How to Wear Vintage Without Looking Old-Fashioned?

What can I do so that I don't look outdated when wearing vintage?
—Deborah P., Winter Park, Fla.

Vintage clothing can give you that covetable one-of-a-kind cool. But if done without finesse, going retro can leave you looking like a relic from yesteryear. These tips will help you achieve the former.

Cameron Silver, the owner of Decades, offers the cardinal rule of rocking vintage: "The most important thing is not to mix too much at once. If it looks like a Halloween costume, you're probably doing something wrong." Silver, who has outfitted the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Nicole Kidman, also says to stick to just one or two vintage pieces per ensemble. For example, a 1980s skirt will take center stage when you pair it with a timeless collared white blouse and trendy gladiator sandals.

Another important tip is to consider your body type. Retro clothing from certain decades is best suited to particular figures. "If you are curvy, '50s silhouettes are nice. If you are pregnant, try '60s, and if you are long and lean, '70s," Silver advises. Wearing styles that fit well and are flattering to your body will help you carry off your vintage finds with ease.

When you've finally found that to-die-for vintage Pucci, Chanel or Halston piece, The Way We Wore owner Doris Raymond offers three rules of thumb to consider before making your way to the register.

1. Look at the quality of the material. "Quality goes across the board, whether it is clothes, purses or shoes. Always buy quality," Raymond says.

2. Remember, vintage clothing is often preworn. "Smell the underarms, because you may be unpleasantly surprised," she cautions.

3. Turn the garment inside out to make sure the lining and seams are in good condition.

After making your purchase, you might want to shorten the hem to give the vintage piece more modern appeal or replace worn or unsightly buttons with high-quality ones for an entirely new look. Just imagine how fantastic this 1960s coat would look with some new military-inspired buttons. For an instant update, Raymond suggests rolling up long sleeves to give your ensemble a fresh, laid-back feel.

You now have permission to start combing the racks!

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