Misconceptions about Vintage Fashion : Venturing into Vintage
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- I rambled a lot. Breaking down my misconceptions starts around 7:03 ! PART TWO: • First Steps and Misste...
Blue sweater is from Firecrackerfarms on etsy. Earrings by Betsey Johnson.
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Also to clarify:
I really do respect and admire all sorts of styles. Whether it's gothic lolita or some sort of boho chic. I think people who have defined styles that they clearly enjoy and put effort into are AWESOME regardless of the style itself.
My thoughts on the majority of modern vintage inspired pieces has everything to do with my personal style and what I want to invest money in/wear. I didn't mean it to be accusatory to anyone who wears those styles. In fact I follow a lot of people who embrace the rockabilly 1950's style and think it is great. It's just not great for ME.
ALSO I know I used the word tacky - I don't think I use that word in as negative of a way as some people (I use that word to describe my decorating sense for example). I use it more as "Overwhelmingly over the top" which isn't how I like to dress. But that doesn't mean it is bad!
The last thing I would want to do is make anyone feel bad about their style. Because that is a really personal thing, and if it makes you happy then I'm happy for you!
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About me:
My name is Angela Clayton, I’m a twenty year old designer and seamstress who is currently living on Long Island, in NY.
I’ve been sewing for five years and focused on period costumes and original designs for the last three. I make costumes for fun and to expand my skill set so I can hopefully get a job in the industry someday.
Check out my FAQ linked above to hear more about me, and any of the other sites to see more of my work!
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My patterns (go buy them!): mccallpattern....
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Tutorials (features actual sewing): • Embellished Brass Crow...
Making of Videos (features actual sewing): • Making a 1950's Dress ...
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Sorry for the missed uploads - I got a bit to caught up on filming and neglected my editing duties. But I've got videos for the next few weeks filmed and figured out. Including a weekly vlog focusing on 1830's dresses! So keep an eye out for that. And in the mean time I hope you enjoy me rambling about clothing and my somewhat embarrassing former views on vintage clothing!
I'm so excited to see what you have going
I'm super excited to see how this series goes!
i can't wait to see a crinoline dress...swoosh swoosh. Are you going to try to make a set of hoops for a for real "bell bottom" look? lol. You were mentioning misconceptions on prices and what you have wanted. I remember you said a Jones serpentine or " cat back" machine would be cool. I have seen one recently in Canada for $125 CDN, and a sew able machine too. They happen along all over like that and sometimes cheaper. You know there are eliptical and other types eh?
Oh you precious soul you look so beaute full in your cardigan that colour is outstanding on you, keep shining angel xxxx
What was the company that the pants came from?
The thing that annoys me most about vintage clothing is when you tell people that you like vintage clothing they ALWAYS think you mean the 1950s! It's so much more than just the 50s. Everyone has their favourite era. I myself am a 20s girl.
edwardian era!
I love it all but being full-figured, cannot wear it all. I sigh over the slimline silhouette & the fall of the fabrics in designs of the 20s (the real 20s of course, not the make-believe 20s with the frightful flapper dress etc), but there's not enough tape or bandages anywhere to bind me to a boyish shape in order for those lovely designs to fall properly :(
40's. 100%. LOVE the 40's.
the thing about people if you say that you like 50s fashion, they all think of late 50s and early 60s fashion - some don’t know the difference. fashion changes within a decade and it’s not like a sudden change from 1959 to 1960. it’s gradual. for example, early 50s dresses went down to mid calf, and late 50s and early 60s dresses came up to the knee. some think that all 50s came up to the knee when really it didn’t. it’s quite terrible that many people nowadays don’t know their fashion history
Definitely 40s or 70s.
The anchors (and cherries, and swallows/sparrows etc.) are a rockabilly (punk meets rock n roll) thing, they're inspired by tattoos worn by servicemen - primarily Navy sailors - for luck and safekeeping during first and second world wars, and later popularised by one Sailor Jerry.
So interesting, thank you
Exactly.. Not all people who wear Vintage Clothes dress Rockabilly.
My day to day is more of a Vintage College Librarian. When I go out then I dress Rockabilly.
The anchor obsession confuses me too! I'm sick of polka dots and bright red, and I love the muted colour and patterns of the 40s and 50s. I work at a whisky distillery, as a guide, and so I'm very restricted in what I can wear, but I bought a very simple black 40s style dress from Hell Bunny, which I now wear to work. I feel so much more like myself and I no longer dread the black blouses and polyester 'work trousers' I had resigned myself to!
Autumn Williams - Highland Park Scotch Whisky distillery here in Orkney, Scotland. It's a very old distillery (established 1798), and we're very proud of our whisky!
The anchor thing is much more a rockabilly thing vs. a vintage thing. And the modern 1940's-early 1960's inspired styles and rockabilly style are two very different things, and many companies that make reproduction clothes don't seem to realize that, or intentionally cater to both styles.
whossoul - the two can be separated by a very fuzzy line, there’s a lot of repro clothing that is perfectly accurate except for the print, which makes me really sad :(
o o f wh o o ps i’m obsessed w bright red and polka dots when i dress “vintage” but i also am more inspired by gothabilly and rockabilly tbh s o
rockabilly to me is revolting. i just don't get it i guess. navy blue,bright white, red and mustard, thats all there is. flamingos, cats, anchors... why don't people just use dior as inspration when making 1950s clothes? how hard is that?
