Welcome to a special feature on celebrity vintage style icons, a rich source of inspiration for anyone passionate about vintage fashion. Vintage isn’t just clothing from a bygone era—it's a testament to timeless style, quality, and the stories woven into every garment. Today, I’ll guide you through the wardrobes of celebrities renowned for their vintage style and offer practical tips on how you can infuse some of their iconic looks into your own fashion repertoire.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor - The Modern Disco Diva
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, with her distinctive blend of modern chic and vintage flair, has become a symbol of early 2000s nostalgia fused with 1970s disco aesthetics. Known for her sharp cheekbones and striking gaze, Sophie's style is as captivating as her dance-pop hits. She often graces red carpets and performances in outfits that echo the glamour of the disco era, with a touch of British eccentricity.
Get the Look:
Sophie's wardrobe is a kaleidoscope of bold prints, sequins, and sophisticated cuts. To adopt her disco diva vibe, start by exploring vintage shops for sequinned dresses or tops that reflect the glitzy 70s disco scene. A-line mini dresses or jumpsuits with geometric prints also capture the essence of her style. For a more dramatic flair, look for pieces with bell sleeves or exaggerated collars.
Footwear is essential in completing the disco look. Opt for platform heels or glittery boots that make a statement. When it comes to accessories, Sophie often chooses large, eye-catching earrings and clutch bags in vibrant colours or unusual shapes.
Zooey Deschanel - The Queen of Quirky Vintage
Zooey Deschanel has long been the poster girl for quirky, retro-inspired fashion. With her penchant for A-line dresses and Peter Pan collars, Zooey perfectly captures the spirit of the 1960s and 1970s girl-next-door look. Her style is accessible yet distinctive, characterised by bold prints, vibrant colours, and classic silhouettes.
Get the Look:
To emulate Zooey’s style, hunt for vintage day dresses from the 60s, focusing on features like modest necklines and cinched waists. Pair these with ballet flats or Mary Janes for a touch of girlish charm. Accessorise with vintage brooches or a headband to complete the look.
Harry Styles - The Modern Dandy
Harry Styles is known for his bold sartorial choices that blur gender lines, often incorporating pieces with a strong 70s rock influence, like flared trousers and sequin shirts. His appreciation for vintage is reflected in his choice of vibrant, often androgynous attire that pays homage to the likes of Mick Jagger and David Bowie.
Get the Look:
Seek out flamboyant blouses and high-waisted trousers from the 70s. Don’t shy away from patterns like paisley or floral, or fabrics like velvet and silk. Tailoring is key to replicating Harry’s look, so ensure each piece fits well or take them to a tailor for adjustments. Accessories like wide-brimmed hats and chunky boots can anchor the ensemble in true Styles fashion.
Dita Von Teese - Glamour Redefined
Dita Von Teese is synonymous with the glamour of the 1940s and 1950s. Known for her burlesque style and love of corsetry, Dita adopts a meticulous approach to her vintage wardrobe, often seen in beautifully tailored pencil skirts, sweeping gowns, and structured tops.
Get the Look:
To capture Dita’s elegant allure, start with the basics: a well-fitted pencil skirt and a bustier top. Look for items in luxurious fabrics like satin or velvet. For outerwear, a tailored wool coat or a vintage fur (faux or ethical vintage) adds a layer of sophistication. Finish with seamed stockings and patent heels.
Lenny Kravitz - Retro Rockstar Vibes
Lenny Kravitz channels the essence of retro rock through his wardrobe choices, often seen in leather pants, denim, and statement sunglasses. His style is effortlessly cool, fusing elements from the 60s and 70s rock scenes with modern flair.
Get the Look:
Focus on leather jackets and vintage band tees. Distressed denim and aviator sunglasses can help replicate Lenny’s off-duty rockstar look. Opt for boots—either cowboy or combat—to add an edge. The key to mastering Kravitz’s style is in the layering; never underestimate the power of a well-placed scarf or hat.
Chloë Sevigny - Indie Fashion Pioneer
Chloë Sevigny is known for her eclectic fashion sense that spans several decades of style. Her looks often mix high fashion with thrift finds, embodying a 90s grunge aesthetic paired with a sophisticated 70s flair.
Get the Look:
To channel Chloë’s unique style, mix and match garments from different eras. A 70s-inspired blazer over a 90s grunge band tee makes for an interesting contrast. Add chunky shoes and bold accessories like large earrings or a statement belt. Shop at local thrift stores for unique pieces that can be layered to achieve Sevigny’s avant-garde style.
Zendaya - Effortless Elegance with a Vintage Twist
Zendaya has quickly become a fashion icon for the new generation, known for her sophisticated and daring red carpet choices that often pay homage to vintage aesthetics. Her style seamlessly blends contemporary fashion with classic glamour, drawing inspiration from the silhouettes and textures of past decades.
Get the Look:
Zendaya often favours strong, structured pieces that make a statement. To emulate her style, focus on finding vintage garments that offer a unique blend of old-school charm and modern sophistication. Look for classic items such as high-waist trousers, tailored blazers, and flowy silk blouses from the 70s and 80s. These pieces capture the essence of timeless fashion while allowing for versatile styling options.
For a more glamorous Zendaya-inspired look, search for elegant gowns or cocktail dresses from the 50s and 60s. Pay attention to details like dramatic necklines, cinched waists, and full skirts. The key is in the silhouette—Zendaya's choices often highlight her figure while exuding a sense of grace and strength.
Styling Tips for Vintage Enthusiasts
- Quality over Quantity: Vintage clothing is generally well-made and can last many more years if cared for properly. Invest in quality pieces rather than hoarding lower-quality items.
- Tailoring Is Your Friend: Don’t be discouraged if that perfect vintage piece doesn’t fit perfectly right off the bat. A good tailor can work wonders.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to wear vintage with contemporary pieces. This can help make your vintage finds more wearable and suited to modern tastes.
- Accessorise Wisely: Vintage accessories like jewellery, hats, and scarves can add a touch of authenticity to your outfit without overpowering it.
Embracing vintage style is not just about dressing up in clothes from another era—it’s about making those styles resonate with the present. By taking cues from our favourite celebrities, we can create looks that are both unique and timeless. Remember, vintage fashion is not just a trend; it's a lifestyle choice that celebrates history, sustainability, and, most importantly, individuality. So, dive into your local vintage shop, explore, experiment, and most importantly—have fun with your fashion!
Until next time
Emma x
celebrity vintage fashion, celebrity vintage styel, top celebrity vintage icons, celebrities who love vintage, celebrities who wear vintage, celebrity style, celebrity fashion 2024, vintage fashion, vintage clothing