My Top 6 Vintage Style Wardrobe Essentials

Many people have asked me over the years, as I have been sharing my own outfits and style online, for a list of items they should buy when starting out with vintage style. I have never quite been able to answer such questions, as I always feel each persons individual unique style is so very different that I would be unable to answer such a thing for someone else. So today I finally decided to answer this sort of query in my own way, and I hope you all enjoy the video :)
I sewed my black pencil skirt, circle skirt, gingham dress, and black 40's dress all myself from self drafted patterns.
However, the sources for the items pictured as examples are:
Vivien of Holloway Pencil Skirt: www.vivienofholloway.com/wome...
Vivien of Holloway Circle Skirt: www.vivienofholloway.com/wome...
House of Foxy 40's Blouse : www.thehouseoffoxy.com/blouse...
Heyday Vintage 40's Blouse : www.heydayonline.co.uk/defaul...
Vivien of Holloway Sundress : www.vivienofholloway.com/wome...
Vivien of Holloway Lana Dress in Black : www.vivienofholloway.com/wome...
Music from KZbin Audio Library : Book Bag, E's Jammy Jams
More from me?
Blog: theclosethistorian.blogspot.com/
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Tumblr: / theclosethistorian
Beauty Instagram: / thehistoriansvanity
Beauty Channel: / thehistoriansvanity
Thank you for watching!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Hello there everyone! I'm working on some videos about vintage gloves coming up soon here on the channel, so I wanted to ask you all if you have any glove related questions for me? Let me know :)

[@susannawei9713]

Yes! I am so looking forward to this video! :D Please tell us how we can identify the era of a glove and about how much money we can expect to pay for a vintage pair + how to care for them. Also it would be so nice if you were able to tell us where/which ones we can buy new, for instance of amazon/aliexpress?:) I recently found a glove shop that has ben around for a long time in my area and besides new pieces they still sell ones that they purchaced in the 50s etc and are waiting for the right hand to come along. (I guess its called deadstock but the business is still running) I already got 3 pairs from them and i am in love! The quality of prestene vintage is impeckable. Sorry for the spam Lots of love♡♡♡

[@abilee7575]

Awesome video idea! Would love to know best places to buy vintage gloves, sizing based on various materials, and best kinds for beginner collectors. Thank you!

[@astrideverleedevereauxb.785]

@@susannawei9713 Have you seen her Vintage Shopping Price Guide video? I just watched it again last night and she touches on price of gloves and also which fabrics she likes to buy in as well I believe, though don't quote me on the second part. It might help tide you over until the dedicated gloves video gets made/posted.

[@bluejay5531]

Hi Bianca! would love to.know more about era/style identification colour/length/fabric....love your videos!

[@susannawei9713]

@@astrideverleedevereauxb.785 Thank you so much for your suggestion! I will definitely check it out :)

[@rutilusovis]

The thing I'm taking away from this is that I need to get a whole set of matching red accessories! They really made those outfits pop! You look stunning my dear.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Sets of matching accessories are super useful! It's how I like to collect them as it makes styling a breeze :)

[@pballen9745]

I've always considered red an unofficial vintage neutral. Doesn't matter what other colors you're wearing, if your accessories match your lip color you'll look amazing.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

Late comment I know, but my wardrobe essentials: A black circle skirt. Not a pencil skirt, or anything narrower than A Line. Mostly because I’m a wheelchair user and I’ve found that narrow or tight skirts just really aren’t very comfortable when you have to sit in a wheelchair for long periods of time. It’s a pity, because it’s one of the few vintage style items that is really easy to find in modern clothing stores. A slip. Not that anyone sees it, but it makes me feel more vintage, and I love it. A white button up- because people really did wear them all the time. They’re so versatile too- wear them in their own, or layer them under waistcoats or jackets or even sweaters and pinafores. A peasant style blouse. They were super popular then, and still popular now. They’re also really easy to sew if you want to make your own. (Same with circle and half circle skirts, though my advice for them is to always take two inches off your waist measurement due to cutting the waist on a bias. It will stretch out). Peasant blouses are also surprisingly cute under waistcoats (see Rachel Maksy) One nice fit and flare style dress, suitable for summer on its own, or winter when paired with tights and a nice coat or cardigan. A nice cardigan. Super easy to find in modern clothing stores, but extra points if you find one that has a bit of poof at the shoulders. And I’d also get accessories like shoes (a black pump and a pair of oxfords, I prefer heeled, but it’s not necessary), a pearl necklace and pearl stud earrings (mine are fake, it doesn’t matter), a hairscarf, a snood (because you only have to do half your hair, saves a huge amount of time), and a nice belt. I’d say those are the accessories I’d replace first. Second tier clothing would include a nice tweed waistcoat and a pair of wide legged high waisted pants, and a nice blazer.

