2023-10-22 15:54:15
Actress Heike Makatsch (52) loves it, her Hollywood colleague Cate Blanchett (54) is a master at it: rediscovering used clothing and individually combining high-quality individual items. The trend is called vintage, second-hand and pre-loved – and is becoming increasingly popular, and not just among celebrities.
Buying and wearing clothes that have already belonged to someone has long since become socially acceptable. It is not a sign of financial hardship, but of individuality and consciously lived sustainability.
Teenagers and young adults in particular can follow this trend and dress like pop stars from the 2000s in a completely unironic way.
But how does vintage work for women over 30? Is there a risk that older people might come across as old-fashioned in vintage or second-hand clothing?
The answer is: no! But you should follow a few simple rules. BILD explains how to recognize appropriate quality, which vintage traps you should avoid and, above all, how to combine the pieces in a modern way.
Buy quality
One of the advantages of buying second-hand fashion is the quality. Clothing used to be produced at a higher quality and the prices were often unbeatably low. It’s not uncommon to find a cashmere sweater for 40 euros, a leather jacket for 70 euros or silk scarves for 15 euros. All of these things would cost twice as much new even at Zara and H&M and the quality can hardly be compared.
Be careful: With the rise of second-hand, many shops are trying to sell their junk as well-selected vintage – especially in trendy shopping districts in big cities. A faded no-name cotton sweatshirt with peeling print shouldn’t cost 35 euros. Avoid such shops.
Actress Cate Blanchett (54) looks casual in vintage style jeans
Foto: GC Images
Bargains aren’t everything
Sometimes it’s hard to resist a bargain. A bright orange skirt from your favorite designer for 30 euros may be tempting, but there is a high risk that nothing in your wardrobe at home will match it. It is also better to resist offers for “hobbyists” or “lovers”. The price is probably hard to beat, but how likely is it that you can actually have the coat shortened or the pants actually changed to two sizes smaller?
Tip: If possible, set a specific shopping goal. It’s much easier to spot good pieces if you’re just looking for loose pants in navy and gray or just a green blouse. This means you can see a full clothes rack in 15 seconds and resist impulse purchases.
The relaxed fit of the trousers and coat make Annabelle Mandeng (52) cool instead of overdressed
Foto: Getty Images for Der Berliner Salon
Choose correctly
Vintage style is a hobby, lifestyle and attitude all in one. But secondhand shopping shouldn’t just be reserved for the true superfans who dress like they just stumbled out of their favorite decade.
If you have your eye on a special find, you should think about how it can be combined and how often you can wear it. A leather jacket, a summer dress or vintage jeans can always be integrated into new outfits. In the long run, you get significantly less out of a sequined bolero, a crazy hat or suede shorts.
Tip: No matter how flashy a piece of clothing is, if you really want it, you should grab it. You probably won’t be able to get rid of the thought of the item of clothing anyway. And if it really turns out to be a bad purchase, just sell it on yourself.
Actress Tracee Ellis Ross (50) shows off her favorite accessory with an otherwise casual outfit
Foto: GC Images
also read
What is “age-appropriate” anyway?
A tank top, military boots or mini skirt has no age limit, it is just a piece of clothing. But society often wants to determine what is no longer allowed after a certain age. It’s more a matter of attitude and the right combination.
A wildly patterned, sleeveless top can easily be worn over a T-shirt or a white shirt. The right boots ensure that you don’t feel half naked despite wearing a miniskirt. And the dress with the daring neckline suddenly looks sophisticated and not disreputable with black tights and a blazer.
Tip: Of course there are problem areas that may bother you more after 40, but if you find the right mix of concealing and highlighting, you can integrate almost every part into your own style.
Heike Makatsch (52) tames her sexy lace dress with a cool blazer
Foto: Getty Images
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