Vintage never goes out of style. Groovy, funky or high-end, vintage clothes come in a variety of selections that you can mix and match anytime and at any occasion. This is why you must never junk your grandpa’s or parent’s clothes. You’ll never know when they’ll get into style again. And with a few upgrades, they can still work that retro magic.
You don’t always have to go through the attic or hunt through antique and vintage shops to achieve the look that says “vintage” and at the same time “high-end”. There are a bunch of contemporary shops that sell vintage clothes or vintage-inspired clothes without spending much. Here are a few pieces that you can integrate into your own closet.
LEATHER JACKET
Marlon Brando in the 1953 movie “The Wild One” and his biker leather jacket [Via]
Leather jackets are always in fashion. And if you know how to pull one off, you’ll wear a vintage leather jacket with spunk and attitude. You can hunt for the right leather jacket online and in thrift shops. Again, fashion is about attitude. So it only works if it fits you right.
Brad Pitt in the movie “Fight Club” with his vintage tan leather jacket over printed shirt [Via]
Luckily, it is a very versatile piece. You can either look try the biker look with a white tees underneath and denim jeans or a smarter look with a white shirt and trousers. Try not overdoing it though or you’ll look like an overpadded burito. Try investing in Barbour jackets. If your lucky you might come across a vintage Mcqueen in one of your hunts.
Leather jackets come patched, studded and bedazzled (Tom Cruise’s leather jacket with military patches) [Via]
DENIM JACKET
The denim jacket in faded or washed out shades can give that American vintage look with the right combination of clothes. Denim gives men that rugged male look that is magnet to females. Levi’s denim in deep blue colors and classic two tones are flexible shades that goes well with light or dark shirts. Acid washed tones are also reminiscent of the 80’s.
You can try one one with or without the jacket sleeves. With sleeves, you can leave them down or rolled to the elbow. Take inspiration from some of these photos.
David Beckham looking like a model with his casual Wrangler denim [Via]
Sleeveless denim jackets are in [Via]
WAX JACKET
The wax jacket can be turned into a fashionable vintage piece for menswear. Recently, this piece has been popping in the streets giving that vintage British heritage look. It is also a favored piece alternative to leather jackets to get that classic biker look.
You can get that huntsman-inspired look with a country feel pairing the jacket with thick knits and tweeds. Or you can try achieving that smart urban look especially if you live in the city with a light casual shirt or polo underneath. Take a look at how these guys champion the wax jacket.
Wax Jacket for a casual country look [Via]
Wax jacket for a more urban feel [Via]
Wax jacket biker-inspired [Via]
PLAID SHIRT
Plaid shirts especially plaid flannel shirts are not rare in the modern menswear scene. They can be worn like a trendy piece or just like another flannel shirt worn in autumn. plaid shirts go well with leather jackets. You can choose two or three shades plaid flannel shirts.
You can wear them buttons up for that smart clean cut and schoolboy look. But you can also wear them open to boast that casual shirt underneath. You can style them with tattered jeans for a 90’s rugged look.
Orange plaids without undershirt and open to the chest [Via]
Open plaid shirt paired with undershirt [Via]
Plaid shirt for a smart schoolboy look [Via]
LOAFER SHOES
Loafer shoes have been around for many decades as an essential menswear. They can be worn casually with denim and without the socks on. They can also be paired with a casual shirt and chinos during the summer. While these pieces do ride between formal and casual, loafers fall short for black tie affairs. But, it can still give that smart look with suit on if you wear it with the right combination.
Loafers can be worn with a pair of jeans or with chino shorts [Via]
Try this combo – a fashionable scarf, loafers and socks [Via]
Ankle length pants or folded pants with loafers [Via]
These are the five essential vintage pieces for menswear that never go out of style. They may become trendy on and off but they remain staple throughout the decades. But, remember. At the end of the day, menswear is all about your comfort, identity and attitude.