Feeling Costume-y in Vintage Style - Some Tips and Advice

[@itsmerockyc8702]

I would like to see a vintage reproduction clothing store make more everyday wear type dresses. Like some pretty cotton feed/flour sack dresses or some simple rayon tops and light weight twill skirts you could mix and match. I agree a lot of the reproduction clothing brands have a costume look to them.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I totally agree, there are definitely less "everyday" kind of reproduction items out there. I know it's hard for repro brand to offer riskier pieces, as the more pin up style dresses sell to both retro style customers and other people looking just for a cute going out dress, whereas more casual vintage garments might only sell to a smaller more vintage dedicated sec of their potential customer base.

[@Catmum1998]

It's me RockyC have you tried joanie? I wear a lot of their stuff as you can dress them up or down, plus they have lovely material and regular sales 🤗 you can often find them on eBay too

[@DebbieBuckland]

The problem is that people worry too much about what other people think. But good advice here

[@DebbieBuckland]

I sew my own a lot but looking at something from aliexpress

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Some people are more equip to dealing with it than others. I think after a while of dressing in any alternative style one just gets used to the extra stares and occasional comments!

[@electricplugproductions2640]

Very well presented! One thing I like to do is search online for personal family photos and candids from the era (teens at school, average people in the city streets) rather than the glamourous celebrities and icons to get a good idea of what someone like me would have worn on a regular day. It's like someone 50 years in the future trying to dress like Beyonce or Kim K to "look vintage" XD

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I like old mail order catalogs for the same reason, they present clothes that more "regular" people would have worn!

[@williamworth1]

What immediately drew me to you is the way you wear vintage: naturally & authentically. (Ok. And your interior decor and intelligence). You don't look costume-y at all & I didn't know why. Well you just broke it down for me. Thanks!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@BeccaMoses]

not giving a damn what people care is also a good strategy, in my experience. i also weirdly like people thinking i look like a housewife and then being surprised to see me using power tools or engineering or doing hard sciences and math or whatever. … i maybe just like making people uncomfortable

[@BeccaMoses]

i also do a lot of looking at primary sources from different time periods, and it’s really great to see how everyday women and girls (and guys too - vintage menswear is p dope) dressed instead of just guessing based off of what stereotypes i know of, which helps with not looking ridiculously overdressed

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Very true!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I always get looks at the grocery store and even I think I must look quite funny pushing a cart around in full 1950's fashion like an extra from Mad Men, but jokes on them because I'm a terrible cook!

[@fromgoodtoglam7564]

Just found your channel and subscribed 2 minutes in. You are truly doing a service for us vintage fashion nerds!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I'm happy to help, the more people who get to enjoy vintage fashion the better :)

[@ConstantCompanion]

I can tell you what we did. My niece had her wedding set in the 20s and asked us all to dress accordingly. That was actually my first experience with this. I thought it was a one-time deal, but it kind of caught on. My sister was so stunning at the wedding, she started to inquire, why not just do this on a regular basis? We decided that the only real competition we've got is jeans and t-shirts. Who cares what they think? I think people down deep would prefer to see a more together look, and you can do that in any era including this one. What's wrong with just taking care of yourself? I don't think I would lower myself to explain something like that. You look very nice, and just in passing? You do remind me of my mom.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! It is definitely a kind of self care to take time in dressing well for yourself, and dressing in vintage styles is certainly very fun!

[@PrincessCasserole]

I really love taking vintage pieces and wearing them with contemporary pieces. I mix decades all the time. I like the look and often times when you do that people don’t even realize the Jewelry or outfit is vintage.

[@valygrrrl]

I have been wearing vintage for years (since elementary school over 10 years ago) and just moved from a large city of 6 million to city that is less than 1/4 the size and I really feel the eyes of strangers on me like I have never experienced before, it is definitely a test on your confidence and something to get used to, thanks for the tips :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

It seems the smaller/more suburban a town is, the more "different" vintage seems to be considered by strangers and their confused expressions ;)

[@marnieo9881]

I understand that, I gradually over the years morphed I to a 40’s lady. But I see the eyes on me, and lol the thought process going in there minds.it is a confidence, and I just fake it.

