by Carrie Eckles

Created on: July 10, 2009

Clothing fads come and go, but vintage clothing never fades. Some styles are simply timeless; adding a vintage piece to your outfit can bring about an anachronistic yet sophisticated flair to your entire look.

Closet Finds

The best (and cheapest) resource for finding vintage clothing is the back of your mother's (or grandmother's) closet. However, a word of caution: be picky. Just because Grandma thought that tie-dye bell bottoms were the ultimate chic back in 1967, it doesn't mean you should go around wearing them now.

The most important thing to remember when shopping in someone else's closet for vintage clothing is whether or not the style is dated. While tie-dyed bell bottoms are definitely a thing of a past, and should be left there, a demure 1960's shift dress is very modernly sophisticated when paired with a jewel-tone clutch and chunky, understated pumps.

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores and consignment shops are great resources for finding the best vintage clothes. There, you can usually find primo-condition vintage clothing spanning from the twenties to the nineties.

The key to finding the best vintage clothing is to remember that sizes were different back in the day. What was a misses' size twelve then, is a size six now. Clothing sizes almost steadily grew as the size of the average American woman grew. Even sizes as late as the nineties are slightly different than what they are today. If you're a medium in tops now, expect to wear a nineties' large. Be extremely careful about sizing vintage clothing. If the store allows it (which many unfortunately don't), try the garment on to get the best fit.

If you're worried about sizing issues, go for vintage one-size-fits-all accessories like hats, purses, or jewelry. Nothing is more outrageously stylish than a big, chunky statement-making bangle.

Websites

If money is no object, and you're looking to be a serious collector, check out TheFROCK.com. TheFrock offers gowns from eras spanning the Victorian era to mid-century clothing. And while the gowns are pricy, they feature exquisite details such as rich tones and luxurious beading and sequins. If you're looking for a vintage ball gown, definitely check them out.

Vintagemartini.com offers genuine vintage articles that won't break the bank. Their clothing eras range from Victorian to 1980's and are, amazingly, priced similarly to their modern counterparts of the same sort, make, and quality. Their area devoted to the 1920's is filled with exceptional finds, and would be perfect for a vintage collector.

Poshvintagegirl.com's name is very fitting, for they are home to several posh and vintage finds. If you have a hankering to find the perfect vintage little black dress, they have a section just for that.

It Pays to be Picky

If you plan on wearing the clothing, examine it carefully. Look for any irreparable flaws. If you plan on shopping online, be extra vigilant against flaws and only shop at trusted vintage outlets. Again, be picky. There are scams sites out there claiming to sell vintage clothing. Also, be picky in terms of fit. If you actually plan on wearing the clothes, you'll look frumpy if they are ill-fitting. The important thing to remember is that shopping for vintage clothing is to be taken with care: do your research.

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