Women's vintage and indie fashion can be sweet and ultra-feminine or edgy and tomboyish.
Indie fashion draws on the culture around independent music, film and art. Whether for nostalgia or critique, these forms of expression often use imagery from the past, and that vintage influence finds its way into indie fashion styles. Women's vintage and indie fashion can be sweet and ultra-feminine or edgy and tomboyish, or can combine elements of these extremes within one look.
Find Your Inspiration
To develop your own vintage-inspired style, look to classic films, photography, magazines and album covers to familiarize yourself with the silhouettes and styles of previous decades. Indie fashion is about self-expression, so you don't have to adhere to an authentic period look. You can combine elements from different vintage periods to express your own unique aesthetic. For example, you could combine two of the most iconoclastic fashion movements of the 20th century by wearing a 1920s flapper-inspired dress with 1970s punk-style accessories.
Dress for Your Body Type
Getting to know the styles typical of different time periods can help you choose clothing and accessories that best suit your body type and express your indie fashion vision. Different time periods have idealized different body shapes. For example, 1950s fashion tended to emphasize a feminine hourglass shape, while the styles of the 1960s began to favor a less-curvy body shape. Knowing the beauty ideals of the past can help you to find vintage pieces and classic styles that best fit you, so you can wear your vintage indie look with confidence.
Finding Indie and Vintage Pieces
Online retailers and auction sites can be good resources for vintage clothing. When shopping online, be aware that vintage sizing often varies significantly from modern sizing. To find the best fit, take your own measurements and compare them to those listed for the item. If you prefer trying on your clothing before making a purchase, vintage stores, consignment shops, estate sales and thrift stores often carry a variety of vintage items. If you'd rather buy new clothes, both online and local contemporary clothing shops may carry vintage-inspired clothing that will suit your indie fashion look.
Accessories and DIY Details
There are a few potential drawbacks to shopping for vintage clothing. It can be expensive, items may be fragile or have hidden flaws, and finding the perfect size and style can take time. You can still add vintage flair to your indie look without committing to a full vintage look. Adding striking vintage accessories -- such as jewelry, hats or handbags -- can add attitude to even the most basic outfits. You can also add vintage accents, such as buttons or lace trim, to give your wardrobe a vintage boost without emptying your pocketbook.
Tags: indie fashion, vintage indie, your indie, combine elements, edgy tomboyish, express your, fashion sweet
