How to Mix Vintage and Modern

How to Mix Vintage and Modern



Vintage clothing is once again cool. And whether you've bought you own pieces from a shop down the street or simply raided your mother's and grandmother's closets, the options are endless, unique and one-of-a-kind. The question is, how do you make a vintage piece modern?







Things You'll Need:





Vintage clothing



Accessories



Sewing machine









Step
1



Half the fun of wearing vintage clothing is the hunt to initially find it. Search local resale and vintage stores along with online auction houses for well-designed pieces that have little wear and tear.




Step
2



The key to making your treasures more modern is to alter them. Vintage skirts are often very full and can be nipped in on the sides to create a slimmer shape. Likewise if it's a top you're transforming, (think 1970s long sleeves and turtleneck,) you can re-design. Take apart the seams and re-create the piece using more modern lines and angles.




Step
3



Eliminate truly dated features like shoulder pads and suspenders. These will forever be on the don't list so just get rid of them immediately.




Step
4



If sewing and designing seems a bit daunting, try modernizing with accessories. If the skirt or dress has a really small waistline, add a belt to further accentuate it. If you've got a higher neckline, layer beaded necklaces over one another to draw attention upwards.




Step
5



Finally, take on easy projects at first. A vintage slip requires very little altering (perhaps just raise the straps) and can take on a modern twist when paired with a long sweater coat and heels. Likewise, jackets and coats will also wear well, and look great with almost any great skinny jean.







Tips & Warnings









Some present-day boutiques carry their own vintage wares so be sure to check out your favorite shops. Often times they'll buy a few items and sell them with their seasonal stock.



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