Goodwill Fashion Expert—Bjorn Nasett

Bjorn Nasett - Goodwill Fashion ExpertBe sure to read Bjorn's weekly column for great advice. If you have specific questions send him an email at askbjorn@goodwillsew.com.

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Reclaiming Retro!

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on May 30, 2013 9:08:00 AM

vintageA lot of people ask me about vintage and “retro” looks. Their questions range from, “How can I wear that trend without looking like I’m wearing my mother’s clothes?” to “What pieces should I be shopping for while I’m at the Goodwill Store?” My column will address all of those questions this week. Films with vintage fashion themes in different eras, along with numerous articles and references to the 70’s and 80’s designer fashion explosion, makes me think that the nostalgia bandwagon seems to be in full blossom. The way I see it, if there are elements from every era of fashion that transcend time and place, then these pieces are what I would call “classic” vintage. We’ll cover the items to look for and those to avoid at all costs.

describe the imageCoats

Both men and women should look for lightweight spring jackets or blazer-type coats. Zip up waterproof styles like “Members Only” and “London Fog” are a great way to start your foray into vintage and retro collecting. They come in handy with the fickle weather we have in the spring and fall, and act as a great layering piece to take on trips where you may need options. Other coats to look for would be vintage blazers in light wool, cotton or linen. These can also be useful for cool summer evenings over a t-shirt and jeans.

vintageVests

Vintage or retro vests are fantastic for year-round fashion goodness. Make sure the back looks as good as the front if you’re not going to wear a vest under a coat or jacket. Solo with a t-shirt or even over a dress, you need to make sure that it fits, or have it taken in to fit you perfectly. An ill-fitted vest does no one any fashion favors.

cardiganSweaters

Even though we’re heading into the summer season, I always look for lightweight 100% wool sweaters that can act as a layering piece with other items. V-necks and cardigans are never out of style, and the retro fits are a little slimmer than their modern day counterparts.

Sportswear

hatThings like golf gear, motorcycling clothing, tennis wear, and vintage warm ups of any kind never go out of style. They were designed to work well for the sport specified in the first place, and secondly, they can go from country club to city streets too if well chosen. Pleated skirts, plaid pants, and other sports apparel always add a touch of fun to whatever they’re worn with. I also look for Kangol brand caps and other types of sporting hats because I don’t believe in bad hair days, I believe in good hats!

vintageDresses

Known for its simple a-line silhouettes, this era makes it easy to find pieces that can go the fashion distance a little longer than other time periods. Cotton sheath dresses and shirtwaist dresses for the office or a city-shopping spree definitely look better than the average flip-flops and shorts look for summer. Dress it up or down and bring out the bold accessories to make it really pop. 

What to Avoid

When finding items from other eras you want to focus on two things, fit and condition. Things that don’t fit or need repair are not a good buy. Ask yourself whether you could see this item paired with other pieces from your wardrobe. At all costs avoid buying things just because they’re vintage and you think they’re cool. Clothing without purpose doesn’t make style sense. Kitschy, gimmicky, and over-the-top vintage ends up looking more like a costume than fashion in my book, so keep your focus!  In the end, the vintage and retro clothing and accessories that keep making comebacks year after year are always the ones that can still integrate with what is happening in fashion at the present time. 

So train your eye to seek out the wardrobe pieces that bring on the vintage/retro vibe without breaking the piggy bank at your local Goodwill Store & Donation Center. Use my strategies and your “old school” finds will take on first class fashion status!

 

Topics: Bjorn Nasett, Fashion, Fashion Accessories, Fashion Expert