Ways To Wear Vintage with Sheena, UO Womenswear Designer
From rare finds and one-of-a-kind pieces to reworked vintage and deadstock items, get the low-down on key ways to style vintage with Sheena Jones, Urban Renewal Womenswear Designer.
Top tips:
• There are so many different ways to communicate your style, and vintage is an authentic and sustainable way to explore different looks.
• Create more interesting outfits by adding layers and pairing items in unusual and unexpected ways.
• Always check the size and fit when buying vintage. Keep an eye out for alterations by the previous owner and lookout for general wear and tear.
• Check out fashion exhibitions, vintage markets and kilo sales for the best finds.
• Don’t know what you’re looking for? Watch your favourite throwback shows and films for great references and outfit inspo.
• Most importantly - play dress up and have fun with it. Fashion should be fun, so don’t stress about getting it ‘right’, just do you!
• There are so many different ways to communicate your style, and vintage is an authentic and sustainable way to explore different looks.
• Create more interesting outfits by adding layers and pairing items in unusual and unexpected ways.
• Always check the size and fit when buying vintage. Keep an eye out for alterations by the previous owner and lookout for general wear and tear.
• Check out fashion exhibitions, vintage markets and kilo sales for the best finds.
• Don’t know what you’re looking for? Watch your favourite throwback shows and films for great references and outfit inspo.
• Most importantly - play dress up and have fun with it. Fashion should be fun, so don’t stress about getting it ‘right’, just do you!
Tie-Dye Tee
• If you want to take a subtle approach, I’d go for a muted tie-dye colour palette. Softer or darker shades marble and merge rather than ‘60s psychedelic tie-dye style. Try adding tie-dye to your accessories first if you’re unsure.
Tie-dye dos & don’ts
DO wear exciting and statement tie-dye pieces which command the energy of an outfit.
DO take the time to balance elements of the outfit by mixing with neutral and understated styles.
DO explore tie-dye in unexpected ways like socks & hats.
DON'T overthink it!
• If you want to take a subtle approach, I’d go for a muted tie-dye colour palette. Softer or darker shades marble and merge rather than ‘60s psychedelic tie-dye style. Try adding tie-dye to your accessories first if you’re unsure.
Tie-dye dos & don’ts
DO wear exciting and statement tie-dye pieces which command the energy of an outfit.
DO take the time to balance elements of the outfit by mixing with neutral and understated styles.
DO explore tie-dye in unexpected ways like socks & hats.
DON'T overthink it!
Souvenir tops
• I love wearing oversized statement shirts as a layering piece. It can be challenging to style such bold items, but let the shirt take the lead and style everything around it. I usually wear garments that will complement the shirt; pieces that are easier in colour and simplistic in shape such as under long sleeved t-shirts or over cropped cami tops. Also love wearing these shirts casually on holiday over a swimsuit.
• Let the vintage pieces take the limelight. Newer garments tend to be more simplistic and easier to wear, so start with your statement vintage piece and work around it.
• Channel the signature shapes and styles of your favourite fashion era by mixing simplistic and contemporary modern items with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.
• I love wearing oversized statement shirts as a layering piece. It can be challenging to style such bold items, but let the shirt take the lead and style everything around it. I usually wear garments that will complement the shirt; pieces that are easier in colour and simplistic in shape such as under long sleeved t-shirts or over cropped cami tops. Also love wearing these shirts casually on holiday over a swimsuit.
• Let the vintage pieces take the limelight. Newer garments tend to be more simplistic and easier to wear, so start with your statement vintage piece and work around it.
• Channel the signature shapes and styles of your favourite fashion era by mixing simplistic and contemporary modern items with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.
Co-Ords
• Just because something comes as a set or co-ord doesn't mean it HAS to be worn that way. Sometimes an outfit can feel more impactful as a co-ord, but this isn't necessarily always the case.
If you want to wear the co-ord as separates, treat them as you would any other individual garment.
• I’d wear the cropped check shirt as a layer over a long-sleeved top or paired back with mid-wash BDG denim jeans for a more casual and understated look.
• Style the checked mini skirt with a button through tie-front cardigan or a clean fitted funnel neck for a ‘90s preppy mod look. The styling possibilities are endless!
• Just because something comes as a set or co-ord doesn't mean it HAS to be worn that way. Sometimes an outfit can feel more impactful as a co-ord, but this isn't necessarily always the case.
If you want to wear the co-ord as separates, treat them as you would any other individual garment.
• I’d wear the cropped check shirt as a layer over a long-sleeved top or paired back with mid-wash BDG denim jeans for a more casual and understated look.
• Style the checked mini skirt with a button through tie-front cardigan or a clean fitted funnel neck for a ‘90s preppy mod look. The styling possibilities are endless!
One-Of-A-Kind Crop Tops
• I’m often drawn to re-worked pieces. I’d pair this with high waisted jeans to balance the proportions of the crop.
• The bungee hem is a great way to explore a sporty narrative. I’d style this top with trainers, classic track pants and a fun bucket hat to tie it all together.
• An alternatice and femme way to wear this top would be pairing with a vintage light-wash denim mini skirt, denim jacket and strappy sandals.
• Add layers to personalise the look. Right now I'm really enjoying using hair accessories like vintage satin and cotton printed scarves and headbands to add detail and customise my looks.
• I’m often drawn to re-worked pieces. I’d pair this with high waisted jeans to balance the proportions of the crop.
• The bungee hem is a great way to explore a sporty narrative. I’d style this top with trainers, classic track pants and a fun bucket hat to tie it all together.
• An alternatice and femme way to wear this top would be pairing with a vintage light-wash denim mini skirt, denim jacket and strappy sandals.
• Add layers to personalise the look. Right now I'm really enjoying using hair accessories like vintage satin and cotton printed scarves and headbands to add detail and customise my looks.