[@littlepinkskeleton]

When looking for pictures on Google/Pinterest for inspiration, it helps to add words such as ''catalogue'' or ''authentic'' to the search. If you just search ''1940's dress'', for example, the results tend to include pictures of cheap, stereotypical costumes and bad reproduction, as well as things from other eras. But if you search ''1940's dress catalogue'' instead, the results in my experience will be better. Pictures from catalogues usually clearly showcase a garment, so you know what to look for while shopping or looking for sewing patterns. You can also look at what actresses from the era wore and use their fashion for inspiration (they didn't always wear full glam so you can find wearable looks too).

[@brigittedevereaux8429]

I love your how to start wearing vintage tutorials/ tips and tricks. They are so helpful for building a vintage wardrobe, not looking to costumes, etc. Please do more of these videos!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Brigitte!

[@TheBaumcm]

Personally, I think it comes down to whether it “suits” for lack of a more precise term. I mean that it seems to click, like a particular color that you never thought to wear but you just feel yourself “pop” when you try it on. I love Dita von Teese and all the interpretations she has done over the years, both full on and modern with vintage silhouettes for that reason. I personally love avant garde AND vintage silhouettes. So, I might mix colors that aren’t strictly in keeping or cuts that cross generational lines but keep the colors more in line.

[@DiamondDahl]

I have a good amount of a navy cotton with 2" white polka dots, and a full-skirted housewife dress would be most efficient with the yardage, but I can't get over the "I Love Lucy" costume feel of it. 😬

[@noellagenevieve8061]

I am delighted to have discovered your channel! I subscribed immediately. I am vintage all the way. I love wearing brooches, pearls, hats, A-line dresses, gloves and stockings. Indeed I get stared at but I also receive compliments (mainly) from elder people and a sense of respect from youngsters. I live in an area where I stand out so it took and still takes a lot of courage to keep going vintage. I love your channel. THANK YOU!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Noëlla!

[@aviewer390]

As an older person (51), sadly I can't go head to toe vintage:( although my preferred decades (mid sixties through early 80s) are "in style". I wear a piece or two. Man, I wish I was young again:)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I think anyone can wear head to toe vintage, style is about having fun and feeling good! Check out vintage mavens like Nikki Redcliffe for vintage fashion inspiration at any age instagram.com/nikkiredcliffe/?hl=en

[@stephaniehight2771]

This is going to sound so "affirmation" advice, but it is still true. No matter what style a person is wearing, if they "own" their look, they will get fewer comments about being "costumey." Confidence in your own appearance translates when people look at you.

[@jessieborrell1856]

Recently found your channel and have found your videos so helpful! I've been dipping my toe into wearing vintage style and history bounding and doing some sewing, too. I'm definitely in the same boat as some people in the comments, where I struggle to find items that are more casual. I have some great pieces so far I've added. Most are modern that can simply work for giving a vintage vibe when put with the right items. I'm having a hard time not wanting to 'buy all the things' that I like but I'm trying to build staples and things I can mix and match. However, my main issue at the moment is I feel like I need a reason to wear these items otherwise I look 'too fancy', especially if I'm just around my house and not going anywhere. So then I just default to jeans and a t-shirt because it's 'safe'. But at the same time, I look at most of my clothes (aside from the new things I've added that are more vintage-inspired) and go "meh" and don't like most of them. It's definitely a tricky place to be in. I think part of what's throwing it off for me is I also cut my hair very short in April. And while I like the cut on me, I don't necessarily like it with my vintage-y clothes if that makes sense. Once it's long enough, I'll definitely play around with fingerwaves or styling it like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday and such but it's not long enough for that currently. Thankfully, my hair grows pretty fast

[@danyellearbour2891]

I recently got called "cute". and of course there are those who ask if a cosplay party is the next destination. Best thing to do is smile and tell them "No, I just like dressing pretty"

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ah yes, "cute" is not my favorite either!!