[@WithLoveKristina]

This is the first wardrob essentials list I’ve ever agreed with, hah! These are all fantastic suggestions and I’ve realized I only have like 2. Time to find a LBD, black circle skirt, and a pencil skirt I like! Also that white blouse 😍😍😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kristina!

[@knittabhavana]

So in response to this I made a nice fitted, lined black pencil and swishy black circle skirt, both in cotton sateen and I can't believe the impact they've had on my wardrobe. I've been used to wearing either the full fig statement dress outfit, or jeans. These black skirts make a really useful wearable looks: I'd forgotten you can feel properly dressed in separates. Will be getting my LBD game on next... thanks Bianca!

[@darnelleechols8556]

The first look was cute and unexpected - pencil skirt with graffic tee. Loved the vibe. Interestingly enough, I proudly own everything on the list of essentials but the mid century skirt suit. I would prefer a pants suit in a men's wear pattern like herringbone or houndstooth. One like Katherine Hepburn would've worn. Love that look. Thanks for the inspiration. A list of essential accessories would be fun.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Darnelle! The accessories video has been added to my calendar/plans :)

[@HexusoftheSheep]

I'm digging all the black/white/red. The White Stripes vintage aesthetic, beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jacob! I've always love The White Stripes :)

[@dindranew.6808]

I love red with olive; am I the only one?

[@StarspangledHeart]

If you can't find a vintage suit or jacket in your size and budget, you can also use a coordinating cardigan and skirt. It gives the same sort of vibe and versatility as a suit and it's much easier to come by.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

If only someone out there was properly reproducing vintage suiting, though I'm sure they would be very pricey!

[@astrideverleedevereauxb.785]

@@TheClosetHistorian I found a reproduction 1940s wool suit on Etsy this morning actually, the jacket was lovely but priced at around $200 alone, then add another $75 or so for the skirt. So the price point really isn't any better than buying vintage suiting, actually it's quite a bit higher than some of the suiting I have found previously that is vintage. Not to mention that's the only reproduction suit I've ever seen that was in a traditional late 40s suit cut style.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Well I am glad someone is out there doing it I guess!

[@pincurlsandpolkadotsgirl165]

Another helpful and informative video! Yes, please do an accessories version!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@li-ly-li]

"Chic and powerful" - great way of putting it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Lily!

[@briannejackson1835]

You style everything so amazingly. Queen of accessories!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Brianne!

[@baileyfortney]

I always enjoy your content. My friend and I were talking about vintage fashion today, I’m totally going to recommend your channel to her next time I see her. I’m sure she’ll like your content as much as I do!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much Bailey! That means so much to me that you would recommend my channel

[@LindaUrsin]

Would love to see essentials for both accessories, shoes and more

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Linda! It has officially been added to my calendar/plans :)

[@kikiadams801]

Love the Cowboy Bebop t-shirt and the suggestions.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kiki! I love Cowboy Bebop :)

[@kikiadams801]

@@TheClosetHistorian So do I. They have the greatest theme song and soundtrack.

[@raraavis7782]

Ah, black and red look amazing on you! Beautiful pieces!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rara!

[@itsacharminglife]

This was so fascinating and especially helpful as I'm trying to mindfully build my wardrobe. P.s. love the split screens, so helpful to see them all together! And your poses are on point😉

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@bilosnizhka9147]

I wouldn't have called this an essential till I found one, but a 1950's/1960's sweater dress or knit set. So great for the winter. Love your list!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I would love to have one of those 50's knit dresses/sets, someday!

[@fromgoodtoglam7564]

I NEEDED THIS VIDEO!!!!! I’ve been trying to come up with my own essentials list was having a hard time- mostly because where I live the weather is so picky, but one thing I’ve found is also to think of your own color scheme and get different clothing in your favorite neutral (or even you signature color if it can match well). You wear black so well but I’m from the south and it makes you hot so easily down here!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ayana! I'm glad you found it helpful :) I would never make it down there, I think I would melt!

[@22mendonca]

You cannot go wrong with all of those wardrobe mid century style pieces chica! I pretty much have the same! Xxx

[@oldasyouromens]

My retro closet essentials, as a college student who fakes it and doesn't actually go vintage shopping: *Black circle skirt, spring weight and wool (check thrift stores, or they sell them at Uniqlo for $40, they're INDISPENSABLE nine months of the year) *SWEATERS. Cotton for spring/summer and wool for winter. Short sleeves look super vintage. *Black loafers/low heels *Seconded--rayon or twill blouses in white/pastel colors. *A nice hat that matches your coat.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

A hat to match the coat is a super good tip!

