Merging vintage fashion with business casual expectations can be exciting when you love the timeless elegance of vintage fashion; it can also be daunting. Don’t worry, retro enthusiasts! Vintage business casual style is not only possible in a modern setting; it’s a statement. As someone who enjoys taking men’s fashion to the next level, let’s see how we can pair the beauty of yesteryears with work attire without losing professionalism.
A plain white cotton blouse is a versatile piece. You can dress it up with a colorful cardigan or down with jeans. Alternatively, a blouse with a bold print can be a statement piece. To keep your ensemble harmonious, the key is to balance the print with plain modern clothing, a solid-colored jacket, or sleek trousers.
Vintage business casual is about high-waist pants and shorts that flatter all body types. They elongate the waist and hips and go with almost any top. An effortless chic office look is my simple white blouse tucked into high-waist shorts. Likewise, swing skirts for high waists and shirtwaist dresses are high in femininity and grace.
To achieve a silhouette popular during the 1940s and 1950s, pick lengths that rest around your ankle or calf, as well as high on your waist. Modern accessories allow you to dress up these pieces for a professional playful look.
Any outfit is incomplete without having the right footwear. The shoes can be the missing link between vintage business casual and modern styles. If you prefer something a little more vintage, rounded-toe heels or basic laced shoes are perfect ways to keep things subtle but still fitting for the workplace today.
Leather loafers make for comfortable footwear that still fits well with vintage business casual charm if you will. Colorful heels also lend a contemporary vibe to a vintage business casual dress or skirt; the result is dynamite when you mix and match it with complementary accessories.
The fusion of vintage and modern extends to jewelry as well.
Jewelry? It punctuates your fashion statement. Pearls and golden lockets ooze timeless charm and sophistication that will create vintage business casual pieces that are classic. Modern pieces, however, will help your vintage finds stand out. A sharp geometric necklace or a voguish sleek contemporary bracelet cuts a retro blouse or a dress. The goal is to accentuate, not overwhelm, so choose pieces that complement your vintage clothing.
It’s not just jewelry: belts, scarves, and even eyewear can be your allies in a perfect mix of vintage and modern. A shirtwaist dress cinched by a slender belt at the waist not only defines your silhouette but gives a modern outlook. Tie a silk scarf around your neck, wrist, or the handle of your bag to add color and print to a look. Those who wear glasses can complete their look with frames that have a little retro flair.
The right hairstyle can be the crowning glory of your vintage outfit.
For short hair, adding layers creates texture and movement. It lends life to a retro modern edgy bob. Beach waves can be achieved with tousled long hair, calling to the glamorous past, while still keeping a modern finish. A top knot or ballerina bun pays tribute to the past and reestablishes your style in the present in a more polished way.
Makeup is a critical facet of how you look. Take inspiration from bold lips and defined brows of the past but keep your makeup current and you won’t look dated. Taking a modern approach to makeup will ensure that you don’t go around looking like a costume instead of a choice for your vintage business casual look.
Blending vintage with modern requires a delicate balance.
Contrasting vintage business casual items with modern staples create dynamic, visually interesting outfits. A modern sheath dress accented with a vintage business casual blazer or a retro vest worn with a crisp contemporary shirt is a unique office-ready look. Texture and fabric mixing create depth in your ensemble.
It’s smart to split apart vintage business casual suits into pieces. Team a vintage jacket with some modern trousers or a skirt. Pair vintage pants with a contemporary blouse or sweater as casually as possible. This gives you more outfit options and allows each piece to shine on its own.
Rounded-toe heels and basic laced shoes are quintessentially vintage business casual but don’t shy away from modern shoe styles. A sleek ankle boot or minimalist flat can bring your vintage business casual look into the 21st century.
The balance is to be had in the clash of old vs new, timeless vs contemporary. By being creative and willing to play with things, you can put a unique wardrobe together that fits you and is great for today’s workplace. Keep experimenting, get yourself inspired by vintage business casual photos, and above all else, enjoy it! Fashion is about what you choose to wear to express yourself, and a touch of history on the way to your style is always a good thing.
The secret to wearing vintage business casual is to be confident. Wear your vintage pieces proud; there is no need to skimp, knowing you are not only dressed for the day but wearing history too.
Related posts:
20 Ways to Dress Modern Vintage
The Business Casual Princess
How to Incorporate Vintage Clothing into Your Workplace Wardrobe – Goodwill Industries International