I wash my "dryclean only" in hand wash settings in a washing machine 🙈 All my clothes last well I just air dry it and it is fine 😄
I know this is an older video and comment but.... I thought I was the only one 😱🤗🤩
That what I do, too. 🤗
Well I generally do too, but if I get only a spot on my clothes, I take two pieces of cloth one damp one dry (water for water-based stains and soapy water for oily stains) and I press the stained fabric between the two pieces of cloth repeatedly so the stain dilutes in the water and then sinks in the cloth not in the clothing fabric (if the stain did not sink into the fabric yet, try to wash it out by squeezing the damp cloth to wash the stain out with water - for example I stained my silk dress with ice cream, so immediatelly turn the fabric, so the stain is facing the ground and used soapy water to wash away the stain before it soaked in the fabric and then pressed the fabric between the dry cloth to see if the stain is washed away fully, hope it's understandable, it won't work with huge stains but it works perfect for my silk dupioni dresses) with the soap, be careful that it won't wash away the color of the fabric, test it first somewhere where it won't be seen, in my experience the Marseille soap woks the best because it has no bad ingrediences that could wash away the color or dye the fabric different colors.
Literally none of my wardrobe is authentic vintage or vintage repro, it’s all regular modern clothes, but if you’re really selective about what you buy and how you style it you can get an incredibly authentic looking vintage wardrobe for the same price as high street, and I think it can look more authentic than reproduction stuff which mostly just feels costumey and panders to rockabilly style.
Wish I lived in London, or even the UK for that matter, clothes are so much better. In Sweden H&M rules the market, so even if I go to a higher end store, the stuff still looks like it came from H&M. I've started sewing so I don't have to buy rayon flour sacks.
Linda Tisue well I also live in Sweden and Asos is a lifesaver. And in terms of high street you can find the occasional gem in lindex Etc.
Me too! Well, I live in Canada, but fast fashion is everywhere and it's crap. When I started doing historical costuming and sewing/wearing quality fabrics made of linen, cotton, wool and silk I realized how horrible most modern stuff is to wear (after hating much of the styles available for years now) and I've gotten rid of a lot of my cheap clothes, I'd rather have quality clothing for a week than cheap garbage for a month.
SoundShinobiYuki I live in Canada too (Calgary to be precise) and I've never had any problems finding vintage apparel or buying clothes that aren't from fast fashion companies. Simons in Canada sells several brands that are made in the US or Canada; yes, if you go to ardene and expect to see quality clothes you won't but look literally anywhere else and you will if you try hard enough/thrift enough.
Linda Tisue Hehe, I can relate! It’s like the market has gone full circle to “just make it yourself”.
I have the same peeve on the large mass of grease inspired vintage style garments available. It perpetuates inaccurate costuming in so many shows. Like anyone going to a 50s party is dressed like Sandra Dee in a poodle skirt where poodle skirts were only really worn by American teenagers for a couple of years.
You have to forgive people though, especially at a party. Things are meant to be loud and stereotypical there. Ever see an 80's party, where everyone dresses in sweatbands, legwarmers, and tulle petticoats? It's a parody, and anyone who was alive in the 80's knows that's not how people really dressed. But if you dressed how they DID dress, you wouldn't stand out, and that wouldn't be any fun, would it?
Marialla i have a cousin who was born in the 80s and it bugs me that she even thinks that everyone just wore neon and spandex.
Actually, embellished felt/wool skirts were popular for a while and were not just worn by teenagers. The misconception was that everyone wore a skirt with a poodle, when in reality that was just one of the hundreds of designs people made. There was an explosion of designs, with so many women still being home sewers, the sky was the limit for things they would embelish on their skirts. There were tamer designs with flowers or geometric shapes, or more out there designs like, the eiffel tower, LP's, telephones with a 3D cord that would run from the base at the bottom to the handle at the top, drunk mice sitting in a martini glass, I've even seen pictures of some that had a working board game board embelished on them with felt, with large pockets that would hold all the pieces you would need to play. The designs also weren't limited to just a bottom side, many went all the way around the border. They became so popular so fast that it sort of became a competition to out-do others with the complexity of your design. As someone who dressed vintage every day I totally get the frustration behind the poodle skirt stereotype. However, I think the actual history of them is so great and it's one of the first times that fashion became self-expressive, not just dressing the part!
whossoul The 50’s in the US were a time for mass experimentation, and not just for fashion! Google recipes if you wanna see what they did with food.
t t Of course! This page has some pictures of the game board ones, as well as other designs: www.littlethings.com/the-poodle-skirt/
This article from Vintage Dancer on 50's skirt styles has some pictures and information about them too, and it's just a great resource for information. It's one of my favorite resources for accurate fashion history with lots of picture examples:
vintagedancer.com/1950s/1950s-fashion-history-skirts/
I'm just starting to wear 1890 clothing and the fact that I see them as actual clothing and not costumes make such a difference, you feel more comfortable. Two day ago I was buying groceries and I never feel that comfortable and confident in clothing ever ( wearing a proper corset, petticoats, a heavy skirt and everything)
This was pretty much exactly my misconceptions about vintage fashion! When I found the fashions of the 30's and 40's I liked the muted colours and smaller skirts that were prevalent much more than the bold colours and huge circle skirts on so many of the repo websites. I still have a few of them, but they're more of a statement piece rather than something I wear everyday.