[@CC-ym1di]

Finding the perfect white shirt/blouse is DAMN HARD !! But agreed, that's a must-have. Nice videos !! Cheers from France xxx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Celine!

[@RhymingMime]

of course you are so much beyond your looks, bianca, but for what its worth, you're beautiful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@lindariddle2276]

I love everything. I think the gingham dress and black 1940s dress may be my favorites.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Linda!

[@MsDeepAndDark]

This video made me realise why I started my style-changing journey by sewing several skirts)

[@KadieAnne]

great, super helpful video! this comes at exactly the right time for me since i’ve just been considering moving into a vintage style and trying to decide what pieces would be most useful to focus on first. this video is definitely going to serve as my guide for a good while yet to come!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kadie-Anne! Best of luck with the wardrobe! :)

[@auntiezann5146]

I love those ideas! Such excellent core pieces. And you look lovely with your hair back to the side! Super glamorous and perfect for the outfits!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@rcdoodles6214]

Fab-u-lous styling of your six essential wardrobe pieces. A panacea of super looks! I love the floral blouse you paired with the black skirt that looks like it has a gold sheen in the print. Simply gorgeous. Thank you for all your work to create this video. I would have been worn out changing into so many outfits!😉

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Indeed my hairstyle barely survived changing in and out of things so many times ;)

[@Lele15728]

Yes! Add accessories! This video. So great. I'm doing a massive clear out and I've gone too far. This video is so helpful. Thank you ♥️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lele! I'll start planning the accessories version :)

[@piperrobyn9818]

Love a black circle skirt! So glad I found your channel ⭐

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@sewhoneybea]

I wholeheartedly agree with your choices. Your choice in fabric for the top is on point at 2:00.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! That golden fabric is actually just quilting cotton so I doubt it will wear nicely or look as good after a few washes, but I just fell in love with the print so I caved.

[@rene4603]

I sincerely hope you open your own store soon! You would be a wonderful sales woman and you could also sell your own designs as well as all of the great stuff that you’ve collected ( for very little money) . You’re a natural - go for it!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Alas these things cost a lot of money to get started that I just do not have. I was a sales associate at Banana Republic once and am far too introverted in reality to succeed as a sales person! ;)

[@maridanez]

Yay! I’d love another video about essential accessories !!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks! I'll add it to the calendar :)

[@lisita1020]

Fantastic essentials. Love the video ❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@jaynedough405]

Great ideas. I love your style. Accessories video? YES please.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Will do :)

[@nathalieduran7355]

Thank you for this video, lots of ideas and great styling for each outfit. Your make is gorgeous btw,

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nathalie!

[@tina8513]

I LOVED this video ! It gave me so many ideas. ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tina!

[@BandEater]

This is SO helpful and you're SO beautiful!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beverley!

[@BandEater]

@@TheClosetHistorian no problem:)

[@KetogenicKim]

Black pencil skirt is my fave 👍😎 And the suit. A Katherine Hepburn slacks suit would be over the top awesome 👌

[@bestearthexplore]

Love vintage style...love all your outfits especially the pink skirt suit...so beautiful....

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@waynem7634]

As a Fashion School instructor...this is an Excellent Channel! I recommend it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@waynealexander1615]

Many of my students of Fashion Design collect vintage and love to mix and match these pieces with their own designs. Vintage is so well made and adopting an appreciation for Vintage fashions contributes to our desire for a Healthy planet that embraces Sustainability.

[@marienova700]

What a lovely video, love your looks

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marie!

[@amberfester5813]

Great video! I loved the outfit where you paired the grey suit jacket with the black pencil skirt, so cute! And I adore that little red hat! 😊❤🇨🇦

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amber!

[@sharonhughes2377]

You look beautiful when you do the colored eye shadows....but you are spectacular looking just as you are today! I love the little black dress on you,....and those red shoes!!!! What can I say? You should do more videos like this.....love them!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sharon!

[@talosheeg]

Thanks for the inspiration!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Talar!

[@melanie1006s]

Love your classic vintage style approach. Your dresses are precious! How you haven’t a skirt with a peplum you’d look so good👍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I'm personally just not a big fan of peplums, great on other people, just not for me.

