Vintage Fashion: 3 Modern Ways To Shop The Decades

From the 40s to the 70s, we do vintage shopping without the fuss

You’ve rifled through the rails for hours on end, ignoring the dusty scent of yesteryear (you've accepted it's all part of the process) and suddenly you happen upon it. It’s the dream shape, it's in your favourite print and, lo and behold, the Peter Pan collar simply screams your signature style. You, dear shopper, have just discovered a vintage treasure and there’s nothing quite like it!

But, let's face it, our passion for archive pieces is a labor of love. It's maximum time input for minimum result (in terms of quantity). While we’re all in agreement that vintage shopping ensures your clothes are unique, we fall out of love with the experience evey time we discover a coffee stain down the front or hole in the sleeve. We need something a little more reliable. The answer? Timeless, vintage-inspired new collections available on the high street, without moth holes and in sizes aplenty. Hurray for clothing that will last a lifetime, not just a season.

1940s & 50s: Miss Patina If your taste for vintage lies in the reserved glamour of the 1940’s, or in the inherently 50s pretty prints and retro shapes, then you’ll love the nostalgic offerings from Miss Patina. The brand was founded on home soil by former LCF graduates and was launched in 2009: meaning that Miss Patina is a relative newbie. Their classic collars, prim pinafores and A-line skirts have been gaining notoriety with the UK fashion press and catching the attention of vintage enthusiasts from around the world. Kooky heart-shaped pockets and charming details of delicate lace make Miss Patina a label lust for girlish girls. Fresh elements like fun bows and embellished daisies on sheer fabrics ensure they’re contemporary, too, and so totally wearable today. Shop Miss Patina online, in concession at Topshop and at standalone boutiques around the globe.

1960s: BOB by Dawn O’Porter

The Bob. It’s the iconic haircut from the decade and barnet-of-choice for 60s-lover Dawn O’Porter, whose obsession with the era inspired her vintage clothing brands.

The TV presenter’s passion for the swinging 60s inspired her to scour the globe in search of clothing with a sense of history; now with her label BOB Vintage she opens up these fashionable finds to us.

As a follow-on, Dawn has released a contemporary line: BOB by Dawn O’Porter, where she designs a contemporary collection inspired by vintage elements from her archive. The range takes these iconic styles and makes them easy-to-wear and available in a range of sizes – hurrah! Her beatnik collection turns touches from the past into a modern addition to your wardrobe.

1970s: Free People

Let's face it, there’s not a corner of the high street that isn’t nailing the 70s trend right now, but the aesthetic at Free People has always had 70s bohemia at its core. Launched in 1984, Free People set out to gather inspiration from the past and interpret it for the modern girl, always ensuring its designs were creative and full of spirit and femininity,

Its vibe covers everything from billowing maxi dresses and fluid peasant tops to beaded bags and beyond. With the recent stampede of all things 70s, we're seeing stronger, and sportier silhouettes from Free People and these raw-hem flares are our latest love! So whether it's a lace insert or an unexpected lining, the attention to detail and hand-touched elements are what sets them apart.