How to Wear and Style With Grandma Clothes

27 Jan How to Wear and Style With Grandma Clothes

Vintage and retro fashion trends seem to come back every few decades. What was old becomes new again. grandma clothes  from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s are now being seen in modern fashion. With some styling tips, you can take those vintage pieces from grandma’s closet and make them fresh and fashionable again.

The Appeal of Grandma’s Old Clothes

Something is charming about vintage clothing. It represents a different time and evokes a sense of nostalgia. Grandma’s clothes may be out of style, but they can be given new life with proper styling. Here are some reasons why young people are raiding grandma’s closet:

• Unique and Original – Modern fast fashion can often look homogenized. Vintage pieces stand out and lend authenticity.
• Higher Quality – Clothes used to be made to last. The fabrics and construction were sturdier.
• Save Money – Vintage clothing can be thrifted or inherited, a more eco-friendly and affordable option.
• Nostalgia – Wearing grandma’s retro pieces is a tangible connection to the past.
• Cool Factor – What’s old becomes new again. Young people are putting a modern spin on retro.

Tips for Wearing Grandma’s Clothes

Raiding grandma’s closet for vintage finds can be fun, but styling them for a modern look takes some skill. Here are tips to make outdated pieces relevant again:

Focus on Timeless Pieces

Some items never honestly go out of fashion – a little black dress, a trench coat, a crisp white button-down. Opt for classic silhouettes in leather, wool, cotton, and silk that transcend trends.

Mix Old With New

Pair grandma’s vintage finds with fresh, modern pieces. For example, style a retro blouse with skinny jeans and moto boots. The juxtaposition makes the old look new.

Update With Tailoring

Consider getting vintage pieces tweaked or refitted to look more modern. Crop a long skirt, tailor a boxy jacket, and turn a dress into a top. Simple adjustments can update the fit and silhouette.

Layer Creatively

Layering grandma clothes old cardigan over a slip dress or lace top adds a peek-a-boo element. Play with textures, colors, and proportions to give vintage pieces a modern edge.

Accessorize Thoughtfully

Accessories like shoes, jewelry, and handbags can make or break a vintage look. Avoid pieces that scream “old-fashioned.” Stick to simple, classic accessories in fresh styles.

Know When To Give Away

Sometimes, a piece may be too outdated or fragile to salvage. Don’t stubbornly hold onto items you can’t reimagine. Pass them on to other vintage enthusiasts.

How to Wear Specific Retro Pieces

Here’s a breakdown of tips for styling some quintessential grandma clothes garments in a modern way:

Slips

• Wear as a dress with boots or sneakers for a casual effect
• Layer under an open blazer and add a belt
• Style it as a skirt by pairing it with a fitted turtleneck

House Dresses

• Belt it to define the waist
• Pair with white lace-up sneakers
• Layer under denim or leather jackets
• DIY into a cute cropped top

Mumus, Caftans, and Shift Dresses

• Belt at natural waist
• Pop over jeans and a tee
• Layer with coats, kimonos, or dusters
• Style with heels or wedge sandals

Baggy Tops and Sweaters

• Tuck into a pleated tennis skirt
• Half-tuck into high-waisted jeans
• Cinch with a wide belt
• Crop or knot cropped at the waist

Big Shirts

• Tie at the waist to make cropped
• Wear an over slip dress or tanks
• Cut into a tank top
• DIY into a summer duster

Plaid Skirts and Dresses

• Pair with crop tops and casual sneakers
• Layer over a turtleneck and add tights
• Belt it to define the waist
• Modernize with an updated hairstyle

Floppy Sun Hats

• Tie a modern scarf around the crown
• Style with floral dresses and sandals
• Pair with off-the-shoulder tops
• Sport at the beach with a two-piece

Styling Grandma’s Clothes By Decade

Here are some eras that vintage grandma clothes may come from, along with ideas to make them work today:

1920s Flapper Style

• Fringe hem dresses – pair with rugged moto jacket
• Sequined tops – wear with skinny jeans
• Cloche hats – use sparingly, style with modern looks

1930s Depression Era

• Bias cut gowns – perfect for black tie events
• Silk slips – layer as skirts or dresses
• Floral prints – tone down with neutral accents

1940s War Era

• Tailored wool suits – update with bold shoes and bags
• Victory rolls hairstyle – wear for retro events
• Red lipstick – modernize makeup with smoky eyes

1950s Mid-Century

• Poodle skirts – pair with cropped tops and sneakers
• Circle skirts – belt and pair with tucked-in tops
• Cat eyeglasses – wear for costume events

1960s Mod Style

• Shift dresses – belt and pair with knee-high boots
• Go-go boots – wear with minis and opaque tights
• Beehives – reserve for themed parties

1970s Boho Chic

• Bell bottoms – style with tucked-in tops
• Jumpsuits – pair with wedges and big jewelry
• Peasant tops – tuck into midi skirts, wear with sandals

1980s New Wave

• Leather jackets – rock with modern pieces
• Neon colors – use as accent colors in small doses
• Big hair – channel with today’s messy beach waves

Conclusion

Raiding grandma clothes for vintage treasures can be an eco-friendly way to create fun, unique looks. With some styling updates, her dated duds can be made modern again. The appeal lies in the nostalgia and high-quality craftsmanship of retro fashion. By following tips for how to make the old look new again through tailoring, layering, and accessorizing, you can put together fresh looks with a wink to the past. Grandma’s clothes from decades gone by can inspire your wardrobe today. With the proper styling, you can wear vintage with a modern twist.

FAQs

How do I determine if a vintage piece from Grandma can be reworked?

Check that the garment is in good condition, with no significant stains, holes, or damage. Look at the cut – very dated styles like puff sleeves may be hard to update. Quality fabrics like wool, cotton, and leather have better odds of modernizing versus cheap polyester.

Besides raiding grandma’s attic, what are the best places to find vintage clothing?

Thrift stores, vintage boutiques, flea markets, estate sales, consignment shops, and online auctions like eBay, Poshmark, and Etsy. You can hunt for hidden secondhand gems.

Should I mend/repair Grandma’s old clothes before wearing them?

Inspect for missing buttons, ripped seams, and loose hems. Make minor repairs so garments hold up. But some flaws can add to the charm of vintage. Don’t obsess over perfection.

What are suitable modern accessories to pair with retro looks?

Some go-to accessories include essential white sneakers, combat boots, skinny belts, structured handbags, oversized sunglasses, and layered jewelry. Avoid dated looks like spectator heels, hoop earrings, or pearl necklaces.

Are there any hair/makeup no-nos for getting a modern vibe from vintage fashion?

Avoid playing up the “costume” factor too much. Skip victory rolls, cat-eye flicks, or red lips unless you’re doing a themed event. Keep hair and makeup contemporary to balance out the retro garb.

Conclusion

Wearing grandma’s clothes can be fun to get creative with vintage fashion. With clever modern styling, her dated pieces can look fresh again. Discover 8 stylish tips to make your outfits interesting with ‘The Best Stores for Every Style and Budget,’ and remember to focus on quality over eras when raiding her closet for items worth revamping. Utilize tailoring, thoughtful layering, and updated accessories to transform the old into something new. Avoid overdoing retro hair and makeup. Finally, accept that some pieces may be too outdated to salvage and give them away. With grandma’s help, you can reinvent throwback fashion and make it fabulous for today.