How do you dress for vintage market?

In a world crowded with quiet luxury, the land of vintage has never been quite disturbed

What I adore most about shopping in vintage markets is the element of surprise; the anticipation of discovering unexpected treasures hidden within the mystery box. You enter with an empty mind, or perhaps having one or two categories you are most certain to go after, but leave feeling fully enriched and more content than the full breakfast you had in the morning. That feeling is so incredible you might even forget the fuss about paying for the entrance fee two days in advance.

So here we are - Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair, the biggest roaming vintage market in the UK, with over 30 stalls selling a myriad of curated vintage items from the 1920s to 1980s in a Grade I listed building namely Manchester Cathedral.

Disclaimer
With the purest intention of shopping for my own closet before stepping foot into the vintage market, I did not expect myself to be beside excitement, surrounded by countless well-dressed and cool treasure hunters rummaging through stalls for their best finds, took the courage to speak to a few and having to share some of their remarkable looks here. 

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Read on as if you were reading a diary page…

What people wear at a vintage market

As soon as I started browsing between stalls for my perfect faux fur coat, Elaine and Jason, who referred to themselves as Mrs. and Mr. Bird on social media, got me mesmerised and retrieved my fingers back from the clothing rack.

Elaine, particularly fond of the 50s, was adorned in striking leopard print with a vibrant touch of red while Jason, an enthusiast of the 70s, decked himself out in a complete 70s suit ensemble

Loving how Elaine’s arm warmer doubles as a functional clutch!

Almost full look 1970s - printed tie, shirt and suit; modern day Samsung Galaxy watch (typically wears a Nixon watch for a retro aesthetic) and red creepers

Chef’s kiss? A tie clip

A few steps away from where Elaine and Jason were continuing their search of gems, Kitty and Stu from Curious Orange Vintage were hard not to be seen:

On Kitty - 60s candy striped polo top; 70s leopard print dress in monotone; 20s dotted crepe scarf; 60s black furry beret with a 1975 Sparks tour badge

Left: Double belts in different leather; Right: Did you notice how the crepe scarf was tied?

Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It's not about brands. It's about something else that comes from within you — Ralph Lauren

For Stu, it was the love of music bands which inspired him to fashion. Growing up in a small town before the age of internet, he struggled to find clothes he wanted to wear. Now, he chose to wear vintage simply because those were clothes he liked when he was young. ‘I will buy new things if I really really like them. If not, I can get them from Oxfam.’ said Stu. On his look of the day, most items on Stu were evidently from Oxfam. ‘I wear what’s on the floor. Our house is very much like the shop here, filled with colourful clothes’. In a nod to Voice of The Beehive in 1988, Stu even recreated a scene, immersing himself in a sea of garments.

On Stu - Shirt, cardigan, scarf and hat from Oxfam

I like bands where they got stagewear but they live in them. Thee Hypnotics in the early 80s will dress like the 60s, just doing their housework and washing up. They aren’t going on stage, they just live their life like this. I like it and I want to be that.

A 1920s Art Deco embellished band on a Kensington Hat

‘I’m never a smart phone person,’ said Stu feat. a Nokia phone

Not far from Curious Orange was Caz from Misty’s Vintage, whose business has been operating for over two decades. Caz recalled the channels she used to sell vintage, where items were sold at antique fairs and among friends during the 90s as there were few vintage shops or even Etsy at that time. With her collection of vibrant printed dresses, knitwear and exuberant coats which encompasses styles from the 20s to 90s, I found it challenging not to be tempted.

On Caz - 60s quilted vest; 70s embroidered folk blouse; 90s patched & fringed mermaid skirt

There seem to be an implicit understanding for those attending vintage markets dress in vintage. Looking at the product of how people create something original by reconfiguring something old and acts as a way to assert individuality is where I derive the most pleasure from and most certainly take notes to learn from. The nostalgic proneness is emotional yet personal, feeling wonderful while not wearing the same silhouette as everyone. So, how did I dress? Embarrassingly, I was still caught up in the struggle against chilly winter in Manchester, cocooning myself in layers of comforting black for warmth. But I had great hours of visual delights to linger days later.

Candid shot of me trying on a 60s faux fur oversized coat. Didn’t persuade myself scoring it without full set of original buttons

Walked out from the market empty handed but great conversations count more

Love everything on her.

Hope you enjoyed reading our first newsletter in our favourite hunting spot covering interesting people and their stories! Next week’s would be a challenging one for snow storm is about to blanket across our side. Stay warm and cozy before we meet again in your mailbox!

Yours truly,

Chris