Simple Ways to Make Any Outfit More Historical

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much for watching! Do you have any other tips on how to make an outfit feel more historical?

[@LiljaHusmo]

Adding a little bit of history into one's wardrobe is so fun! I've fallen completely in love with high waisted looong skirts as it's so swooshy and flattering 🌻🌻

[@VBirchwood]

It really is so fun! Long high waisted skirts are the best 😊

[@GypsyDove]

@@VBirchwood Also allows a bit more room if one gains or loses a little weight without having to purchase a whole new wardrobe.

[@sleepingroses761]

@@GypsyDove Agreed! I really love wearing long wrap skirts at my natural waist. The sizing is as flexible as it gets, and the silhouette is always flattering on me!

[@GypsyDove]

@@sleepingroses761 I totally get it. Although I like more of an empire waist most of the time as I enjoy long skirts like ankle length. They get in the way at times. So I tend to make mine adjustable so I can wear at waist or as empire waist so I can work in but can relax an lengthen when I'm at rest. I'm sure this is possible with wrap skirts as well. Very nice having these variables available.

[@withmyhandsdream]

Here are some of my tips: wear longer skirt. Even if they aren’t floor-lenght they feel more historical. Add embroidery or soutache or something similar to modern garments and use historicsl motifs. Carry a beaded or crocheted reticule or a small purse. Add a historically inspired brooch or a hair clip. Wear a pair of bloomers under your skirts. They are very practical in windy weather! And as a last tip: make an 18-the century pocket and tie it to your waist.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you for all the great additional tips 😊

[@Gravuun]

I think a simple but more historically inspired hairdo will also do wonders for history bounding

[@VBirchwood]

Yes absolutely! Thanks for your comment 😊

[@Spookyburger]

These are great tips! I also am passionate about historical clothing mostly in "menswear", which you can apply alot of this advice to that as well. For instance high waisted trousers, waistcoats that hit at the waist ( mostly from 19th to early 20th century), neckwear, hats, tall stockings instead of ankle socks, pocket watches, button up colored shirts, and suspenders ( mostly under the waistcoat, but it depends on the era). Natural fibers do help make an outfit look more historical even if it's completely contemporary. One thing that is helpful is to look at the era you're interested in, and look at the elements that are most prevalent in clothing at that time. For instance if it's the 1910's you could try a dress shirt with a detachable collar.

[@VBirchwood]

All lovely menswear tips, thank you!

[@cap4life1]

Great video and recommendations! Adding a hat will instantly make an outfit look more vintage. Also agree with you on wearing clothes that are very fitted at the natural waist and wearing matching separates.

[@theresamarie6258]

I just finished making myself a pioneer inspired matching skirt and blouse set. I love how a can wear them together to create the look of a dress, or wear them separately. Very versatile. I also love to decorate my outfits with a brooch or cameo. Those accessories give a very historical feel.

[@VBirchwood]

How lovely! I bet the set is beautiful. Brooches are a brilliant way to add a little more historical flare.

[@LualaDy]

Yes for colour and YES for waistcoats!!!! I've already made 2, and they give me the feel of a corset without wearing one, the style of corset being "my natural body" =D I don't know if it's clear.

[@VBirchwood]

Absolutely! They create the effect of cinching in the waist a little bit just due to being so form fitting, I know exactly what you mean 😊

[@Thespiansewist]

“Colours that bring us joy” yes yes yes!

[@EmelieWaldken]

I would take what you said about colour and say it about textures and tiny patterns too !

[@VBirchwood]

Very true!

[@annathenewt247]

Love all these, i also can recommend a belt with a leather bag for your cards and phone etc. and you can put a bunch of other things on the belt, i put a dog poo bag dispencer and another pouch for foraging. Its a little bit more masculine but its really usefull and gives that medieval feel. I wear it kind of slouched over my hips or even as a handbag if im in a hurry

[@VBirchwood]

A super wonderful tip, thanks Anna!