[@luckysweetheartvintage476]

I’m officially obsess with your channel!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@starshine311]

You look stunning in everything!! Great video.😘😗😘😙

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debbie!

[@michelehayes9509]

This was a very helpful video! Thanks

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michele!

[@CS-wc2uz]

Beautiful and stylish beyond words

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@suewrather6154]

Yes, the second before you said it I thought, I wish she would do one on accessories!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Sue, I have added it onto my calendar!

[@suzanne529]

These clothes so remind me of my mom!

[@erindyson5194]

Thank you!!

[@kckazcoll1]

thanks, this was great!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@maureencullen1008]

Brilliant outfits.Where do you buy your vintage clothes from,are there online shops you would recommend. I would love to see a vlog of your black dresses.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Maureen! I make most of my own retro clothing, the skirts and two dresses I wore in this video are ones I sewed myself. I don't prefer any vintage shops to any other, as I am usually shopping for specific items instead of on a shop by shop basis :)

[@plasticfrog4533]

I love this, it’s so helpful, thanks a lot! I love your channel, I’m a new subscriber and am currently binge watching your videos. You mentioned different vintage styles in another video, what kind of styles are there except the obvious separation in decades? And what would you call your style? Also, totally random, but have you seen “the hunger”, it’s a movie from the 80s, but I’m in love with Catherine Devenues style there. She plays a hundreds of years old vampire, so the look is kind of 40s and gothic. I wonder what this style is called. Sorry for the many questions 🌸and red is definitely your colour

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I just feel like all people's personal version of vintage style is different, even someone who say loves 1920's deco style may have a different look from another 20's lover because they like different colors, makeup, levels of formality etc. I feel like there are sub-styles within the vintage umbrella, like pin-up which tends to be a more repo based (Pin Up Girl Clothing, Lindy Bop, Unique Vintage) style (and possibly sexier also) in general. Then there is rockabilly style which has its own unique qualities, or more conservative vintage style that is perhaps more based around modesty, or more gothic leaning vintage style, more modern style with vintage flair, more authentic versus more eclectic and mix and match. There are a lot of ways to wear "vintage", so I feel like everyone has their own interpretation and unique vintage style that works for them. I don't have a name for my own style myself, I feel like just "vintage" covers it pretty well since I do both authentic and also more modern influenced looks, from entirely different decades, just based on my mood really. I don't think all sub-styles have a name per say, it's more like each person has a pie chart of sorts with different styles, like mine would be something like 70% vintage 20% modern and 10% goth perhaps. Those are just my opinions though :) Also I have not seen The Hunger, but have always wanted to as I like vampire stories in general!

[@andhicook8021]

Yes to the accessories staples. Personally, I like a nod to the 40’s and/or 80’s...though my hair is definitely looking very Shaggy-like 70’s where I’m letting it grow back out...but I still like it 🥰

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Andhi, will do!

[@tigermoon44]

First off ... looking gorgeous as ever!!! Love the pencil skirt! It's my most favorite and then the white blouse. Is there a chance you can do another shoe video? I just love seeing all your shoes and quite possibly would want to invest in a good pair. ;-)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I haven't been able to invest in any new shoes recently myself, so I'll have to work out a way to talk about my current collection some more. There are just too many of them for a collections management video really, the collection is not manageable!

[@JoanHolloway1931]

You have the best style

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@aprildriesslein5034]

I'd say a couple of solid color dresses -- but that's so I'd have an excuse to hit the thrift store for a bunch of new scarves to make them different each day. 😄

[@Starburst109]

6:25 you could wear that my Funeral,cause God your killing me in that Get Up:D

[@myacrisson8594]

Would love the accessories wardrobe talk too. This one was lots of fun , helped give me an idea of what pieces I would need to start my own vintage wardrobe. What colour lipstick are you wearing? Is that the Victory Red by G?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mya! My lipstick here is a liquid matte lipstick from Colourpop in the shade Season 10

[@willianstronhold9431]

Very good

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@dindranew.6808]

I LOVE that first look with the Japanese graphic T! I would never have thought of that, and I have several shirts that would be perfect for that look. IS there a way to make pencil skirts work on, let's say, rounder figures? My waist is definitely more convex than your trim figure, so I've shied away from these skirts.

[@beatricewhitcombe]

YOU LOOK AMAAAAAZING!!! Also, are those the Marilyn pumps? 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beatrice! They are indeed the Marilyn pumps :)

[@ShilynSews]

Um I love your posing? Looks like I'm missing a white blouse/shirt and.....accessories - ALL the accessories lol

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Shilyn!

