How to Style Secondhand Dresses for Every Occasion
Styling secondhand dresses can be a fun and creative endeavor as well. Express your own style while being eco-friendly. Here are some great tips on how to make the most out of your thrifting finds and look stylish in any kind of occasion.
Know Your Body Shape
In selecting and styling secondhand dresses, be sure to familiarize yourself with your ultimate body shape. The following are some general guidelines for different body types:
- Pear shaped: Opt for the dresses that flaunt your waist and balance out your hips, such as A-line or fit-and-flare. An interesting choice of upper-half details can draw your eyes up.
- Hourglass: Show off those curves in a wrap dress or a tight silhouette that pulls in at your midsection.
- Apple shaped: Empire-waist or shift dresses skim your midsection, and avoid clingy fabrics through the tummy area.
- Athletic: Look for frills or peplum in your dresses to help you find volume; use fit-and-flare and belted dresses to define the waist and to give curve to your body.
Master the Art of Layering
Layering will let you take your secondhand dresses to many different events. Here's how:
- Casual Look: Wear a vintage dress with a denim jacket, and finish it off with your favorite pair of sneakers for that casual look. Some cooler days might compel you to add a chunky knit cardigan.
- Workwear Chic: Style with a fitted blazer and heeled boots for a chic office look. Top it off with a statement belt for a polished finish.
- Nighttime: Accessorize a simple dress with an attention-grabbing statement necklace, killer high heels, and a clutch. Pair it with a leather jacket to take on the nightlife around town.
Accessories With Thought
A useful trick to turn any secondhand dress into a winning outfit is to accessorize it:
- Belts: Show off that figure of yours by bringing more attention to the waist with some wide belts. For a little difference in the overall look of your dress, try the braided or metallic belts.
- Jewelry: Let all the glam show in your dressing by rocking in some statement earrings or layering on some necklaces. Especially, vintage pieces will enhance your attire and bring in the retro touch.
- Shoes and Bags: A good pair of shoes can really transform a dress. Wear a floral dress with ankle boots and you can go boho, or with stilettos if you are going fancy. Vintage bags bring loads of character into an outfit.
Mix High and Low
Match your charity shop finds with pieces from the High Street for balance:
- High-End Accessories: Team your trashed dress with designer accessories to give it a classy look. This high-low mix can make most of your outfits unique and sophisticated.
- Modern Essentials: Pair any modern staples like a crisp white shirt or black trousers with the vintage to add a contemporary edge.
Experiment and Make It Your Own
Do not be scared, and experiment with different styles to make the looks your own.
- Tailoring: Simple alterations like a hemline change or taking in at the waist can make a thrifted dress fit you perfectly.
- Creative pairing: Combining print, color, and texture can create great interest when you wear outfits. A polka dot dress can really pop with a striped blazer if the colors in each complement one another.
In styling secondhand dresses, creativity comes into play, and really articulating the body shape and suitable accessories is like an art. Do it right by mastering how to fit secondhand pieces into your day-to-night style, layer, and make the right mixture between high and low pieces, creating very versatile outfits that suit any occasion. Enjoy the uniqueness of secondhand fashion and let your personality shine through every look.
You will not only be in fashion if you follow these tips, but you will also bring this world closer to a more sustainable fashion industry. Happy Styling!