I will have to watch this video again as I was super distracted at how fabulous your hair looks!!!!!!!
This is the best compliment haha, thank you!
I thought it looked fabulous as well!
It is interesting that we all have misconceptions about fifties fashion. My family has a big trunk of photos and fashion magazines from this era and the clothes are waaaayyyy more muted and modest than you would think. I think any woman walking around in a plunging halter neck dress made from garishly patterned fabric would have been arrested - lol!
The thing that has prevented me from making the jump into vintage fashion is the idea that you have to completely commit to it. I think the magazines/websites often give this impression because they tend to mainly feature women who have done this. I have also met a couple of women who wouldn't even take part in any event or activity or work that required modern clothing. I love vintage but I also love modern clothes and don't want to have to live by a set of rules as that seems pretty stressful!
LauraBristol you can always dress however you want whenever. I used to go from preppy to emo in early high school. Fashion is just a way to express how you feel that day. Do what feels good that day!
LauraBristol me too!!! I love modern clothes and kind of dress in a way that could certainly be labelled slutty (a term I’ve personally come to embrace because I’m sick of feeling ashamed of it lol.) but I also have a few vintage pieces, including a lovely, very modest day dress from the 50s, a long coat from the 40s, and lots of stuff from the 60s, like long skirts and sweaters. I like being able to switch up my look without feeling boxed in.
I sway between mid 60s fashion, 70s street wear, 90s grunge, and emo style. My coworkers and students often make comments about how I dress and that it's weitd and inconsistent, but I feel comfortable and happy so I brush it off.
Oh girl! When you said you wanted to be able to blame the fact that you "didn't look good" on the fact that you hadn't tried, I could so relate. You are not alone in that.
I believe Jessica Kellgren-Fozard here on youtube is also 5'10 and she wears exclusively vintage/vintage-inspired. She's actually done a bit of modeling for Collectif. She's not a rockabilly style fan either.
sleepyheathen I love Jessica! 💓🏳️🌈
Shes lovely 😗.
Not all 1950s clothing is polkadots and anchors and leopard...thats actually more rockabilly. Within the vintage community there are different aesthetics, and along with them different shops ladies like to frequent. I'm a big fan of reproduction clothing, as I'm a very busty gal. I like Collectif clothing, who you mentioned, they make the BEST trousers. But if your a thrifty gal I suggest checking out Lindy Bop, they're also based in the UK, and I've gotten some great solids from them over the years.
KaylaMaeNOT I love lindybop!!
I wasn’t one of those 4 people, however I think this sounds like a very interesting series. I’m glad those 4 people had such a great series idea.
I think the polka dots, cherry and anchor-craze might be more a Rockabilly thing, which is an own subgenre in itself, and most vintage shops sell it as well because it is so popular.
Inis More I do have an authentic 1950s polkadot dress but it looks different than the modern reproductions as the fabric (some type of rayon organza I think) gives such a different drape. I think that a lot of the modern reproductions of those patterns are really hindered by the fabric.
Ooooo! I just saw a video from Evelyn Wood. She puts vintage garments in separate delicates bags and washes them in the machine on delicate. Then air dry. You may try that.
katieintraining I love her videos!
Me too!
I love Evelyn Wood! She's on my subscription list.
Mindygrace
Yes, most hand wash clothing can be washed in a machine on delicate. A front-loading machine is even more gentle than a top-loading machine. You can use a presoak and short wash with cold water on delicate pretty successfully.
We have a pretty rough top loading machine from the 80's (which frequently doesn't drain properly causing colors to bleed) so I don't trust it too much with delicates. I have tried the bags before, but I hat how wrinkled it makes everything! I feel like hand washing is faster since I can usually get away without ironing them. But it's a really neat method!
Your comment about finding the proper fabric really struck a chord with me. I find it so incredibly difficult to find non-modern fabric! If there isn't a chemically based fiber in it then it's priced out of this world, at least where I live. Trying to find wool suiting is a lost cause around here...
I had the same misconceptions, especially when my friends would say “oh stop staring is having their 20% off sale, it’s so cheap!” And I can’t drop that much for a dress!! I’ve started working on my own 50’s style dress, and although I’m very basic in my skills, I can already tell I love the way it sits on me better than most fast-fashion does. I’m really interested in more ways to keep vintage clothing looking okay and healthy (for a lack of a better word). I’m super excited for this series!!
Yes! Before fully accepting that I loved wearing a vintage look, I too used to always think of vintage fashion as tacky. For me, it was that I am not a fan of a certain popular pattern. 🍒
Love this video! I've been getting more and more into vintage clothing and have purchased a lot of vintage reproduction patterns to try to make some item of my own. I didn't even think to look for actual vintage items because of many of the reasons you mentioned. Now I'm definitely going to look for some vintage pieces in my size :) Thanks for the tips and inspiration!
You're 5'10" ? Gosh, I never noticed, you look so tiny and dainty in your photos and videos.
I totally understand what you mean about lengths of pants, shorts, and skirts. I'm 5'9" myself, and clothes are *such* a hassle!
Chrissy O.
And on the other end of the spectrum, I’m 5’ (and a third of an inch! lol) and pretty curvy. Finding pants is difficult, to say the least. And finding things that both fit well and look good and that you think you look good in is always a challenge, no matter what size or shape you are.