[@yay-cat]

I want to bring the principles of historical clothing into my wardrobe more than the styling. Like its winter where I am now and I’ve invested in some really nice merino wool jumpers / pullovers but like the idea is to only wash these once every say 3 months. So I have a bunch of great quality black cotton t-shirts so I change out my T-shirts daily and wash those but then it keeps my skin and like armpits from touching my jumper. The shirts started fading but because they’re good quality the shape and fabric texture is still fab so I’ll just dye them (and some jeans etc) black again to make them look new again. So like I’m trying to do the whole undergarment thing but preserve your clothes thing. My main issue is that i’m clumsy and am prone to messing on myself and my clothes. So at home I’ve got a cute apron but like I’m trying to look into traditional manners. Like I don’t buy snacks and eat on the run anymore - I try to sit at a table when I eat and have a napkin. So far only moderate success but at least i’m good at getting food stains out of clothes

[@VBirchwood]

I really like this premise! Thanks for sharing about it. I think we can learn a lot from historical clothing, even in modern application. Being able to mend and alter modern clothes is huge. I highly recommend a bib for not getting yourself dirty! It’s a game changer lol

[@SeleneSalvatore]

I love wear modern matching sets like combination of turtleneck, sweater and skirt in the same colour. I think shirt, vest and skirt/trousers set is nice and simple way to add historical flair to your wardrobe.

[@VBirchwood]

That’s a great way to accomplish that! There’s something about a matching set that can be so satisfying too 😊

[@killamoosdraree730]

I like to wear a set of matching antique brooches in a way that hides the buttons on the front of a matching dress. The brooches definitely give the modern knit dress a sort of historybounding appeal.

[@VBirchwood]

Very cool! Brooches are definitely a wonderful option.

[@ceruleanskies001]

What about buttons? After seeing a video recently about Deaths Head buttons I am feeling inspired to change out my modern coat buttons for either those or some other historically inspired type.

[@VBirchwood]

Buttons is definitely a great way! eBay sells a lot of affordable antique buttons as well (at least in the UK and the US) and those can add a nice historical touch to a more contemporary garment.

[@patim7902]

Your hair looks particularly beautiful in this vid

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you Pati! I have been pomatum-ing and powdering it a lot lately, which makes styling it so much easier. You've got this! It can take a while to get a wardrobe that you're really happy with. So just take it one day at a time. I'm still working on mine too 😊

[@tomaszwota1465]

Get a full blown, walking-stick length umbrella? Maybe not exactly historical-historical, since umbrellas are pretty modern, but with spotty, rainy weather, it can be both useful and stylish. ;) Then again, what do I know. Got any ideas with men in mind?

[@VBirchwood]

Parasols have been around for quite a while actually! Perhaps just not made of the materials they are today. A lot of these tips can also be applied to menswear. Other ones could be wearing flowy linen shirts (like 18th or 19th century mens shirts) and waistcoats as well. The only tips that I’d say wouldn’t apply to as many men (unless one enjoys wearing more feminine clothing) is the part about the skirts and also sleeve shape. Menswear sleeves were generally more plain, or they would be 2-piece, like the green redingote I’m wearing has. At least in the 1700s-1900s that was mostly the case. The rest of it does all apply 😊 Edit: now realising the insertion lace and flats tips don’t really apply (again unless that’s someone‘s personal preference). But still, choosing colour, matching sets, waistcoats, slip on or lace up boots, even curved heels (men were the first people to wear heels regularly, before women), high waists, high necklines, natural fibres, accessories, it all applies.

[@tomaszwota1465]

@@VBirchwood alright, my mistake. For some reason I didn't connect the modern umbrella with... Well, all kinds of ancient umbrellas that look almost exactly the same, from ancient Akkad, Persia, through India, China, Aztecs, Japan, etc... That's some brainfart, Jesus. ^^° Here's what I get writing comments before drinking coffee!

[@VBirchwood]

Hahahaha blame it on being the end of the week! 😂

[@tomaszwota1465]

@@VBirchwood No, no, that's tomorrow's excuse! :D

[@VBirchwood]

😂😂😂

[@charlierogertango1055]

Assesories can add a twist like hats or victorian boots, victorian coin purses with a chain strap, gloves in velvet, lace or satin, broaches or hat pins. Also even one clothing item that's historical can spice it up. A historical military jacket, poet blouse, brocade vest or jacket, or a historical suit jacket with tails. It's a matter of wearing the items that appeal to you.

[@VBirchwood]

Definitely! At the end of the day, the whole point of this is to develop a style that brings you joy. Accessories are absolutely a wonderful way to get to that point 🥰

[@minagica]

Wicker baskets are HEAVY

[@jayrlbd8355]

I'm not sure I agree that some people can't afford natural fibres... Silk, wool and linen are often expensive, but cotton is one of the cheapest fabrics you can get, and it will last much longer than synthetics!

[@cutewool4013]

Whooo new videoooooo yayyyyyy

[@VBirchwood]

Hahahaha thank you 😊

[@cutewool4013]

Also I know this has nothing to do with clothes but hairstyles are another way to history bound.