[@lilianmiramontesjr.7550]

The person who disliked this doesn't want vintage basics. 👀

[@talosheeg]

What lipstick are you wearing? Its gorgeous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It's the Colourpop liquid matte lipstick in the shade Season 10 :)

[@starlitmelody9457]

Was seriously distracted by your tshirt being Cowboy Beebop 😂

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I LOVE Cowboy Bebop! Thank you for noticing ;)

[@starlitmelody9457]

TheClosetHistorian it was probably the second anime I ever watched, it’s definitely one of my favorites too!

[@michellecostley7878]

You are a cute model besides an authority on the subject.

[@paulbundy9061]

Kudos for the Cowboy Bebop graphic t

[@TheClosetHistorian]

My favorite, and the music, so so SO good!

[@paulbundy9061]

TheClosetHistorian It is so good, I want to do a Spike Spiegal inspired lookbook, or a Remington Steele inspired one.

[@JosieAreSee]

I've decided not to shop new if I can help it, so these are my six pieces I have written down so I can go on the hunt in my local thrift stores. I also have two of them, there's a start! 😅 I have sooo many clothes I'm going to have to Kondo them and try to search for the right skirt lengths. #GettinEducated

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I used to take lists to the thrift store when I was building my wardrobe for sure! Hard to stay focused in those places ;)

[@sashaswain1791]

Idk if you can help me but i struggle finding vintage clothes that are affordable and in my size which is a size 6 Australian. Which is like a us size 2. I love mostly 20s/30s but its hard to find items from that era in Australia

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I know it can be hard to find 1920's or deco era clothing at the best of times, but in Australia the vintage market is even more difficult to navigate from what I hear! I know the wonderful blog Harlow Darling is run by a beautiful Australian gal with very deco leaning style, and going through her blog may be of some help harlowdarling.com/ as she has worn many 20's styles in the past. Really no matter where you are in the world, real 20's/30's clothes are very rare and expensive to collect, and 20's/30's reproduction is not very common at all. Unfortunately the best solution really is to learn to sew or hire a seamstress to make things yourself, which I know isn't very helpful! I'm sorry I can't be of more help!

[@byronchandler667]

You look so pretty in the black short sleeve dress. What makes satin gloves different from other gloves? Keep on dreaming and never stop believing, beautiful. Sincerely yours, Byron

[@sejbomb]

I;m struggling with pretty 1930s pieces. Im one of those who dress pieces from each era, mix and match also with modern clothing too. If I like it, I like it. However, 1930's and casual 1920's seems harder to find. :(

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Oh yeah 30's and 20's in general are much harder to find, even in reproduction, and especially day wear things. Unfortunately the best solution for those kind of things right now remains sewing, either learning to make them or hiring a tailor/seamstress to do so :(

[@22mendonca]

Ps... What shapewear do you prefer to wear, if you do, to master that classic silhouette doll? Xxx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I spoke about this a bit in my vintage style undergarments video, but mostly I just stick with the Bali Flower bra and modern spanx. In this video I just have on the Bali Flower and my fishnets, no shapewear really, to give you an idea of what my body shape is like just on its own. I am very lucky to be quite hourglass shaped to begin with!

[@22mendonca]

@@TheClosetHistorian Thanks doll. 😄

[@barboranemcova6501]

Whoa you are talking so fast a i had to lower the speed of the video to 0.75 :D However, its a great video! :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Alas, I speed most videos I watch up to 2 times speed by contrast ;)

[@Sarahz1815Rokicki]

Is your arm tattoo in Linear B?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

That would be cool, but alas no! The symbols all are different. The first two are alchemy symbols (gold, and aqua regia), the third is an Egyptian ankh, the fourth is the deathly hallows from Harry Potter (which I will have filled in when I can to represent "have no heros" thanks to JK Rowling being a terf as it turns out) and the last is the letter "B" from Tolkien's elvish script.

[@Sarahz1815Rokicki]

@@TheClosetHistorian awesome, thanks for answering :) I really enjoy your creativity, style, and videos - you seem really cool :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

@@Sarahz1815Rokicki Thank you Sarah!

[@pay4fish]

Why aren't you in the movie industry?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Not enough vintage era movies I suppose, someone should fix that :)

[@maureencullen1008]

Sorry,just read where you bought your outfits from

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I actually just used the Vivien of Holloway and House Of Foxy pieces as examples so I linked to them for that reason, most of the items in this video are home-sewn by me :)

[@SarahM-lw2gd]

I love the idea of wearing a modern top with a vintage skirt. I don't have that much vintage clothing, so I might give that a try! Great video😁

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!