Debutante Clothing :: A vintage clothing and fashion blog for unconventional style where vintage and runway meet.

Unless you are Dita Von Teese, wearing head to toe vintage isn't really practical for us normal folks, whatever normal means to you. I once went to a work related conference and met an adorable girl who was dressed in an equally adorable 50s dress, complete with crinoline. As cute as she was, at a work related event it may have been a bit much.

So how do you wear your beloved vintage with pride everyday? Here are a few tips to ensure you look great and not like you just walked off a period film set.

1. Customize

Looking stylish comes from a good fit. Even the fittest body will look frumpy in an ill-fitting garment. Take the time to find a good seamstress or tailor, or pull out your Singer to create a customized look. Be sure to hem trousers and skirts to a proper length for your body and look. 1960s youth wore shorter pants. If you're going for a sleek, mod look, express that to your tailor. He might not understand you want your pants that short.

Besides a proper fit, you can give an old garment new life by bringing it into the present. A beautiful maxi skirt can easily become a more flattering knee-length A-line. Shoulder pads screaming 80s boardroom? Snip them out. Vintage does not have to look dated.

2. Balance

With any look, dressing for the event is key to looking your best. As much as I would love to wear a frothy dress every day of the week, I would look just plain silly at a meeting.

For day, or work appropriate style, balance modern trousers with a 50s button down shirt, or a 60s shift dress with chic, modern pumps. Peppering your wardrobe with striking vintage pieces builds intrigue and style.

Evenings call for more daring looks. It is much more acceptable to wear vintage from top to bottom for a night out or to a special event. A strapless cocktail dress from the 50s would look perfectly appropriate paired with vintage rhinestone earrings and a sparkly clutch for a big event.

3. Accessorize

Olympia Dukakis in Steel Magnolias said it best-"The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize."

A simple black jersey dress or black suit can go from blah to bling with the right vintage accessories. Vintage tortoiseshell sunglasses, a wide 40s tie or a fedora can make a fella look dashing instantly.

Ladies are really in luck here because stunning accessories are so readily available at your local thrift store. A stunning necklace or five can make you look like Coco Chanel herself. Add a few rhinestone pins to a basic black cardigan and you will surely be the most stylish lady at the office.

4. Mix Decades

Don't be afraid of mixing a 1970s caftan with chunky 1940s bangles. Style transcends era. Dressing in one entire decade might look like you are wearing a costume rather than adding stylish elements to your wardrobe. There's nothing wrong with wearing an entire ensemble that came from a particular decade, but to keep your wardrobe looking fresh and interesting, mixing it up is the way to go.

5. Wear what you love

Regardless of decade, style or age, wearing pieces you love is the key to being fashionable. When you love what you wear, you get an instant dose of confidence. No one looks like you, and that's a good thing. You are in a league of your own because you dare to wear what no one else can own.

(photo - Elle.com)