Outfit 1: The Classic ’50s Look
The 1950s were all about feminine silhouettes, nipped-in waists, and full skirts. To achieve the classic '50s look, start with a full-skirted dress in a bold color or a playful print. A polka dot or gingham pattern is always a great choice! Pair the dress with a pair of pumps or ballet flats and a small clutch purse. For a finishing touch, add a pair of cat-eye sunglasses and a scarf tied around your hair.If you're not a fan of dresses, don't worry! You can still achieve the '50s look with a high-waisted skirt and a fitted blouse. Tuck the blouse into the skirt and add a belt to accentuate your waist. Finish off the look with a cardigan or a cropped jacket and a pair of retro-inspired heels.For a more casual '50s look, opt for a pair of high-waisted jeans or capris paired with a fitted t-shirt or blouse. Add a cropped denim jacket or a cardigan and a pair of sneakers or saddle shoes. Accessorize with a headband or a scarf tied around your neck.
Outfit 2: The Groovy ’60s Look
The 1960s were all about bold colors, mod prints, and mini skirts. To achieve the groovy '60s look, start with a brightly colored mini dress in a geometric print or a bold floral pattern. Pair the dress with a pair of knee-high boots with a chunky heel. For a finishing touch, add a pair of oversized sunglasses and a statement necklace.If you're not a fan of mini dresses, you can still achieve the '60s look with a pair of high-waisted trousers or a skirt paired with a fitted turtleneck or a blouse with a Peter Pan collar. Add a pair of ankle boots and a cropped jacket or a coat in a bold color or a fun print.For a more casual '60s look, opt for a pair of flared jeans or corduroy pants paired with a fitted t-shirt or a turtleneck. Add a denim jacket or a leather vest and a pair of platform sandals or sneakers. Accessorize with a headband or a pair of hoop earrings.
Outfit 3: The Disco ’70s Look
The 1970s were all about disco, bohemian style, and bold prints. To achieve the disco '70s look, start with a glittery jumpsuit or a sequined dress. Pair the outfit with a pair of platform heels and a clutch purse. For a finishing touch, add a pair of oversized hoop earrings and a statement necklace.If you're not a fan of jumpsuits or dresses, you can still achieve the '70s look with a pair of flared pants or a skirt paired with a flowy blouse or a bohemian-inspired top. Add a pair of wedge sandals or clogs and a fringed bag. Finish off the look with a floppy hat or a pair of round sunglasses.For a more casual '70s look, opt for a pair of high-waisted shorts or a denim skirt paired with a fitted t-shirt or a peasant blouse. Add a denim jacket or a crochet vest and a pair of platform sandals or sneakers. Accessorize with a pair of aviator sunglasses or a headscarf.
Outfit 4: The Grunge ’90s Look
The 1990s were all about grunge, oversized clothing, and combat boots. To achieve the grunge '90s look, start with a pair of ripped jeans or a plaid skirt paired with an oversized sweater or a flannel shirt. Add a pair of combat boots or Doc Martens and a beanie or a knit hat. For a finishing touch, add a choker necklace or a pair of hoop earrings.If you're not a fan of oversized clothing, you can still achieve the '90s look with a pair of high-waisted jeans or shorts paired with a crop top or a fitted t-shirt. Add a denim jacket or a leather moto jacket and a pair of platform sneakers or combat boots.For a more casual '90s look, opt for a pair of overalls or a denim skirt paired with a fitted t-shirt or a tank top. Add a flannel shirt tied around your waist and a pair of sneakers or combat boots. Accessorize with a backpack or a crossbody bag.
Outfit 5: The Vintage ’20s Look
The 1920s were all about flappers, drop-waist dresses, and Art Deco-inspired accessories. To achieve the vintage '20s look, start with a beaded or sequined drop-waist dress in a neutral color like black or gold. Add a pair of T-strap heels and a clutch purse. For a finishing touch, add a feather boa or a headband with a feather or a beaded design.If you're not a fan of drop-waist dresses, you can still achieve the '20s look with a pair of wide-legged trousers or a skirt paired with a blouse or a camisole with a lace or a sheer overlay. Add a pair of T-strap heels and a cropped jacket or a coat with a fur collar.For a more casual '20s look, opt for a pair of wide-legged pants or culottes paired with a fitted t-shirt or a blouse with a bow or a ruffle detail. Add a cardigan or a blazer and a pair of loafers or T-strap flats. Accessorize with a cloche hat or a beaded necklace.
Accessories to Complete Your Retro-Inspired Look
Accessories are key to completing your retro-inspired look. For the '50s look, add a pair of cat-eye sunglasses, a scarf tied around your hair, or a pair of pearl earrings. For the '60s look, add a pair of oversized sunglasses, a statement necklace, or a headband. For the '70s look, add a fringed bag, a floppy hat, or a pair of round sunglasses. For the '90s look, add a choker necklace, a beanie or a knit hat, or a pair of hoop earrings. For the '20s look, add a feather boa, a headband with a feather or a beaded design, or a beaded necklace.
Where to Shop for Retro-Inspired Pieces
There are plenty of places to shop for retro-inspired pieces. Vintage and thrift stores are great places to find authentic vintage clothing and accessories. Online retailers like ModCloth and Unique Vintage specialize in retro-inspired clothing and accessories. High-end department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's also carry retro-inspired pieces from designer brands.
How to Mix and Match Retro Pieces with Modern Items
Mixing and matching retro pieces with modern items is a great way to create a unique and personalized look. For example, you can pair a vintage blouse with a modern pair of jeans or a vintage skirt with a modern t-shirt. You can also add a modern accessory like a statement necklace or a pair of trendy shoes to a retro-inspired outfit.
Conclusion
Whether you're a fan of the '50s, '60s, '70s, '90s, or '20s, there are plenty of ways to achieve a retro-inspired look. From full-skirted dresses and knee-high boots to ripped jeans and combat boots, there's a retro-inspired outfit for every style and occasion. Don't be afraid to mix and match retro pieces with modern items to create a unique and personalized look. So, go ahead and take a fashion journey through the decades!