Nicole Young my mom was a similar height and build to how you've described yourself and she swore by petite sizes. She looked great in her clothes and didn't have as much trouble with long torsoed and long hemmed clothing.
Kommander Kian
That is something to consider but when you’re also on a tight budget, finding petite sizes can be extra hard.
I'm 6'0, so it's like... impossible. Tall and skinny lmao
Have a needle and thread? Cutting something smaller/shorter is MUCH easier than trying to size it up! And if you don't want to spend the time yourself - tailoring shops will often do those simple alterations for quite cheap prices! (Say... the price of the sale bin at WalMart)
But you really want to save money - do the work yourself.
This was VERY interesting! I'm eager to work more vintage (or more likely vintage-inspired) clothes into my wardrobe, especially my work wardrobe - I don't really have a distinct clothing style when it comes to my office wear, and vintage is what appeals to me the most by far. I'm eager to see a review/recommendation list of sites you've tried and how you've found the clothes to be.
I'm glad! I think there are a lot of ways to incorporate vintage inspired pieces into a work wardrobe! So many collared blouses and tailored pants. I'm mostly ordering single items from etsy sellers, but I'll definitely try to review some specific brands as I build my wardrobe.
Being Vintage, myself, and growing up in a home with a tailor....Anchors in the 50s...Think little boys in sailor suits morphing into little girls in matching sailor collared dresses...cute!...Anchors on ladies clothes= casual cute...like the little girl inside the lady, bringing out the baby doll...it was a thing. Hand washing...In my grandmothers home there was a bucket in the bathroom with Wisk detergent (before that it was baby shampoo) and a wood handled plunger that was dedicated to laundry...Hand washables were dropped in there at the end of the day until the bucket was full...Plunging happened, then rinsing and hanging on a line from the towel bar in the back of the shower. Comfort...clothes were more structured but the seams were finished or made as french seams, to reduce scratching..I have clothes from nice department stores that have fallen apart in the wash over time but I still have vintage clothes and after we moved from my grandmother's,,,we used the delicate cycle (never overfilling the tub so nothing rubbed and scrubbed) and the clothes lasted as well as hand washing...Note to new friend: Corduroy does not need to be dry cleaned...turn it inside out and wash...air dry and press on the inside turn out and brush the wail all in one direction. Halter tops and pedal pushers were not seen in magazines because they were low brow, middle class at home wear and ...usually worn by the daring or flashy...Mother was sure a woman was divorced if she went grocery shopping in backyard BBQ wear. Annnnd BTW have you been to Rustyzipper.com? clothes and patterns....authentic vintage wear by decades
Initially I started following you because of several of your 50's dresses. So of course I'm so excited for this series! A woman with style is different from fashion and trends. To me style is a mixture of class, fun and your own unique spin on the best of what the decades have to offer. Your hair, earrings and mint green sweater are a perfect example of a a woman with style.
I've never seen your videos but I found your intro on your past attitudes to clothes really honest clear and interesting.
Most washing machines today have a hand washing programme that is very gentle and can even be more gentle than doing it yourself in the sink since you often rub the fabric to get out dirt but the machine just rocks back and forth like a cradle and takes more time so the detergent have time to do it's job + it washes in the correct temp often people use to hot water when hand washing since no-one likes being cold but that can make some stain harder to get out even setting some instead so they will never go away, also colder water is more gentle to a lot of fabrics and dyes so the clothes will look nicer for longer.
Can I just say... That sweater is to die for!!! The color is perfect on you. The style is just totally adorable. And the chunky texture of the knit it incredible! I sincerely hope this is one of your favorite finds. Its perfectly suited to you. You wear it like a dream.
I'm so excited to see what else comes of this because you addressed EVERY concern that's kept me from finding more vintage inspired clothes for myself.
It has been interesting watching you make more modern pieces. I will confess that I miss your elaborate gowns since I was always impressed to see how you drafted the patterns and designed the intricate details. Your dedication to hand sewing hems/lace/button holes has inspired me to try adding more small hand-worked touches to my own dresses. You mentioned in the video that you were nervous about sewing early/mid-century clothing. This comment made me smile since I have noticed in a few of your videos how you mentioned that you had to look up new sewing techniques while interpreting all the confusing instructions. I sew mostly 1950's dresses so those designs are more familiar to me compared to the historically inspired costumes you worked with. It's a good reminder of how different sewing skills develop depending on the kind of projects you take on.
I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to find this video. I follow you on Instagram and I saw you had uploaded this. I was just today looking at vintage clothing as a style esthetic and was discouraged by many of these misconceptions. Hearing you talk about it was really reassuring and gave me a boost of confidence to start working towards more vintage fashion
I just wanted to take a moment and let you let know that I am a HUGE fan of your videos, style, work ethic, and fashion skills. I aspired to slowly get to "Clayton-Level" sewing skills and have shared your channel with others. So thanks, once again so much!!
I liked this video! I've been dressing vintage inspired for a few years now. One thing I have learned, and I actually learned it from vintage self-care video's from the 40's and 50's, is that women back then didn't wash their dresses every time they wore them. Back then you would take off your dress, make sure there weren't any spills on it, press it if needed, and hang it back up in your closet to wear again. Women only washed their clothes if they were actually dirty, not just because they wore it to a few stores. I have embraced this, and it really helps with the laundry! My clothes hold up better because they aren't being washed more than they need to be, and I just change into my comfy lazy around the house clothes when I get home to minimize the potential for getting something dirty!