[@AndreaAvalon]

Ugh, the dreaded cosplay comment! I wear fabulous sparkly things at home and then change into leggings and a tunic tee when I leave the house just to avoid the eyes and the cosplay comment. I have no desire to be the center of attention, I just want to dress nice, life is too short for dressing boring, and for that same reason I dislike the cosplay comment because unlike cosplayers who are dressing up as a character, I am dressing up as ME.

[@tiffanytomasino335]

On the opposite end of the spectrum-I once wore pjs to go check out this place that builds and sells sheds and when I got there all the other people were dressed up business casual 😅 we were going to be wandering around outside, I didn’t expect that to require a dress. Thank you for sharing

[@gggumdrop3335]

Thank you for this video and the great tips. I think a mistake many of us make, while attempting vintage, is to go for the more formal outfits that defined the era but the point you made about finding the more informal, every day type clothing and integrating into our every day wear gives the vibe without looking like you are trying to look vintage. Organic vintage! :D

[@DiamondDahl]

Any time someone excitedly starts to say something about my style, I brace myself for the inevitability that they will name the wrong era. '50s is called "flapper," late '30s/early '40s is just called generally "retro"... I smile and say thank you. It's cute, and I appreciate they recognize I'm wearing something unique.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I totally know that feeling! "Cool! So 60's!" when your wear art deco 20's from head to toe! But at least these people are usually being nice so its all good.

[@hopkinsamye]

I have only started dressing vintage in the past year, and I have had quite a few comments. Some have been costumey questions, two have been negative, but the majority of the comments have been positive. It certainly has been a conversation starter wherever I go!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Even when people make a more negative comment or just make odd faces at my outfit I always like to think at least I have added some variety to their day, it's just a shame some people see the world through a negative lens like that!

[@misssmith6629]

Great advice and tips!! Thanks Bianca x I'm just getting into vintage clothing so your tips were so helpful!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I'm glad to help!

[@TheDanielaoso77]

I'm a new subscriber and I want to let you know that you look beautiful and well educated on the Era .. My style was goth and Rocker BUT I stop and i was looking for something that feel more comfortable in my everyday life as a mom and wife I was looking for something more feminine and sophisticated and the era we are living I was a no no for me and I recently started searching for vintage style and I tried and I want to say I feel so much better than before and I'm always looking for vintage KZbinrs like you and I would like to thank you for your great KZbin channel that is well informed to people like me that we're getting into this beautiful vintage style..

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much! I think vintage and gothic fashion go together quite well actually, and can be blended into a style that still feels just right for you. Have fun exploring vintage style!

[@22mendonca]

Great tips for newbies dipping their toes into the vintage scene. xxx

[@stormbourbon8379]

I've been dressing like a weirdo since at least the 80s, but occasionally I'll forget that I look "weird" to the "mundanes", and I start to get a little shirty about them looking at me, like "What's your problem, square? Oh yeah, I look like Stevie Nicks exploded" and they'll either look away or smile.

[@lms4959]

Another well done, elegantly presented video!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@bunnylovesapples]

last week i was in the city and a guy came to me and wanted to ask for my number. He said that i looked like i was from the 60s but that poor thing was so nervous that he asked me if i walk around this like every day or if ist a costume.

[@akechijubeimitsuhide]

I often dress classic / hime lolita, steampunk or historybounding (mainly regency for summer and Victorian gent / ouji for cold weather), and I love standing out. I often get compliments from older women.

[@chantem175]

Thank you for this video. This issue is what holds me back from going for the look I want. Especially since I’m so tiny and easily get mistaken for a little girl.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

There are certainly vintage styles that are more "girlish" too that could trigger that sort of reaction, but you could always go after a more sophisticated vintage style with almost officey suits and sheath dresses as an option to combat this when needed. I'm sure you can find a look that works for you! :)

[@chantem175]

Thank you

[@confettirainbowpony]

I'm just starting out, but when I dare to wear vintage in public I'm always super self conscious. I'm scared to get out of my car and go into a store, even if it's just a full skirt and saddle shoes, I feel like I'm wearing a costume and I must look ridiculous. I always get really nice comments from people tho, and it always shocks me! I haven't had a negative reaction that I know of, but a lot of people stare. And I do get some really nice comments too! The nicest ever was when I nervously walked into a store and one of the workers just stared and said "you're so beautiful!!" It wasn't what I was expecting at all but it was so nice!! I don't know...😅😅 I'm still nervous to wear it because it's so different and it does draw a lot of attention but it seems positive so far, and I'm still learning to feel comfortable in something so different...

