Vintage, Reto, Or Just Used– How Can You Tell The Difference?

By Brian Maynor

 

A lot of my friends are really into thrifting and can’t wait to show off their new outfits and prized pieces, but understandably the idea of ‘used’ clothing is not for everyone.  True there are gems and great bargains to be found, if you know what you’re doing.

 

Here are some straightforward definitions, tips and ideas on navigating consignment and resale shopping.

 

1. Know the difference.  A lot of terms are used interchangeable when talking about secondhand shopping, but that isn’t always accurate because they each mean something different.

• Antique refers to something made before 1920;
• Vintage is something made between 1920 to 20 years before the current year.   Yes, that means clothes from the 80s are now vintage, and
• Retro is something that is modern made, but vintage inspired.

 

Along with these definitions, it is important to understand the type of store you’re shopping in as well.  Vintage, consignment, resale and thrift stores carry very different merchandise.  It is important to set the right expectation of what you will find before you enter the door.

• Vintage shops cater to high end, designer and pristinely maintained and curated items.  They are also sold for premiums.
• Consignment and resale shops tend to carry more contemporary or modern clothing, but you may stumble upon a vintage piece.  The inventory here is controlled by the owner and composed of both imported items and select pieces from local donors.
• Thrift stores are associated with charities and collect donated goods from the local community.  There are very few quality control standards in place here, and the inventory is entirely dependent upon the neighborhood.

 

2. Carefully inspect the garment.  This is probably the most crucial step in secondhand shopping.  Not only have sizes changed over the years, with previously owned garments the chances are high they have been altered.  Not only do you need to try them on, you need to see if it is possible to have them altered to fit your needs.  Obviously if it is too big, that isn’t an issue, but if something is too short or tight, you want to look at the seam allowance to see how much can be let out.

Designer labels are not the only indicators of quality.  When inspecting a garment look for hand sewing, flat lining, covered buttons, piped seams, handset zippers, bias-bound edges and bound buttonholes.  All of these are indicators of quality construction.

 

3. Styling your vintage pieces.  Mixing old with new is the only way to modernize vintage pieces.  While some pieces are more classic and others clearly decade specific, it is possible to successfully integrate them into a modern wardrobe with a little creativity and your unique style.  My general rule of thumb is to keep a 50/50 balance.  When you pair modern accessories with vintage clothing and vice versa you look will be signature, not costumey

 

Shopping for vintage pieces can be fun and exciting plus you get to add something unique and one-of-a-kind to your wardrobe, but beware of the urban myth mentality.  You have a better chance of winning the lottery than finding a vintage Chanel jacket for $2 at a thrift store.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges.  Please send your comments and questions to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

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About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

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