This helped answer many concerns I have/had about the reality of finding and wearing vintage clothing. The first thing I did after watching this video was hop on Etsy and change the settings for how it recommended items too me. What a difference!
I can totally relate. I am 5'11 and 30" waist and have had a hard time convincing myself that I'll be able to find vintage that fits me well. But it is out there! Thankyou for another wonderfully enjoyable video Angela. You are the sweetest and most talented person honestly, I wish you all the best. xx
I really understand all your feelings on the points you brought up. I’ve only ever worn what’s affordable and comfortable because I knew my family couldnt afford much and I didnt like any clothes at the store anyway. I’ve been trying to venture into clothing styles that I am interested in but I’m terrified that I wont like how I look in the clothes. I have a fairly curvy figure too (in my opinion). Bust 36” Waist 28” and Hips 36”. I’ve considered making clothing for myself since I make costumes anyway, but I dont think my skills are quite there yet and I dont have much time or money for that. Seeing your video gave me hope that I can find reasonably priced clothes that I like which fit properly. Thank you so much for sharing!
Also, I’m glad you decided to start this series even though only about 4 people said they wanted to see it. Honestly good on you!! I like when people make decisions like that.
You are first person I've seen to find the truth about the 50's fashion. Many styles have stayed in fashion with the some changes. Your slacks and blouse won me to your channel. You are spot on about colors. I wore and made 50's clothes in the 50's. But didn't know much about fit or measurements. Retired now and have illness that prevents me from very much sewing. Thank you in many ways to continue fashion history. You are a winner.
ok your comment about what women really wore in the '50'really made me think. I was a kid then and I thought I would tell you what my mom wore during that decade. She wore dresses, and around the house, shorts, or Mary Tyler Moore capri slacks, button front sleeveless blouses made of tiny pique or percale or gingham or some type of cotton. Thick muslin, or plisse, or seersucker. The fabric was so different. Her dresses varied between a full skirt and fitted bodice to a wiggle dress. Most all had sleeves, collars, placket fronts, etc. The huge difference between then and now is the fabric. Silk and cotton blends, peau, quilted satin skirts, modern looking prints, lovely soft cotton often interlined in construction, Then fully lined. Plaid wools, and wool crepes, wool flannel and gabardine. Many less items than today, but a dress was worn for five or ten years. The top coat the hats the gloves the jewelry the shoes. The full sail dress up. I did it myself in the 60's and miss it so. I still have the costume jewelry from that time and gloves. The hats have since passed on, but they would be easy to make. Just look at pictures of Queen Elizabeth. She really has kept the Royals dressing in the 50's aesthetic to this day. I can't wait to see what you do. Yes, sewing cotton to fit is difficult, and I can vouch that the non stretch garment is less comfortable. If it fits you there will be push back at the waist, the stress points can split. This is the main reason that polyester doubleknit was so popular... comfort. So, what has caught your eye?
Right on .
I actually love sewing with cotton! Ironically enough, I hate working with knits, even though it's easier to fit. I find cotton very comfortable to wear. It's not baggy worn out clothes comfortable, but it also has the benefit of breathing. I tend to add extra fabric on any parts that will be under more stress, and I love adding some thick cotton (it's actually intended to be used inside corsets to help them retain their shape) around the waist to help me suck everything in nice and tight.
Can you tell me about ladies' manicures from the 50's? What shapes were popular, and what colors? I get the impression it was all pointy red ovals, but that can't be true. Did most women even do their nails?
Marialla I saw very few manicured nails in the 50's. Mostly red, clear, natural. Just clean,filed, and polished.
whossoul poly double knit from the late 60's was thick , very easy to sew, and a whole new world of comfort- a lot like scuba today. Non stretch clothes were binding, creased and bagged in the seat and knees mercilessly(imagine a wrinkly wiggle dress or pencil skirt, with a bagged seat). Dress clothes didn't have elastic in the comfort zones we find it today. Full skirts were comfy, but a bodice would crease under bust on my mom. Clothes often could only be worn once in the summer before needing dry-cleaning or laundering. There was no febreeze or air conditioning, deodorant not antiperspirant. Dress shields were standard, because the sweatstains often did not come out, or could rot the fabric, or just ruined the look .
Angela, your self-awareness and ability to dissect your feelings about clothing and yourself and your appearance is extremely refreshing. Thank you for posting this video xx
PS: your new wardrobe suits your body and your style so perfectly! Even the way you stand changes based on what you're wearing and how you feel about it and about yourself, it's amazing what clothing can do for (or against ;)) you. Keep investigating!
I actually found so much of this relatable! I've recently been realizing how unhappy I am with 70% of my wardrobe, for similar reasons, and am starting to learn that, while I'm not necessarily interested in having "vintage style" be my costume from day-to-day, I really love how lots of the silhouettes and styles of old clothing make me feel, and want to consciously incorporate a lot more of that into my wardrobe. Rather than always settling for whatever affordable options I can find in my local mall, and then constantly just spending more money because I was never totally happy with what I bought to begin with. I look forward to the next video in this series!
I really enjoy seeing other sides of what you have learned and what you think. I follow your channel very closely and it's nice that you bring in new and fresh content to show.
