The case for Vintage fashion

Guest post by Saru Balakrishnan at Lalita

Vintage is the current buzzword amongst fashionistas who know that in order to be one step ahead of the fashion pack individuality is the key.

Vintage fashion allows you to style your outfit in a unique and affordable way and is becoming the hot new trend this summer.

Not only are you setting new fashion standards but people are turning to vintage as a way of adopting “green” practices.  There has been a movement away from the “cheap” fashion that has been invading our high streets as the cost of purchasing these items is becoming ever clearer with stories appearing daily about sweatshops and child labour.  

The concept of wearing vintage also aids the planet by shunning the consumerist nature of our society, encouraging re-using – something Miss Westwood would be proud of!

Vintage is the eco-friendly way to be stylish and yet still remains reasonably priced, allowing access to high quality designer products that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. For many this is a rare window to feel the luxury of top designer brands.

Fashion designers are constantly looking to the past for creative inspiration and now that vintage fashion is hitting the high street you too can create your own distinctive look. The history that comes with each individual item is something that undoubtedly allures its many followers.

Celebrities have been leading the trend for vintage fashion, preferring vintage over new designs for the red carpet. Not only does this provide them with a sensuous glamour that can only be evoked from the past, but on a practical level ensures that they won’t risk wearing the same outfit as another star.

Vintage fashion covers items ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s meaning there is something to appeal to all. The 20s are well known for their flapper dresses, which translate today as elegant chic as worn by Kirsten Dunst, the 50s, for top to toe smouldering glamour and the 80s for their bright and bold cuts and colours. 

To get the best from your vintage purchase look for top quality names.  Vintage items dating before the early 1970s were generally made in Europe by skilled craftsmen and that is why they have survived so well.  The best way to wear vintage is to accessorise with one or two key pieces.

Buying vintage has never been easier with vintage shops now appearing on many high streets and a number of quality online retailers.  Most vintage sellers on the internet give full descriptions of the items together with photos so you should be safe with your purchase.  However if you are not happy you can return items within a week for a full refund.

Vintage is the most exciting and innovative aspect gracing the fashion world at the moment – what more persuading do you need to shop vintage? 

See the mini gallery below for some vintage inspiration by Lalita.