[@TheClosetHistorian]

You can do it!

[@henriettahenson]

I think there's never been a better time.for wearing vintage because anything goes now ... like in the 1920s everyone looks the same .you would not have dreamed of being different ..as in. lot of era's...I'm from the olden days 50"s 60' s back then you had to comply even the Queen of England raised her hem line in the 60,s @ that was how strict it was., everyone ..would go along like sheep following fashion ...so it's the best time now, because anything goes ..I'm rammbling again .. sorry but everyone do your thing 💖👍 💓 noone really cares🤩💋😍👠🛍️👛👒👠👛🎩👜

[@TheClosetHistorian]

So true. I love vintage fashion now too because we can choose a different era every day, which is super fun! :)

[@janshaw7007]

I'm stressing on deciding the 1920s dress style for my wedding next May. I'm 66 and don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb. Would the 1920s 1 hr dress be suitable in a gold silk with beaded lace?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I think so yes! Perhaps try the style/pattern first in a gold tone of a cheaper cotton to get an idea if you like it before jumping in to the pretty fabric!

[@glitterdarla]

The styling in this video! heart!!!!

[@lkofie6670]

Yes... I LOVE some vintage dresses I have but my sons being 22 and 17 said exactly that... I looked like a pilgrim and/or librarian of the prairie days BUT... they just don't get it that's all, lol.

[@KetogenicKim]

Black with white polkadots. I am always drawn to them, and nautical. I don't know what that says!?!? Maybe, structure in my chaotic life lol Modern fashion of any age can look costume-like. But to each his/her own. So much freer now to be who you are 👍☺️😊

[@1015SaturdayNight]

Oh thank God you addressed those vintage "better times" folks who are really misogynist and racist - instant subscribe. 👏Unfortunately, those assholes are all over the vintage KZbin videos with their bullcrap.

[@karensykas3809]

I love your whole look in this video, beautiful! Vintage without being costume at all.

[@parallelogram1718]

I’m having a hard time finding other vintage fashionistas to befriend in my area :( any ideas on how to find/connect with them ?? . Also, to prevent outfits from looking costumey, I just don’t wear crinolines under dresses and skirts. The lack of poof helps tone down the outfit :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm afraid I don't have and vintage loving friends myself so I haven't a clue! I would imagine there are possibly groups on facebook (I don't have a facebook so I cannot see), and sometime areas have WWII reenacting groups or swing dancing clubs, which even if you are not interested in those activities they may be good places to cruise for pals!

[@itsalwayshalloweenexceptwh5118]

You weren't kidding about ebay. I typed in "vintage reproduction" and put the settings on "cheapest price + shipping" and found a few listings for 1.99EUR for vintage reproduction dresses. They're probably not good quality, and look more like what people think 50's dresses looked like vs what they actually looked like BUT I see the same kind of stuff on other websites for 60-80 euros.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

A lot of reproduction is very similar, from the top price point to the lowest. I wish there was more variety!

