Vintage-Inspired Fashion: A Decade-by-Decade Style Guide

Vintage fashion has an almost spellbinding allure. Perhaps it’s the romance of a bygone era, the detail in craftsmanship, or the enduring charm that keeps us revisiting these timeless silhouettes. At RIHOAS, we see vintage not as a relic of the past, but as a source of continual reinvention—something that evolves yet never fades.

From the exuberant flair of the 1920s to the carefree elegance of the 1970s, this guide is your passport through the decades. We’ll break down each era’s hallmark looks and show you how to weave those nostalgic threads into your modern-day wardrobe with grace and confidence.

Table of Contents

The Roaring Twenties (1920s): Jazz Age Glamour

The Elegant Thirties (1930s): Hollywood Golden Age

The Fabulous Forties (1940s): Wartime Chic

The Feminine Fifties (1950s): New Look Revolution

The Swinging Sixties (1960s): Mod Revolution

The Groovy Seventies (1970s): Bohemian Rhapsody

How to Mix Vintage Styles with Modern Fashion

Building Your Vintage-Inspired Wardrobe

Caring for Vintage-Inspired Pieces

The Roaring Twenties: Jazz Age Glamour

The 1920s were a fashion revolution. As women stepped boldly into social and political life, style became a symbol of freedom and rebellion. Think fluid silhouettes, fearless embellishments, and dance floor-ready designs.

Iconic Style Notes:

• Drop-waist dresses that drape from the shoulders with ease

• Scandalously short hemlines for their time

• Bold Art Deco motifs and symmetrical patterns

• Fringe and sequins that shimmer with every step

• Cloche hats paired with delicate heels

Modern Take:

Capture the spirit of the flapper era with refined elegance. Our The Red V Neck Polka Dot Tie Back Midi Dress marries 1920s flair with contemporary comfort. Think subtle sparkle and elegant geometry—not theatrical costume.

Style Idea: Offset vintage romance with edgy layers: ankle boots and a cropped moto jacket add modern intrigue.

The Elegant Thirties: Hollywood Golden Age

The Great Depression didn’t dim the era’s glamour—it only made it more aspirational. Hollywood’s golden age lit up the 1930s, influencing styles that flowed, flattered, and felt utterly luxurious.

Signature Looks:

• Bias-cut gowns that move like liquid silk

• Defined waists reclaiming feminine silhouettes

• Graceful flutter sleeves

• Heels brushing the mid-calf

• Satin and silk for soft sophistication

Style Revival:

Our The Water Ripple Textured Cami Dress channels that silver screen mystique. Bias cuts and vintage-inspired sleeves meet the ease of modern fabrics and versatility.

Style Idea: Slip on a tailored blazer for the office; switch to glitzy earrings and heels for cocktails.

The Fabulous Forties: Wartime Chic

Resourcefulness ruled the 1940s. Fabric was rationed, but ingenuity wasn’t. Women embraced practical elegance with structured designs that still flatter today.

Standout Details:

• Power shoulders and strong tailoring

• Streamlined pencil skirts

• Victory rolls and red lips

• Patch pockets and sharp buttons

• Everyday tea dresses with understated charm

Contemporary Twist:

Our Red Button Sleeveless Midi Dress blend utility with charm—vintage silhouettes updated for real-life ease.

Style Idea: Add a waist belt and vintage brooch to polish your look without trying too hard.

The Feminine Fifties: New Look Revolution

With Dior’s New Look, fashion exploded into a celebration of curves and color. Ultra-feminine and unapologetically pretty, the 1950s gave us some of the most iconic shapes in fashion history.

Style Staples:

• Swishy full skirts layered with petticoats

• Snug bodices accentuating the waist

• Gingham, dots, and candy pastels

• Romantic necklines and collar detailing

Today’s Interpretation:

Our Navy Floral Sweetheart Neck Midi Dress is a nod to mid-century charm with flexible fabrics and breathable silhouettes.

Style Idea: Pair your dress with a cropped cardigan and soft loafers for a look that whispers nostalgia.

The Swinging Sixties: Mod Revolution

Youth-driven and bold, the ‘60s ripped up the rulebook. Mod fashion embraced innovation with graphic prints, daring cuts, and futuristic flair.

Key Pieces:

• Mini dresses that made headlines

• Boxy shift silhouettes

• Color blocking and graphic boldness

• Mary Janes and go-go boots

How It Lives On:

Our The Light Green Satin Floral Tie Strap Slit Midi Dress captures that fearless energy with a modern silhouette.

Style Idea: Complete the look with knee-high boots and a structured bag for effortless mod nostalgia.

The Groovy Seventies: Bohemian Rhapsody

Freedom took center stage in the 1970s. Fashion celebrated individuality, mixing romanticism with rebellion.

Vibe Essentials:

• Flowy maxi dresses and bell sleeves

• Earth tones and sunset shades

• Peasant blouses and crochet accents

• Wide-leg pants and sky-high platforms

Modern Revival:

Our Blue Square Neck Ruffle Satin Midi Dress channels that breezy energy for today’s explorers and dreamers.

Style Idea: Top with a denim jacket and suede booties for laid-back polish.

How to Mix Vintage with Today

Avoid looking like you stepped out of a costume party by striking the right balance:

• Stick to one era per outfit to keep your look intentional

• Pair old with new—vintage-inspired dress, modern shoes

• Tailoring matters—contemporary cuts keep things sharp

• Accessorize wisely—go minimalist for modernity, bold for drama

Start Your Vintage Wardrobe

Build your collection piece by piece:

• Fit-and-flare dress (1950s magic)

• Midi skirt (40s function meets flair)

• Shift dress (60s ease)

• Maxi dress (70s expression)

• Statement blouse with vintage trims

Stick with timeless neutrals (black, cream, navy) and accent with era-specific shades:

• 1920s: Gold, jet black, pearl

• 1930s: Blush, sapphire, champagne

• 1940s: Olive, crimson, indigo

• 1950s: Butter yellow, rose, robin’s egg

• 1960s: Monochrome and neons

• 1970s: Rust, mustard, teal

Preserving the Magic

Care is key to longevity:

• Hand wash delicacies, air dry, and avoid harsh detergents

• Store wisely—use padded hangers and breathable bags

• Quick fixes like lint rollers, fashion tape, or a handy steamer go a long way

• Basic sewing skills are a vintage lover’s best friend

Fashion That Transcends Time

Vintage-inspired style isn’t about reliving history—it’s about letting it inspire your story. Whether you're embracing the drama of the 1930s or the wild freedom of the 1970s, your wardrobe becomes a living canvas of expression.

At RIHOAS, we reimagine vintage with modern sensibility, so you can mix, match, and make it your own. Dive into our full dress and rediscover the magic of fashion that endures.