How to wear vintage to the office

Mix vintage and modern pieces for a stylish look that says, "I mean business."


Look to the fashion runway for modern inspiration and achieve the look you want by incorporating vintage to your wardrobe. I style myself in vintage, anything, every day. I work in a conservative industry where suits and dark colors are expected. As much as I would love to wear my pin curls, seamed stockings, and 1940 tailored skirt suits to work I restrain myself from doing so in an effort to remain relatable in the industry. However, I sneak in vintage pieces to my outfits and have been successful at it while receiving compliments (from women, that is) on my wardrobe.


Wide leg pants have made a comeback. They graced the runway in multiple spring 2011 collections. Designers Jil Sanders, Christian Dior , and Jason Wu, were few of the multiple designers to include wide leg pants in their 2011 ready to wear spring collections. I love the sophisticated look wide leg pants offer and they can easily be complimented by a vintage blouse and/or top. Sound too simple? That's because it is.


This is a perfect example of how current fashion trends can be mixed with classical vintage pieces.

 vintage 1980s CARRIAGE COURT blouse
black wide leg ELLE pants

black VERA WANG pumps

This are flared pants, an alternative to wide leg pants. Again, a modern pair of pants can easily be paired with a vintage top, in this case a jacket. Spring season is officially 12 days away and these colors and print are appropriate in the office unless you work in a private equity firm then you might want to opt out.

vintage 1980s HABAND FOR HER floral print jacket

winter white IZ BYER CALIFORNIA flared leg pants

close toe nude VERA WANG pumps

To accomplish a professional look inspired by the Jil Sanders spring 2011 minimal style, pair vintage trousers fitted at the waist with a contemporary fitted top. These 1970s vintage trousers are very well made and beautifully pleated at the top. I don't blame you for wanting to show them off like this engineering intern does; a fitted top perfectly finishes off the look.

classic VERA WANG white v-neck shirt

vintage 1970s LIZ CLAIBORNE high waist trousers

round toe nude APT. 9 pumps

If including vintage frocks to your workplace wardrobe is not an option, don't fret. You can incorporate minimal items such as vintage jewelry, purses, eye glasses, scarves, shoes, and/or a briefcase to your modern every day style and still look fabulous with a hint of vintage charm.

**This is a two part entry. Later in the week I will share with you how Liz Claiborne (one of my favorite designers) revolutionized the way women dressed in the work place.**