I love this video! Vintage style is shifting towards more of what you are saying in this video. I love the Instagram accounts showing beautiful girls wearing everyday vintage, it doesn’t look like a costume. They just look feminine and groomed. I dress my children in vintage children’s inspired clothing, I sew it all. I love how it’s coming back into favor. I’m excited for your other videos.
I found this super interesting! And I’m looking forward to the rest from this series! 😁
I’m glad you decided to do this. I’ve always enjoyed the vintage look. But,never knew how to go about it.
I'm soooo glad you've decided to wear vintage on a daily basis !!
Because giiiirl you look timeless. You've got a ''vintage' face. I don't know what it is....you're just made for it ❤ and you're an amazing seamstress/artist so you can make any item you want!
I'm so happy you made this video! As a super tall lady myself (and also with a 13 inch difference between my hips and waist!) I've always struggled so much to find clothing that works, especially since I can't justify spending an arm and a leg for specially made clothing, or to pay someone to tailor everything I own. I usually don't even wear pants or shorts most of the time (at least in the summer) and stick with skirts because at least I know they'll *mostly* fit... and I usually don't order potentially nicer things online because the fit is always so risky. I'm also trying to dress more vintage, or at least better for my body type, and this series is already so inspiring to me. Thank you so much for sharing your story and I can't wait to see more ❤
I have the same exact fears you do and I’ve been wanting to create a wardrobe that speaks “me.” With that being said I know that vintage pieces would be apart of this but I also have difficult measurements that aren’t in the “straight” sizing yet plus sizing is way too big. I also have a tendency to shy away from what I see as “tacky” vintage clothing because I watch classic films and just can’t understand how some things are vintage inspired. But you’re def correct. Most people who have the most beautiful closet took years to build it because they buy 1 piece at a time. Not a shopping cart in one go. I’m excited to see more videos from this series! 💕♥️♥️
OMG you have to be the cutest little thing alive! I have been a subscriber for about a year. I love seeing your patterns in the McCalls catalog. I love watching you design. Keep on just being you!
I have slowly transitioned my summer wardrobe over to me-made vintage inspired style lines, more flattering for my oddball shape and I enjoy the wearing of them. The winter wardrobe is a work in progress. This video was a great idea Angela, look forward to more.
Hahaha, I feel you on the winter wardrobe being a work in progress. I've been dressing in the vintage inspired style for years and my winter wardrobe is still a work in progress! I feel like I need to start working on it now and get some things made so they are ready to go. Because I know once it gets cold out all I want to do is sew summer dresses while dreaming of warmer weather! But in summer I can't even think about sewing warm things because it's so hot!
Julie Halligan I have also transitioned. My pronouns are she/her/it
Oh my gosh! I'm super excited about this! This is exactly what I'm trying to do for myself. I'm really just feeling like I'm getting to that age where I just want to wear what makes me feel good and stop following trends and fads. I definitely relate to you on the feeling like nothing you own actually making you happy or feeling like it says who you really are. Can't wait to see more!
the biggest misconception about vintage fashion is that everyone has to be super rich to do it right.
which is so not true
Marie thrift stores, target etc
one youtuber i follow has an awesome series on turning modern pieces vintage
natalie are you referring to the pinup companion?
Plain Popcorn yes thats her !!
Marie Target doesn't sell actual vintage clothes, they might sell vintage inspired clothes or basic pieces that you can incorporate into vintage style outfits.
For cheaper vintage clothes (clothes made in a specific era) check out estate sales, thrift/second hand shops, eBay/auction sites and ask older relatives if they have any old clothes in their closet or attic that is from around the era you're looking for.
I got a vintage cut hawaiian shirt for 2€ at the mall ...
Excellent video, Angela!! I'm so glad you posted it! I identify so much with what you've said, I understand exactly what you mean. My closest is 99% vintage, lifelong thrifter, and clothing designer. We have both integrated vintage fashion into our own style and made it our own. I would love you to continue speaking about your personal style evolution, I LOVE it!
Love it! I’ve been trying to do more vintage stuff for years but always end up choosing lazy comforting clothes (yoga pants, t shirts, etc) over the cute but less comfortable clothes that I tend to be hyper aware and self conscious while wearing.
This is the first of your video's I've seen, so I don't know what your normal content is like, but I enjoyed this and found it interesting. As someone who grew up very similarly, as far as fashion goes (lots of cheap easy-care garments I felt meh about), this really resonated with me. Especially since I've been playing around with vintage and vintage-inspired fashion for about a year now. I look forward to watching part two and more of your videos in general.
Hey Angela! I felt hugged with you sharing your story! I constantly feel bad about my venturing into vintage but it's awesome to know that it's a different process to eachother. I would love to see the rest of the story and the next videos!
thanks! 💛
I love this style of clothing, I feel that it has personality and the fact that you have gone the extra mile and did the hair and makeup to match the style, excellent job.
Great Chanel I am looking forward to this video series.
Thank You for your efforts.
I'm 6' so I understand the struggle of finding women's fashion that fits, especially in the leg department. Excited to see more vintage fashion videos!
I love vintage clothing and am currently trying to incorporate more true vintage and vintage I've sewn into my wardrobe, so I'm keeping my eyes peeled for your future videos on this subject!
