How to Shop for Vintage Clothing

Alter That Halter

According to vintage expert Melody Fortier, today’s clothing is designed to have “hanger appeal,” to make it look better on the hanger—and spur impulse purchases—than on your body. But with vintage, you never know how beautiful it is until you slip it on. Also, remember that most vintage pieces are easier to alter than anything you’d find at a big box retailer nowadays, so think creatively. Experienced seamstresses should be able to pull hems up or tuck waists in relatively inexpensively. Or, just add a belt, and voila—that frumpy muumuu transforms into a frock.