Retro style clothing is an artistic-cultural style that tends to emphasize what recalls past fashions and encourages the use of everything that is currently defined as "vintage". The retro style is a trend that recalls the fashions and tastes of past eras, combining fashion elements of the past with a contemporaneity that makes them current again. It is a way of dressing that allows you to express your creativity and revive iconic styles. We will explore in detail what the retro style means, the typical clothing items and the most interesting combinations of matching.
The definition of retro style
Retro style is not simply the adoption of old clothes, but rather the incorporation of elements and styles characteristic of a particular era within a modern look. It can be inspired by decades such as the 20s, 50s, 70s and many others, each with its own unique characteristics. This style is distinguished by the use of materials, colors, prints and details typical of the eras in question, creating a nostalgic and fashionable effect.
Typical retro style clothing items：retro clothing items
retro style：Shirts and sweaters
Shirts with traditional details: Silk or cotton shirts with mother-of-pearl buttons, hand embroidery or lace are very common in the retro style. A model with a peaked collar or a checked or striped design in pastel tones can be paired with trousers of your choice or jeans for an everyday look. A white silk shirt with gold thread embroidery and mother-of-pearl buttons, paired with a pair of jeans in a vintage blue and a destroyed denim jacket, creates a casual look but with a touch of retro elegance.
Turtlenecks: Turtlenecks, especially those made of wool or cashmere, are a staple of retro style. A turtleneck in a neutral color like gray or beige, with details like wooden buttons or traditional weave stitching, can be worn under a tweed or wool jacket for a more formal look. For a more casual look, it can be paired with a pair of cotton shorts and a denim jacket for a summer day.
Pants and skirts
Casual pants: Casual pants in fabrics such as tweed, wool or cotton, with a regular or slightly loose fit, are very typical of the retro style. In colors such as gray, brown or beige, they can be paired with shirts and jackets for a professional look or with more casual sweaters and shoes for an everyday look. A pair of casual pants in brown tweed , paired with a white silk shirt and a gray wool jacket, is perfect for a formal event.
Full Skirts: Full skirts, such as tulip or ruffle skirts, are a symbol of retro style. In fabrics such as velvet, silk or cotton, with floral or checked prints, they are very elegant. A tulip skirt in red velvet, combined with a white silk blouse with embroidery and a black wool jacket, is a perfect look for an elegant evening.
Jackets and overcoats
Tweed Jacket: The tweed jacket is a staple of the retro style. In colors like gray, brown or green, with details like wooden buttons or traditional weave stitching, it is very versatile. It can be paired with shirts and trousers for a professional look or with sweaters and skirts for a more casual look. A gray tweed jacket , paired with a white silk shirt and a pair of trousers of your choice in brown, is perfect for a business event.
Vintage Coats: Vintage coats, such as wool or leather coats, with a classic cut and details such as metal buttons or traditional weave stitching, are very popular in retro style. A black wool coat with silver buttons and a fur tail, paired with a silk dress and black leather shoes, is a perfect look for a winter evening.
Retro Style Matching：Retro Matching
Daily look
Plaid Shirt + Jeans + Denim Jacket: A checked shirt in pastel shades, such as pink and white, paired with a pair of jeans in a vintage blue and a destroyed denim jacket, is a casual look with a touch of retro elegance. Add a pair of canvas shoes or low heels and a straw or felt hat to complete the look.
Turtleneck + Pants of Your Choice + Sneakers: A turtleneck sweater in wool or cashmere, in a neutral color like gray or beige, paired with a pair of pants of your choice in cotton or linen and a pair of sneakers in a neutral color, is a casual and comfortable look. Add a leather strap and a vintage watch for a touch of style.
Formal look：Retro style formal look
Tweed Jacket + Shirt + Tie: A tweed jacket in a color like gray or brown, paired with a white silk shirt and a silk tie in a complementary color, is a professional and elegant look. Add a pair of trousers of your choice in a neutral color and a pair of black leather shoes to complete the look.
Evening dress + coat: An evening dress in silk or velvet, with a classic cut and details such as embroidery or lace, combined with a wool or leather coat, is a perfect look for an elegant evening. Add a pair of leather high heels and a prestigious piece of jewelry for a touch of luxury.
Summer look
Tulip Skirt + Short Sleeve Shirt: A cotton or linen tulip skirt in a light color like beige or pink, paired with a short-sleeved silk or cotton shirt, is a summery and elegant look. Add a pair of leather sandals and a pearl charm for a touch of femininity.
Shorts + Turtleneck: A pair of cotton or linen shorts in a neutral color like gray or beige, paired with a wool or cashmere turtleneck, is a casual and comfortable look. Add a distressed denim jacket and a pair of sneakers for a touch of casualness.
Colors and print typical of the retro style
Colors：retro colors
Natural Tones: Natural colors such as gray, brown, beige, and green are very common in retro style. These colors can be used as a base for clothing and paired with brighter colors such as red, blue, or yellow to create interesting contrasts.
Pastel Colors: Pastel colors such as pink, light blue, yellow, and mint green are very popular in retro style, especially for summer clothing. These colors can be paired with neutral colors such as gray or beige to create a light and cheerful look.
Press
Floral Prints: Floral prints are very common in retro style, especially for skirts and evening dresses. A silk dress with a floral pattern in pastel tones, combined with a wool coat and a pair of leather high heels, is a perfect look for an elegant evening.
Check and Stripe Patterns: Check and stripe patterns are very popular in retro style, especially for shirts and jackets. A checked shirt in pastel tones, paired with a pair of jeans in a vintage blue and a destroyed denim jacket, is a casual look but with a touch of retro elegance.
Decades '50-'60
Red Satin Mermaid Dress + Cloche Hat: This combination evokes the elegance and femininity of the 50s-60s. The red satin mermaid dress emphasizes the curves of the body, while the cloche hat adds a touch of elegance. A red satin mermaid dress, paired with a beige cloche hat and a pair of red high heels, is an example of how this combination can be used to create an elegant 50s-60s retro look.
Retro Workwear Combination
Retro Workwear
Office with personality
Checkered Shirt + Leather Jacket + Jeans: This combination combines retro with contemporary style. The checked shirt has a classic and sophisticated look, while the leather jacket gives a modern and cool look. The jeans give a casual and comfortable look. A checked cotton shirt, combined with a brown leather jacket and a pair of dark denim jeans, is an example of how this combination can be used to create a retro workwear casual look.
Black Pencil Skirt + Vintage Top + Ballet Flats: This combination evokes the elegance and femininity of the 50s. The black pencil skirt emphasizes the curves of the body, while the vintage top gives a touch of nostalgia and elegance. The leather ballet flats give a delicate and comfortable look. A black wool pencil skirt, combined with a vintage silk top and a pair of black leather ballet flats, is an example of how this combination can be used to create an elegant retro workwear look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Oversaturation of retro elements: It is important not to overdo the use of retro elements. Too many retro details, prints or accessories can make the outfit seem too heavy and unbalanced. It is better to opt for a more sober and balanced look, incorporating only a few key elements of the retro style.
Retro style is a trend that allows you to express your creativity and revive iconic styles from past eras.