Oh my gooooodness, it's so lovely to see a video addressing these issues! I've been terrified to even look for vintage clothes, because of how modern clothes fit (ugh, and the selection of extra-small, affordable vintage pieces is terribly small), and how expensive many sellers price vintage items at... But just the other day, I found a gorgeous 1940s designer nightdress for like, £20, and with a slip underneath, it looks super cute as a day dress~
Loved the video
I have 2 styles boho in spring and summer and vintage / retro in fall and winter. All my dresses are me made cause it's the cheapest option, with some skirts and tops that are thrifted. The whole rockabilly scene kept me from doing vintage for a LONG time! I always wanted to dress like Lucy or Beaver's mom in leave it to beaver, that stuff doesn't come up as often as rockabilly in searching. Eventually I decided screw it,I'm gonna dress how I want even if I have to make it lol
I know what you mean! All through high school I dressed rockabilly/psychobilly, which don't get me wrong, I loved. However, I watched I Love Lucy and Leave It To Beaver with my grandma all the time, and kept thinking "that's how I would love to dress!" It took a while before I realized "Oh wait, you CAN dress like that!" I still hold a place in my heart for rockabilly style, but I definitely feel like now I have a more grown up look fitting for my life as a mom!
I wear vintage inspired and vintage to work every day and I get compliments nearly every time, I've recently started trying to curl my hair like yours, using pin curls and sleeping in a scarf. It's a work in progress to say the least! I don't go to work wearing petticoats although I do play around with the 40's and 50's style, I like to mix them too and I find the pencil skirts of the period really suits an office environment as does the heel height of the shoes.
I'm so glad I stumbled onto your channel!
I feel like I went through a lot of the same thoughts and misconceptions with contemporary clothing as well as vintage clothing! The fit issue is a huge one for me; I have big thighs and a big size difference between my hips and waist so I have the same pants problem! I think that's what got me into vintage/retro clothing to begin with since skirts are much more flattering on me :) I'm glad that you have found a way to get inspiration from your wardrobe and feel more confident! My favourite thing about vintage clothes (other than the fit) is that there's history behind them! I'm excited to see more videos on this topic!
I had so many of those same apprehensions when I started getting vintage items, too! I’m still always a little wary of my outfit looking like a costume, so I always try to modernize what I’m wearing with accessories or hair/make-up. I also found that certain styles from the 80s hold up better to changes in fashion. They can still look classy while being comfortable and vintage.
I don’t have any desire to change up my style personally... but I think this video is amazing. You’ve inspired me to go through my closet!
I'm definitely looking forward to the next videos for this series. Also, can I just say Angela has a great personality? She is so insightful and thoughtful! Not to mention inspirational. She's one of those people who is a good role model without necessarily trying to be one. So thank you, Angela, for just being yourself. Keep up the great work!
The color of your lips goes with your completion so well! Idk if it’s natural or not but it’s just such a rosy, flushed, lip color for your skin tone
This was great! Also loved “THE PANTS!”
Love it! Can't wait for your next video about wearing vintage clothing. Your ramblings are so relate able for me. I have quite a few vintage piece from my grandmothers and I just am not sure how to pull them off, so I am excited to see your vintage wardrobe and how you style everything.
I love the sweater you're wearing, so beautiful, and it looks great on you. Thanks for another great video!
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Love the way you share your thought process. Refreshing!
Glad to see you back! I’ve been sewing/wearing vintage style dresses for a long time. So interested in your series.
The video was interesting! I couldn't finish watching the video yesterday & didn't forget to watch the rest today haha
Thank you for sharing!!
I have always loved vintage and retro style and dressed in it off and on since I was in 7th grade (thanks to local thrift stores and my grandparents) During high school I felt a lot of pressure from those around me to dress just like them, and because of my low self esteem I listened and got rid of a number of truly beautiful pieces. Once I became more confident in who I was and stopped listening to those voices I regretted giving away such treasures. It wasn't really till I started college, and being gifted one of my grandmothers dresses from the 1960's that fit me perfectly, that I actually started dressing in a much more retro/vintage way. I totally get a lot of the misconceptions that you had. I still have yet to purchase from a reproduction brand because I have yet to have a reproduction piece that I truly love.
Recently I've been trying to reduce my waste in all areas and in my wardrobe I felt the very same way. I am so much happier now with my living space and wardrobe after a huge overhaul which took about 2 years! So anyone on the same journey, keep going!
Yes! You hit the nail on the head! Current dress making textiles are the major drawback for successful vintage sewing projects!!!!
Hi Angela!! I'm so glad you made this video & I'm so excited for the rest of the series! I started dressing vintage a year and a half ago and still have a loooong way to go in transitioning my wardrobe. I do have some tips though that might be of use:
- eBay is so good to find less expensive true vintage pieces! I always sort low-high and have really vague search terms, as people on eBay are more likely to just be getting rid of stuff laying around their parents/grandparents house whereas Etsy is way more curated and their sellers are more meticulous about their stores. (I hope that made sense!)
- I hate hand-washing items so I bought a hand-crank portable washer on Amazon and it totally does the trick! I use it on all my delicate vintage pieces and it totally does the trick - all I have to do after cranking is rinse out the soap and hang to dry :) It definitely saves time and is great for the environment.
I can't wait to see how your vintage style will evolve and what kind of pieces you'll be more gravitated towards.
Your voice is very pleasant! Can't wait to see the rest of your journey into vintage!