[@itsalwayshalloweenexceptwh5118]

I agree. And I wish the designs were more similar to the era they're trying to recreate. Not that I am a vintage purist or anything. You can sometimes create more accurate looks with a few modern basics combined with a home sewn pleated skirt (for example) than by going with a standard reproduction outfit. Looking at a website like TopVintage I see a large gap (design wise) between their versions of 40's dresses and pictures of clothes from the 40's. Maybe they're trying to play it safe by making designs that would remind you of the 40's but have a bit of modern influence so it's easier to digest by the public. That's just my speculation though. The dresses on topvintage are also a lot simpler to make than some of the 40's sewing patterns I've seen for dresses. Those pattern designs had more decorative stitching or more pleats for example. Bodices and blouses might have had more gathering and panels. So a reason for why topvintage designs their stuff the way it is might be because it's cheaper because it requires less work. The vintage reproduction market is also (imo) flooded by clothes that appeal to the people who are into pin-up and/or rockabilly style, there don't seem to be a lot of designs for people into genuine every day 40's and 50's outfits, or even accurate 40's and 50's evening wear. I've gotten the impression that a lot of people interested in the pin-up and/or rockabilly style think the more accurate designs of 40's and 50's for day and evening wear are frumpy. To each their own. TLDR: lots of inaccurate designs, body con and pin up styles. Lack of more accurate designs. Sad -_-. Well, that's why I sew.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I also think they focus on pin-up style dresses because a lot more (normal..ha!) people are likely to buy a "retro" dress for one party or event and are only familiar with the most stereotypical polka dot pin up look. The actual vintage wearing, accuracy loving sort of customer base is much much smaller than the "regular girl who wants one pin up dress" customer base, so it's definitely safer for repro companies to make pin up style things as opposed to accurate styles. And you are correct that the simpler styles are much easier to mass produce and therefore cheaper for them too! That's why I sew too :)

[@itsalwayshalloweenexceptwh5118]

TheClosetHistorian I did not consider that their main customer base was just people looking for a dress for a themed party. Probably because I would not pay 50€ or more for something I wasn't passionate about and was only for a theme party. But that's my own fault for falling into the "look no further than your own nose" trap (where you interpret things from your own frame of reference and/or assume other people have the same values or thought process). My best friend plays clarinet in a Dutch carnival band. They get together to practice every week but the main events are on the 11th day of the 11th month, and on carnival week itself (takes place in February). She buys 2 new pin up style and/or rockabilly dresses, the cheaper ones (10-40€), and pairs them up with the standard band uniform jacket. She's been doing this for 3 years, and I've gotten the impression that although this started as a joke (dress up/costume) she's now more into it but doesn't want to admit she's interested. But even if she's interested, it's only for that average reproduction company 50's swing dress and rockabilly style. She thinks actual pictures of outfits from the 40's and 50's look frumpy and/or weird. 😆 To each their own.

[@itsalwayshalloweenexceptwh5118]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 I have still not bought any clothes from reproduction brands and I am very happy about that. I find them either too inaccurate in design or way too expensive (100-400€). I have had some stuff custom made in the past but didn't think it was worth the expense. I also looked for genuine vintage items but felt the variety was too limited in my size and sewing just seemed the better option.

[@beckymaggie4606]

Vintage style is so much more classy than the whole 'yoga pants' trend

[@TheClosetHistorian]

The best is living in 2018 and getting to choose! Vintage in the streets, yoga pants for being ultra comfy in the sewing room at home ;)

[@evarene07]

Isn’t being a woman about choice... not criticizing each other so much on dress? Maybe some feel comfortable in yoga pants , where others feel better in a tap pant and nice blouse ...

[@lifeonmars478]

You don’t need to drag others down to bring something up. The space is big enough for both. Don’t be a not like other girl. It’s a sad Mentality to have.

[@1015SaturdayNight]

Today's woman gets to chose anything she wants. Heck yes.

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Becky Maggie ohhh I love this point! Yes so much better.

[@LizSews]

Hi Bianca... do you know of any groups in the Denver area for people who like to dress in vintage/retro styles?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm sorry to say I do not, I am a total introvert who wouldn't know of such things! I would try searching on facebook perhaps, though I really have no clue!

[@jacquelinebates5650]

Just now seeing this video and I think your advice is excellent. Thank you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jacqueline!