[@VBirchwood]

Definitely! Hairstyles is an amazing way to make an ode to the past 😊

[@rafaelortiz327]

Hi, is Dickens a victorian era?

[@VBirchwood]

Yes :)

[@GypsyDove]

Could you tell me more about the rust colored dress an it's cover garment. Very pretty am looks like it would likely be warm a good for cooler weather like winter. Also what was it commonly called an where can I find a pattern?

[@VBirchwood]

Could you please let me know the time stamp of where the garment shows up? 😊

[@marciajones5107]

Walmart cotton works well and is affordable lol

[@VBirchwood]

Sure! I’m not in North America though and personally don’t like to shop at Walmart, but I totally understand and respect that people do, and it’s definitely an affordable choice.

[@jaehaywardkent]

i loved that point about colour! bright colours are definitely something my wardrobe is lacking and that i now intend to add after this video!🌸🌼🌸

[@VBirchwood]

Hahaha thanks Jae! Can’t wait to see all the colour you’re going to add 🥰

[@meamela9820]

I have noticed that the outfits I put together that feels more historybounding are those that have layers to them. Layers and more clothing than just the bare minimun (by modern standards) has a historical vibe to me. For example I usually do medieval history bounding by having a longsleeved shirt or blouse under a sleevless, long dress as it mimics the underdress + overdress combo if the overdress has the right cut. Layers also applies to any outfit with a vest.

[@VBirchwood]

Yes!! Layers are SUPER important (since most things in history are layered pretty much)

[@avamolinaro5559]

I love wearing Edwardian walking skirts with modern t shirts it’s comfy and makes me feel nice!!!

[@mariek.474]

Very, very great tips ! ❤️ I've handmade embroidered belts with floral motifs recently that mimick some antique ones I've seen pictures of online (edwardian era), on my shopping list right now is a simple cotton black dress I could wear in my everyday life with one of these belts for an effortless but still interesting look. On the subject of lace inserts, personally I avoid the stretchy rachel lace with roses on it, usually black or white or red, very popular in mainstream clothing, becaume from experience after a few washes the tiny elastic strings in that type of lace get damaged and stick out weirdly ! Cotton lace (like crochet or broderie à l'anglaise) is much more durable and also looks more antique IMO 😚

[@AmandaWRU]

I was married for many years to a man who controlled what I wore, now, finally I have the freedom to make my own choices so I'm wearing long linen dresses and looking for some period shoes or boots, I'm currently knitting a sontag. It feels such a relief to be myself at last

[@katwitanruna]

I’m sitting here watching whilst wearing a hand sewn linen tunic dress.

[@VBirchwood]

Hahaha how perfect 😂

[@katwitanruna]

@@VBirchwood I have several, including one that I added pockets to! I need to make another soon. I have the fabric, just need to cut it out and stitch it. With the weather being so hot where I am in Tennessee I really need to get it done! Linen is the best when it comes to heat and cold.

[@VBirchwood]

@@katwitanruna I agree! I actually just made a video about this last week, explaining how good it is for all conditions hahaha.

[@TheGPFilmMaker]

I don't wear historical fashion - or even really history bound (my husband describes my style as "Southern Gothic Burning Man Gone Hiking") but I love my high waisted cuts and long hems. And I almost exclusively wear natural fibers. Ankle length cotton skirts are just way too comfy not to wear!!

[@VBirchwood]

Lol, what an amazing aesthetic title 😂😊

[@SimpleDesertRose]

I wear long skirts all the time. I haven't worn pants in years. I can't even remember the last time I wore a pair of jeans. I typically wear just a cotton Lycra maxi skirt and a T-shirt or tank top. It is hot in Arizona a good deal of the year, after all. Since the history bounding movement began, I've started wearing a walking skirt and a coordinating vest when I go into town. I made a pair of 18th century stays from red threaded a while back. I'm thinking I'm going to start wearing those too, at least until I can get around to making a corset. I have scoliosis and have been seeing a lot of videos on people who have started wearing stays and corsets to help give their back a little more support. Since the sciatica has really been getting to me lately, I've been thinking wearing my stays might help me out too. Help me stand longer without the need to sit down. If nothing else it should give some support to the skirt and petticoat. I also have a pocket watch necklace I got off Etsy that I try to incorporate as a traditional pocket watch into my look. I'm on the lookout for a brooch or something that could be used as one and maybe some more historically inspired earrings to wear instead of just the tiny hoops I wear all the time.

