Shopping for your Shape - Vintage Edition

Pat Field's on Bowery

It's hard enough to go shopping for new clothes in high street shops and department stores, let alone vintage. An Australian magazine offers these tips for shopping vintage for your shape:

TALL AND LEAN

60's a-line shirts and minis

Maxi dresses from the 70's

Large patterns

SHORT AND PETITE

Cropped cardis and jackets from the 40's

80's boleros

Liberty prints

CURVY

50's anything - celebrate the waist

Babydolls will provide tummy control

Wrap dresses

GENERAL TIPS FOR SHOPPING VINTAGE:

* Ask if they have anything else that might flatter you - shop assistants know what they have and can help you when it becomes overwhelming. They usually have back stock in the basements too and might be able to pull something out for you.

*Look for any broken zippers, missing buttons, etc. Ask if something can be worked out if you feel you'll have to take it to a tailor. Most of these types of problems can be fixed for about $10.

*Don't pass up those weird length skirts!!! Take them up as minis. Very few skits can't be taken up to make them cuter.

*Make sure you mix your vintage with newer, more modern pieces - an old dress with a neon belt, a bright mini with a racer back tank. This is how you avoid looking costume-y.

Big kiss