How to Build a Vintage-Inspired Wardrobe

Learn how to find your style with this guide to building a vintage-inspired wardrobe. From decluttering with purpose to curating timeless classics.

I’ve you’ve been reading for a while you know I love vintage-inspired fashion and have been working on a vintage-inspired wardrobe for several years now. I don’t dress 100% in one decade or style but it’s all inspired by vintage style and made to fit what I love and feel comfortable in. 

I tend to be inspired by the 1940s and 1950s. I love full skirts and cardigans. I’m also a big fan of novelty prints. Over the years of building this new vintage-inspired wardrobe, I’ve found a lot of things that help make it easier and I want to share those with you. You use a lot of these tips to build any kind of wardrobe but I’m focusing on vintage-inspired since that’s what I love and I know a lot of you do as well.

Building a Vintage-Inspired Wardrobe

Building a vintage-inspired wardrobe is all about creating a collection that resonates with the charm of your favorite era but also works for your modern life.

Decluttering Your Current Wardrobe

A good first step is to declutter your wardrobe. Figure out what still fits and also brings you joy. You don’t want to hold on to things that you don’t feel good in.

You will want to look at every piece you currently own, try them on, and see what you still actually love. If you have pieces you aren’t sure about put them on the hanger with the hanger backwards, once you wear a piece turn the hanger around. See what is left after a year. If it’s not for a special occasion and you haven’t worn it in a year you can get rid of it.

Find Your Style

When it comes to finding your style you likely already have some idea of what you like but maybe not the full picture. Look at what you’ve wanted to keep from your current wardrobe and then also look at inspiration photos on Pinterest and Instagram or maybe in films you like and other media. See what you are drawn to.

I recommend starting either a physical inspiration board or one on Pinterest. See what theme you keep seeing and what you think you will love. 

Buying New Pieces

Now that the old has made way for the new, it’s time to discuss ways to buy new pieces. Don’t feel like you need a new wardrobe overnight, start building slowly.

Also, going slowly will help you make sure you are on the right track with the style you like.

You can also use clothing rental to try out new things with less commitment or try a clothing styling service like Wantable to get some help figuring out your new style.

Must-Have Classics: A Vintage Wardrobe Checklist

If you have decided vintage-inspired is the way you want to go, here’s a curated list of must-have wardrobe pieces. This is focused on mid-century fashion but many pieces can be used for any style. 

• Circle Skirts– Full skirts are a must if you like the 1950s- early 1960s fashion. Start with some neutral skirts that you can mix with a lot of different tops. 
• Pencil Skirt– Pencil skirts are a timeless classic and a must no matter what era you love. This is another time when getting a neutral is a good way to go.
• Shirtwaist Dresses- Shirtwaist dresses are a nice casual option. Since you won’t be mixing these it’s a good time to branch out into more colors and prints. 
• Cocktail Dresses- If you like to go out a nice cocktail dress is a must. If you plan to only have one a little black dress is always a good, timeless choice.
• High-Waisted Pants- High-waisted pants have been popular for many decades and are flattering for many people. If you like to wear pants look for some cute, vintage-style jeans and a few dressy options. 
• Wide-Leg Pants– Wide-leg pants were popular in the 1940s and the 1970s. They are a piece to consider adding to your wardrobe.
• Cardigans- Cardigans are a great layering piece and a timeless choice. For the 1950s cropped, cardigans can help highlight the fitted waist look. 
• Fitted Sweaters- Fitted sweaters are a must for mid-century styles. Sweater sets are even better!
• Petticoat- If you like full skirts a good petticoat is a must to create a full look. 
• Slips- Slips are a must if you like wearing a lot of dresses. They can help complete a look, keep everything looking smooth and make sure nothing is showing through.
• Heels- A few cute pairs of heels are a must. Short kitten heels were popular and are better for your feet than some of the higher heels you see now. 
• Accessories- Pearls, sweater clips, gloves, bangles, brooches, handbags, and hats can add to your vintage look and help you take a more modern piece and make it look more vintage. 

Where to Shop for Vintage Clothing & Vintage-Inspired Clothing

There are a lot of great stores out there that still make vintage-inspired clothing. These are some of my favorite places to shop for vintage-inspired clothing. 

• Unique Vintage
• ModCloth
• Heart of Haute
• What Katie Did
• Hell Bunny
• BAIT Footwear

Don’t forget to check thrift stores as well. Learning to sew can also help you build your wardrobe. Things like circle skirts are pretty easy projects.

You can also check out all of my vintage fashion blog posts for inspiration. I like to share seasonal vintage dresses and other pieces that can help you build a beautiful vintage wardrobe, be sure to stick around to see even more inspiration.