[@VBirchwood]

I love hearing about all the ways that you incorporate historical elements into your day-to-day life! Re: the stay wearing for scoliosis, definitely be sure to check in with your doctor or medical practitioner regularly about it (which I'm sure you already know). It definitely does help some people, but I just feel like it would be irresponsible of me to not say please check with your doctor. I wear my corsets/stays for back pain, but I don't have scoliosis or anything, just usual aches and pains from sitting a lot at a computer/sewing. They've helped me a ton. I hope that it can be of help for you too 😊

[@SimpleDesertRose]

@@VBirchwood my scoliosis is fairly mild compared to some. And I did have a doctor recommend wearing a corset for it in the past. Especially after I gave birth to my children to help me stand up straight after I had kids until my body got used to not being pregnant anymore. Only the corsets I got didn't fit very well and got uncomfortable after a few hours. I had no clue then about buying cheap corsets vrs paying the money for a decently made one by someone who knows what they are doing. I was also under the illusion that I couldn't make one myself, I just didn't have the time or resources to learn. Of course we didn't have KZbin video tutorials for everything under the sun back then either. I'm currently saving up for a really nice corset so that i have a better idea of how its supposed to fit before I start making them.

[@VBirchwood]

Ah that’s brilliant! Construction and fit are so so important as you say. I can highly recommend my corset maker, though at the moment I think she’s closed for commissions until the autumn. Her prices are affordable (for bespoke corsets) and she’s ridiculously good at making them. She’s called TheBoudoirKey on Etsy.

[@SimpleDesertRose]

@@VBirchwood thank you so much. I will check her for sure ❤

[@VBirchwood]

My pleasure 😊

[@theglitterballlifestyle675]

Big hats tend to be my go to 😅💕 basically any hat tends to finish off an outfit though I’ve noticed even if you’ve not got alot of accessories otherwise 💕 and straw hats are usually plentiful and easy to alter if you can sew bias tape :)

[@VBirchwood]

All wonderful tips 💕

[@hrani]

Hats, yes! Not a lot of people these days wear hats, even though they're excellent for avoiding brightness migraines and overheating. Even adding any bit of decoration to a plain modern hat makes them look more outside of time, since they're usually so toned down.

[@VBirchwood]

@@hrani Very true 😊

[@lilaeia]

@@hrani Let’s bring hats back into fashion!!! 🤗😍😇

[@SIC647]

Hats! Broad brimmed, straw, sinamay felted or fulled. Decorated with ribbons and/or flowers and fake birds. Bonnets as you mention. All of them is uncommon today unless in very formal circumstances or on the beach. So I find that they make me stand out a lot (I have +30). And knitted and crocheted opera hoods, ear warmers, hooded pelerines.

[@bisexualantigone]

Neck kerchiefs look so so so fun, I do this because I just - I enjoy the looks of historical fashion that I feel are no longer in fashion and there's things about it that I personally find very pretty? I mean, I suppose some still exist in modern fashion - but less so? I get why some sleeves or cuts have been simplified because of work life and comfort though!

[@VBirchwood]

Yeah! It definitely makes sense why some sleeve shapes have gone away. Though even bishop sleeves can be rolled up when working. From what I read, the working classes tended to prefer bishop over pagoda sleeves because they were far easier to roll up. But it's a shape that would have to be accommodated for, so a straight sleeve is far more straight forward (no pun intended lol)

[@HetSchatkamertje]

Awesome and very fun video! Looks like I'm on the right path 😄

[@VBirchwood]

That's wonderful to hear! And thank you 😊

[@anitacaroline12345]

Some of my tips: wear stockings with ribbon garters under skirts that are just below the knee, the ribbons peeking out add a fun touch! A chemisette can make a great top for a day out. I'm in Canada, so outerwear is key! Choose a VINTAGE fur stole instead of a scarf, add a sparkly brooch to your coat, and choose coats that are longer and tailored at the waist. Historical hair styles are a cheap (or free!) way of adding inspiration to your look. A fun fichu can easily be made of a scarf and added to low-cut tops. Great video!

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

Thank you -- lovely video!

[@VBirchwood]

My pleasure! Thanks for your comment 😊

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

@@VBirchwood Your videos are inspiring me to reconsider historical clothing. Due to some unpleasant drama in the online costuming community and having learned about some BIPOC topics this past year or so, I have shied away from history clothes. Somehow, when I watch your videos, I am feeling more enthusiastic about dressing the way my heart wants me to. Does this make sense? Again, thank you!