[@raesmith2164]

I was looking for vintage clothing on Amazon and couple of years ago as a 12 year old, and I saw a cute dress that said "1940s AUDREY HEPBURN STYLE DAY DRESS" Like the little naieve child I was, I thought, "That must have been what 40s people wore." After 2 years, I checked to see if there was anything on Amazon that was similar to the 40s, and I saw the dress, and just started laughing. It was very short, had modern designs on it, was more 60s style if anything, and I knew that Audrey Hepburn was big in the 50s and 60s, and not so much the 40s.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Ah we all start somewhere right? No one gets fashion history classes in school so we really do have a lot of studying to do when we get into vintage fashion. Too bad Amazon sellers don't do the same kind of research, they just love keywords!

[@maridanez]

Absolutely love your videos. Thank you!! :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@vintagecameragirl]

This is why I stay away with anything that has cherries or anchors on it. I think in the uk wearing vintage has become almost a 'norm'. I know I get asked a lot more if I'm OK if I'm just wearing jeans and a tee rather to a land girl teadress and a bakelite brooch.

[@HomemakerDaze]

Lucille ball!! ❤

[@thegoodlife6061]

Why are you trying to explain yourself with wearing a costume or not costume look of vintage clothing? You can not fix ignorant people with nonsense statements. I am a woman of color and I have not once was told I look like I am out for Halloween. Instead, it is a very educational conversation piece. I have met a woman of color who wears 1920's fashion in Texas and she has no problems and we both encourage others to dress in their favorite decade. I have met a man who dresses in the 1880's; three piece suite, gold pocket watch, hat, shoes, gloves, hairstyle, mustache, and mannerisms, vocabulary which is awesome. Believe that the folks did not know it was a vintage look but a very stylish look he wears every day; he does not own a pair of jeans or sneakers.I travel with an 1865 carpet bag which is handmade by the only woman in the world makes them for movie productions and get a lot of I need one. I sew all my vintage garments, design my mink coat 1950 style, 1920 floppy mink hat, French beret mink hat match a mink sweater I design, 1940's reversible mink and lambskin leather jacket which design with a mink hat in the 1910's. Folks do not know it is designed vintage but love the look of my mink coat collection. The only thing I do not wear is the vintage looking hairstyles because I have Locs, but, somewhere in the world in 1940's a woman had Locs.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I feel like some people who are new to expressing themselves through their fashion choices, or who may still be quite young and just not totally confident yet in environments like school that tend to be very judgmental and conformist may have some fears about dressing vintage, knowing those around them will consider it different. It of course depends on both the person, and the environment they live in, since some places are much more open and used to unique styles like big cities, where as some smaller towns may have communities much more inclined to comment on (and possibly be negative about) vintage or other different styles. It is awesome that you have such a positive experience wearing vintage! I hope everyone can have the confidence to wear whatever they like most someday, and this video is certain more directed towards beginners in vintage style who may be less confident.

[@TheBygoneGal]

really great tips!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@NREnger]

@TheClosetHistorian can I just give you money and have you shop for me. I love most all the wodrobe of yours I have seen & I have a hard to time finding anything in my bust size :( Plus NO good vintage/thrift stores here. Any advice?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Finding vintage things in the correct size can be super difficult, I totally understand. That was part of the reason I started sewing at a young age and the skill certainly serves me well now. I know not everyone can sew, but it may be worth trying to learn as it makes building a vintage wardrobe a lot easier by far. Many good basic staples can be found via retro reproduction retailers like Vivien of Holloway, House of Foxy, Unique Vintage, or Collectif and come in a better variety of sizes as compared to "genuine" vintage. The custom clothing site eShakti also has a lot of vintage appropriate dresses in customizable styles. The other option is to really sift through the styles available at modern retailers to find the most vintage appropriate items. I know I have found good blouses at H&M that totally pass for vintage when styled in a 1940's way!

[@NREnger]

Thank you so much for the tips. Just now learning how to do more non basic sewing. I can do a quilt and basic things right now. Attempting a 1940's dress pattern. Here is hoping it looks like a dress.

[@zalla27]

Love!!!

[@stephaniemorey8351]

What's wrong with costumes? Isn't that the word outfit replaced?

[@nadagordon]

costume-y beats boring

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Very true!