One of the best ways to refresh your wardrobe is by introducing pieces that, while new, look vintage. Style recycles itself. Each season on the runways and in the streets, we see outfits and pieces that nod to decades, celebrities and trends that were prominent in the past. There are so many retro-style clothing brands, but not very many of them capture past moments, looks and visual details without being too campy. So, who are a few of our favorite vintage clothing brands? Strap on your ‘50s rollerblades, slip on a swipe of classic pink lipstick, and ‘70s-swing back to decades past as you read on!

Parisian Youth: Bricktown

Here’s one for the boys — but all of the pieces are unisex. Bricktown is a Paris-based label that draws inspiration from the founder’s youth. Think elevated, minimalist skater, with a French twist. The designs reference the ‘90s and the aughts. The T-shirts and hoodies bring old-school technology and a sense of tasteful humor to the contemporary market. A few of our favorite pieces from one of our ‘90s inspired brands? We love the simplicity of this graphic tee. And, since in 2020 we’re focusing on financial abundance amongst other things, we can’t not point out this hoodie. The message is simple, if we work for it — money is coming.

A Gentle Breeze: THE GREAT

One of the greatest ‘70s-inspired brands is THE GREAT. Think a palette of subdued tones — moss, beige, peach and washed out florals, laid-back bell-bottoms and graphic sweatshirts.

The designers, Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, first took the denim world by storm with the label Current/Elliott (speaking of throwbacks!). They’ve since founded THE GREAT, which emphasizes their love and appreciation for everything Americana. The line is full of breezy, easy-to-wear staples that are feminine and laid back.

Swing into this blouse — it’s perfect for making daisy chains in a field, as we like to imagine that one would’ve done in the 1970s. We also love this smocked midi dress — it’s a great way to add a dose of vintage style to your weekend lineup, as it’s romantic, sweet and ready for an impromptu picnic at the park.

Sk8er Boi: The People Vs.

The People Vs. makes high-quality, vintage-inspired grunge streetwear. Picture ‘90s New York skater boys. The easy-going, unisex pieces are inspired by art, music and surf. We love this psychedelic tee that pays homage to the ‘60s with a touch of ‘90s grunge (check that deconstructed detail on the back hem). This denim jacket looks vintage due to its distressing. We love denim jackets because they’ve been a staple of fashion at some point so many decades of the past (the first denim jacket came to be in 1880!)

Fairy-Tale Ending: LoveShackFancy

LoveShackFancy makes whimsical, fairy-tale-like, super-feminine and romantic pieces that are inspired by vintage finds and by travel. The label once exclusively made bridesmaid dresses, and quickly evolved into a broad collection of intricate, ethereal pieces that are great staple pieces for vacations, weekends and date nights. We consider them to be one of the best ‘60s-inspired brands and ‘80s-inspired brands in our collection.

This metallic mini instantly takes us back to the ‘80s with its short puff sleeves and dance-floor ready sheen. And our favorite piece in the collection? This dress. It’s perfect for nights out that call for cocktails, dinner and dancing. It’s dressy enough for weddings and parties, but it can also be easily dressed down. We love the metallic details and the flouncy, flirty tiers. 

From Japan with Love: Moussy Vintage

The Japan-based Moussy Vintage is a multi-decade, and especially ‘80s-inspired brand who makes vintage-inspired designs and of-the-moment silhouettes, making them a favorite amongst thrift-lovers and fashion mavens alike, all around the world. It designs clean, classic pieces that make for reliable, well-made wardrobe staples. Their cult styles nod to classic menswear, but have feminine fits. The result? Vintage-inspired pieces for the modern woman’s wardrobe. This classic white T-shirt is a closet must-have, and we love these simple, dark-wash jeans. The possibilities for outfits, using pieces from the Moussy Vintage collection, are endless.

Feminity Is Power: Free People

You’re probably already familiar with Free People. Since the 1970s, Free People clothing has embodied effortless, bohemian style in the form of vintage-inspired, ready-to-wear pieces. It combines flirty, iconic silhouettes with playful patterns and fun knits.

It’s the ideal line for the free-spirited, whimsical woman who loves to have a good time — and is proud of her femininity. This blouse features eyelet lace details and romantic sleeves for a modern boho look.

Fill your wardrobe with a few of these vintage-inspired pieces, and you can lead your modern-day life in style while paying homage to the great decades past. Let’s take what we love from the past, and leave the rest in the dust. Onwards!