[@VBirchwood]

@Chantel McSkimming Awww thank you so much, that actually means a lot to me, and I definitely know where you are coming from. I am an ethnic minority myself (Tatar) so the events lately in the community have been frustrating indeed and at times disheartening. At the same time though, the historical fashion community has so many wonderful individuals, and also historical clothing can bring so much joy to so many.

[@AliciaB.]

I'm pretty sure that historically, the word 'dress' meant an outfit more than a one-piece garment (which was refered to as a gown)

[@VBirchwood]

The MET seems to use the two words quite synonymously for 2-piece garments. For instance, they have many ball gowns, which are frequently a bodice and skirt. For that reason, I tend to use the words quite synonymously as well to reference 2-piece garments.

[@sofiawannemark6858]

I made a small bustle pad that fits under my modern skirts. It makes my waist look smaller by making my butt look bigger. 🙂

[@ericalarochelle3779]

Thanks for the video!

[@lindasevers5109]

I wear a shirt or, better yet, blouse with a broach whenever possible. :)

[@zoesmith9682]

I love this comment thread I’m picking up so many great tips !! 😻

[@VBirchwood]

The viewers of this channel are awesome people 😃

[@حسينواثقمحمد-ن5ف]

Thank you so much

[@BlueWren027]

So inspiring! thank you!

[@cherrylee1103]

your outfit is amazing.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! 😊

[@banannakis6723]

I am naturally high-waisted. This is why I think I find clothing from the past more interesting because a lot of that clothing goes for a high waist. While a lot of modern clothing goes for low waist, which does not suit my figure. Also, some of them like the 1920s for example were for more of a looser fit, which I prefer. When it comes to color it also best to dress in a color that suits you best and not force yourself to wear a color that will contrast with your natural skin tone and undertone.

[@VBirchwood]

I have a really short waist so I can relate! I also think though sometimes society leads us to believe that certain colours don’t suit us, when really they might. So often I find just a slight shift in the undertone or tone of the colour makes a world of a difference.

[@banannakis6723]

@@VBirchwood Exactly. I look horrible in the color red cause of my coloring, but blue suits me better. Probably why my closet is full of blue, it makes me feel good and I look good in that color. I think many people think of the past as being dark and broody with no color. When that isn't true at all, human beings have always loved colors and worn plenty of colors, both bright and muted throughout history.

[@VBirchwood]

@@banannakis6723 Definitely! I'd say historically people were even braver with colour in the West at least.

[@banannakis6723]

@@VBirchwood I think they liked to have fun with their clothes the same as us now. People will always be people.

[@watsonmelon6575]

This is so helpful, thank you!

[@VBirchwood]

My pleasure!

[@janellejudy9978]

I need to got to bed but I can’t stop 😅

[@VBirchwood]

🥰🥰🥰

[@nannasbraindump6343]

My waitsline is so high, it's basically empire..

[@VBirchwood]

Just roll with it honestly! The great thing about historical clothing or historically-inspired is having a shorter waist fits the clothing very well (I have an extremely short waist myself) 😊

[@nannasbraindump6343]

@@VBirchwood Thank you☺️

[@Ellaodi]

These are such great tips, especially to just incorporate pieces. I started doing 50z stuff and i do my hair, makeup, etc.and i feel so much prettier even in wacky prints and bold colors, but my jeans wear looks are so bland and i NEVER wear bold anything with modern stuff

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much Laura! It's great to hear about how vintage fashion makes you feel more confident 😊

[@azrani2023]

This video has such a friendly, encouraging and clear air, thank you so much for it.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you for watching 🥰

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

I can't think of anything useful to add to all the lovely ideas in the video & comments. So, boosting the algorithm for now.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you Catherine, that’s very much appreciated!

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

@@VBirchwood you are welcome

[@danhurl1349]

This is such a good video

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! 😊

[@BoynamedSaraya]

Might have been asked before, but how did you make the jacket?

[@VBirchwood]

Hi! it's been a while since I posted this video so I don't completely remember what's in it 😂 Which jacket do you mean?

[@BoynamedSaraya]

@@VBirchwood Ah okay. What looked like a green jacket in the video. Might have been a completely different item of clothing 😂

[@VBirchwood]

Ah yes! It’s a redingote, so it’s a jacket attached with skirts. I made it from a very drapey green wool for the Black Snail Redingote pattern on their website 😊

[@BoynamedSaraya]

@@VBirchwood Thank you very much ☺️

[@VBirchwood]

Sure thing! I have a lookbook actually wearing the redingote, it’s titled something like “18th century forest traveller”