Such a good video! It's really nice to listen to you talk about things like vintage fashion while I'm sitting around and crocheting. I would love to eventually venture into Vintage fashion sometime in the future, but I have tried modern vintage clothing and it never suits me. I would love to see more videos like this, and I am right alongside those 4 people in saying this video was a great idea!
As someone who really loves vintage and reproduction vintage clothing, a lot of what you’ve discussed has also worried me, which is some of the reason I don’t wear vintage/retro clothing on a daily basis. So thanks for this video!
Love the video. As someone who is determined to be Vintage rather than Antique, I can tell you that modern washers are so much more versatile and gentle than pre 2000 versions. I still own a number of vintage clothes I bought when they were common (I love 1970’s high collar blouses with a cravat look). When I wear them they go in the wash with like colored and weight clothes, not blue jeans or tough wear. Use the delicate setting, and warm to cold water. Either hang to dry or use a permanent press dry. I wash expensive wool skirts in cold water and hang to dry. My favorite outfit for my work is a Pendleton wool jacket and skirt in a summer weight. The skirt washes well but it needs ironing (horrors!) after hang drying. The only things I’ve ever had in my wardrobe from the time I bought them to when they became Vintage that get dry cleaning are my structured jackets.
Love this video! I don't wear vintage garments that often, but I own a box full of vintage patterns, which I love adapting for my own modern use. A lot of the stuff from the sixties in particular translates really well to modern office-wear!
You are delightful! I too love vintage inspired. I look forward to more. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
Your video hit home for me, although I’m not curvy, and quite slim, I have far too many clothes. Because I LOVE stuff! I’ve been dressing like a, earthy “goth”. Although there is another part of me who loves dressing like an old lady lol I’ve actually gotten pulled into vintage because I realized how happy it makes me and the quality that it can have. Quality and comfort is very important to me! Thank you again for this, as it helped me realize it really is a time for a wardrobe change. Blessings!
I loved the video, getting into vintage myself (although only wearing it one the weekends and never at school, and as you mentioned, not wanting my parents to have to pay for it) I found it interesting to hear someone else talk about it. Looking forward to the next one!
Totally interested in this! And wow, I am in love with that beautiful sweater! The color is so perfect on you. :)
This was fun and informative! I've seen a lot of 1940s inspired clothing in department stores lately and I love the look of them. I'm looking forward to seeing your process of transitioning your wardrobe!
I LOVE this video and I so look forward to this series! I feel like vintage style is such an adventure and I love seeing everyone's process and styles and how they shop. Ah man I love this so much, I could just gush forever about it!
Since knowing the right way to clean your vintage wear is so important, I would love to see a video on how to launder these types of garments!
I really liked this! I think all the videos you make that you call “abnormal” are really fun!
So excited for this! I have also been wanting to change my wardrobe to a more vintage-y. With a studentbudget I can't really buy clothes as for right now, and is therefore thinking about trying to sew a few pieces. I have only previously sewn historical costumes and is a bit hesitant to try and sew something I am actually wearing daily. Maybe you could talk more about what kind of fabrics to use and stuff like that?
YES vintage, YES sewing! YES YES YES! I have found several of your videos INCREDIBLY helpful, especially when it comes to trying to figure out some vintage patterns. I have had problems that made me question my abilities, but you have had the same glitches (why is this SO BIG?) Thank you!
OH I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS SERIES!! This is just what I need to help motivate me to rehaul my own wardrobe! I'm looking forward to more videos from you
The fact that you’re my exact height and body type makes me wanna cry and have hope that I can in fact embrace the vintage style! 😭❤️
The Pants™
I had a similar revelation with my first pair of skinny jeans - until then I just assumed that they would make my hips stick out even more than straight cut (or bootcut oh my god), but it turned out that the tighter fit is actually way more flattering on me
I'm really excited for the new series! Your concerns about vintage clothing really mirror my concerns
I haven't seen many of your videos, but I used to go to the website where you showed the clothing you made, because I sew and was looking for ideas. I have been into vintage for years and it's great. My vintage Holy Grail is a New Look suit. You know the one, by Dior. You could make one, probably. I sew by hand and don't use a machine so I don't sew jackets.
Let me give you a huge tip about handwashing. I have tons of handwashing items and you can do it in the machine. Put them in zip lingerie bags, wash them on cold and on a gentle cycle, with slow spin and slow agitation. Put one item in a bag and zip it. You can put all of them in at once. It is exactly like hand washing. Walmart has the hand wash bags. Also, I can give you info about how to actually wash dry clean only clothing too if you want. I'm 54 and been doing laundry for myself and my family for 30 some odd years, so I've made all the mistakes and learned by trial and error, so you don't have to. I've taught my girls how to do this and would be happy to tell you how to as well.
One thing about vintage inspired clothing is they are more rockabilly or pinup than vintage. Also none of the dresses are long enough.
I'll also be happy to tell you what I can about vintage as well. I did it basically full time for years.
I bought those trousers! I was obssessed and wish I'd got a smaller pair but the fact they flatter me made me sooo happy, I know exactly what you mean.
Please please do a closet tour, and a kind of dress up in your all time favorite outfits!
I would love to see a vintage buying guide: where do you go to find vintage garments, how do you recommend going about the purchase of vintage clothing, what are some online resources (beyond etsy, or shops within etsy) that you find are the most reliable?