Vintage clothing is such a huge umbrella that captures a whole host of different sub-groups; each one very different from the next. Here, I have compiled a list of the five main 'Vintage Tribes' and delved a little further into the kind of vintage they love and search for. They say your vibe attracts your tribe, but which one are you?
1. Indie
The indie vintage aesthetic is full of angst, and quite frankly so cool it hurts. Not tied to a specific era, the indie vintage look takes inspiration from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s fashion, music and pop culture. This clan are effortless. They can throw a look together in minutes but it can seem to have taken hours; if not days! Retro sportswear, slogan tops, vintage denim and branded knitwear are just a few of the absolute staples for the vintage indie kid.
2. Boho
The boho tribe is 100% hippy. All about nature, peace and harmony. Drawing mainly from the 60s and 70s, the boho style is unquestionably ethereal and carefree. Lots of natural fibres such as cotton and cheesecloth, colourful crochet pieces, long flowing maxi dresses, floppy sun hats, open toed shoes, beaded jewellery and pretty details such as lace trims, tiny buttons and coloured sunglasses. The boho lovers are at one with the earth and their style completely represents this. Make love, not war...
3. Pin-Up
We love our pin ups! Taking inspiration from the poster girls of the 1940s and 50s, these retro gals are all about the head-to-toe vintage glamour! Whether fitted or flared, dresses or separates; the pin-up tribe aren't often seen without a headscarf and red lippy! One of the unique things about My Vintage, is the fact that alongside our massive range of original vintage clothing, we also stock brand new reproduction and vintage inspired clothes and accessories that encapsulate this sexy quirky look. It's also a great way to dip your toe in the waters of vintage if you haven't before! Pencil skirts, cropped fitted cardigans, net petticoats, swing dresses, quirky handbags and funky prints are an absolute must.
4. Mod
The mod subculture is sleek and stylish, from my favourite fashion era; the 1960s. Derived from the word 'modernist', the mod style is clean cut and contemporary. Mod fashion was born and bred in London, and the rest of the world followed suit as it became a cultural phenomenon. The whole movement was youthful and surrounded by soul and ska music and of course Lambretta and Vespa scooters. There are a lot of mini dresses and mini skirts as well as the use of plastics in outerwear, jewellery and boots. Coloured tights, knee high boots, a mini skirt and a roll neck top would be an absolute staple outfit for any mod chick.
5. Fashionista
For the fashionista, style is everything! Shes followed every fashion week and is always one step ahead of the next big trend. However, she isn't faddy and she knows her classic and timeless fashion inside out. She knows that a good selection of vintage midi dresses, a classic trench coat and some understated goldtone jewellery are a great way to begin a staple vintage fashionista wardrobe. Keeping up to date with trends but finding vintage trend led pieces is a really clever way to remain unique but still out front in the style stakes.
I hope you enjoyed my little summary of the five main vintage fashion tribes and what represents them. Did you see yourself and your style on any of these? Let me know in the comments which vintage tribe you belong to!
Until next time
Emma x