up at the sleeves or cinched at the waist.
- A vintage midi skirt becomes ultra-trendy when worn with high boots or sneakers.
🧶 At Mes Épaulettes , you will often find pieces made of fine materials that drape perfectly and last for decades without losing their strength.
Example: a men's wool suit worn oversized with white sneakers
💡 Tip 3: Define your style, not an era
You don't need to "replay" a decade. The idea isn't to look like you're from the 50s or 80s, but to pick from the past what makes you unique today .
- You can be minimalist with a structured vintage suit.
- Or romantic with an embroidered blouse from the 70s.
- Or daring with shoulder pads, a colorful scarf, a Pierre Cardin watch.
The important thing is that the play speaks for you , not that it disguises you.
Example: statement vintage jewelry on a simple and modern outfit
✨ Conclusion: Style, not theater
Vintage is not a uniform. It's a palette , a treasure trove from which you choose what suits you, what elevates you, what gives you style.
So go for it. One piece at a time. A look your way.
And if you want inspiration, come and discover the Mes Épaulettes selections: each garment has been chosen to live a second modern life — with you.
