Vintage fashion will always be trending. The thing is, no matter how many new trends people create, there will always be styles inspired by the past. As an avid thrift shopper for years, I’ve seen so many traditional styles on the racks and styled on my Pinterest feed. When it comes to thrifting, there’s no better feeling than finding that one item you love for cheap, after searching the store for hours.
If the pandemic has impeded in-store thrifting in your area, there are online thrift stores such as thredup that carry stylish vintage trends. Here are eight vintage trends for summer 2021 you can show off at the patio with the girls, or on your Instagram feed.
1. Wide leg jeans
Wide-legged jeans are trending right now. They come in a variety of washes, as white, dark, and light are trending the most. You can wear them high-waisted with a cropped tank top, or low-waisted with a long tank. The perfect length should sit right on your ankle.
2. Biker shorts
Biker shorts are back in style. They are sporty and sleek-looking. Better yet, they are comfortable and breathable to wear in the summer, instead of non-stretch denim shorts that can ride up.
Black, white, or neutral colors are stylish for everyday wear. Pair with an oversized shirt or crew neck sweater that you can tuck in on one side for an edgy look.
3. Sweater vest
Wearing a patterned knitted vest in the summer is perfect on a cooler day. It layers nicely on top of a white collard blouse. This look gives off a classy and sophisticated vibe while being trendy. If you want to show more skin, wear a skirt for extra flair.
4. Little purse around your shoulder
Wearing a little purse can add personality to your outfit, even if it’s just black. You can match your bag to your shoes, to show you are thoughtful and put together. Or a splash of a bright color like green or purple to bring life to your summery outfit.
5. Athletic shoes and platform sandals
New balance sneakers have never been more in style than they are now. Popular is an understatement, to the extent where they changed their reputation from a gym coach shoe, to a stylish girl shoe.
Keep an eye out for these sporty sneakers in thrift shops. They pair perfectly with jeans and a tank top if you are just running errands or on a neighborhood stroll.
Platform sandals were popular in the ’60s to ’80s and are in style to this day. They are flattering in any summer outfit you would like to dress up on a hot day.
6. Long dresses and skirts
There’s no doubt a mini dress is appealing. However, a long silky dress or sweetheart neckline with puffy sleeves is just as flattering, but vintage. You can wear a low bun or up in a claw clip for extra class.
Long skirts are flowy and feminine to wear on a summer day. A ribbed, solid color skirt paired with a tank top or a crew neck sweater is trending.
7. Cropped cardigan
Crop tops are in, and so are cropped cardigans. Wear an open buttoned-down cardigan over a dress or a bra top. This vintage style is perfect for when you’re going for a dressy look that is slightly more casual.
8. Cat-eye or rectangular sunglasses
Cat-eye sunglasses have been worn by style icon, Audrey Hepburn in the 50s. They add the perfect feminine flair to any outfit in 2021.
Rectangular sunglasses are trending in black or brown cheetah print. They give off a professional, and modern look to upscale any casual outfit.
