Vintage aesthetics: A journey through time through style and fashion

Vintage aesthetics are everywhere, right? If you haven't fully grasped their meaning yet or need inspiration for your aesthetic outfit, read on - we've got you covered!

In the last few years, about half a million different aesthetics have emerged, from #cottagecore to #retroaesthetic. In this post, we'll explore the meaning of the vintage aesthetic and how it relates to other aesthetics.

A millennial like me gets dizzy seeing the myriad of different aesthetics around us. In my day, we were obsessed with music genres; there were altars, rockers, goths, punks, rappers, disco fans in the class - and that was it. People had made up their minds and stuck to one style, most of the time anyway. Jumping back and forth between genres was pretty pathetic, listening to Britney one day and Iron Maiden the next was almost unacceptable, definitely blasphemous.

Well, that has completely changed, thank goodness. It's nonsense to be tied to a particular style and genre - we live in a world where everything is just a click away from everyone.

It's perfectly fine to be sad on Monday but want to party like there's no Wednesday on Tuesday. It's even better to express this through your daily outfit and aesthetic.

1) So what exactly is vintage aesthetics?

Vintage aesthetic is an umbrella term for many different styles. If you type in the #vintageaesthetic tag on Instagram, a truly eclectic image appears.

To understand what is common in these styles, let's first consider the meaning of these two words separately. Vintage means everything that is not new (at least 15-20 years old) and not antique (it is not a century old). That is why we can also talk about Y2K vintage, 90s vintage and 40s vintage .

The word "aesthetics" comes from the Greek word "aisthetikos" meaning sensibility, perception, even perceptiveness. According to Wikipedia, "aesthetics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty and taste." As an adjective, it means something beautiful or pleasant.

Putting these words together, vintage aesthetics means enjoying the beauty ideals of the past decades.

2) How to dress in vintage style?

You might be asking, "That's all very clever and informative... but I want to exude vintage aesthetics, so how do I dress accordingly?" Since vintage aesthetics vary from decade to decade and style to style, there are no strict rules on how to do it "right."

You should just visit some vintage shops or charity shops - there you will find unique and authentic pieces. The best online vintage shops even present these pieces perfectly styled - you can easily borrow some outfit ideas from them.

It's really that simple. You don't need fashion consultants or top-notch stylists. Bad things don't last decades. The thing is - you don't have to produce anything to be vintage. It's already there. You just have to take it. Rework it. Refurbish it. Redesign it. Now let's get some ideas for your compilations and have an overview of the different aesthetics of the last decades. First, let's take a journey through the last century.

3) Vintage Y2K aesthetics of the 2000s

Pleated skirts, plush sweatpants, rhinestone butterflies and artisan necklines. Yes, it's the '00s. Only the devil knows how this era - marked by the ultra-thin eyebrows of Paris Hilton and Christina Aguilera - came back into style. To be honest, I was really hoping that after a few years of the '90s revival, we'd jump back to the '60s and I wouldn't have to wear those hipsters again... well, tough luck. So grab those stone-washed jeans and rhinestone belts

4) Vintage 90s grunge aesthetic

Oh, the good old 90s, the last decade without the internet. No wonder that looking back to the love-and-peace tide of the 70s was one of the main fashion trends. The other - quite the opposite - well, that was grunge à la Kurt Cobain. Lumberjack shirts, oversized denim jackets, Chuck Taylors and ripped mom jeans ftw.

5) Vintage retro aesthetics of the 80s

Thanks to Stranger Things, 80s fashion is cool again. Weird geometric patterns, ugly sweaters, and not to mention the super trendy over-over-sized feminist blazers with broad shoulders and puff sleeves.

6) Vintage 70s hippie aesthetic

Revived in the 90s, the hippie fashion of the 70s seems to be making a double-synthesised comeback: we have crocheted items, blazer-like leather jackets and pointed collars. And finally, flared trousers have replaced skinny jeans!

7) Vintage 60s mod aesthetic

The fashion of the 60s - especially the first half of the decade - lives largely from the mod line, which was coined by Mary Quant: clean cuts, clean designs, bold geometric patterns. The second half is almost the exact opposite: the flower-power psychedelic style is anything but clean with its swirling, chaotic patterns and jabot shirts.

8) Aesthetic types from Fairycore to Farmcore:

But enough of classifying everything by decade. There are many aesthetics that aren't tied to a specific era, but are still vintage at heart. Here are some of them!

8.1) Fairycore aesthetics

The first Lord of the Rings movie came out in 2001, so it's no surprise that the resurgence of 2000s fashion has made elf ears and butterfly wings mandatory accessories. Honestly, it's pretty heartwarming <3 to see - as this was considered rather loser-geeky in my day - that it's so hip now.

9) Cottagecore / Farmcore aesthetic

Ruffles, lace, peasant blouses. Pretty romantic, but that's what cottagecore is all about. Well, it's in the name. Don't forget to take photos in a field with lots of farm animals in the background. This style most closely resembles the vintage 70s aesthetic.

10) Ancient Aesthetics

This aesthetic fetishizes the mood of the fin de siècle, the turn of the century. It's hard to distinguish it from fairycore and cottagecore, because antiquity also has the ruffles and all those romantic details - but without the butterfly wings and straw bales.

FAQs:

1) Is vintage aesthetics present everywhere?

Yes, vintage aesthetics are widespread and can be found in many different areas. From fashion and clothing to interior design and even the art world, there are many expressions of the vintage aesthetic.

2) What exactly is vintage aesthetics?

Vintage aesthetic is a general term that encompasses various styles. It refers to the return and appreciation of aesthetic elements from past decades. It includes clothing, accessories, furniture, and other elements that are at least 15 to 20 years old.

3) How can I incorporate vintage aesthetics into my outfits?

There are no hard and fast rules on how to incorporate vintage aesthetics into outfits. It's a creative and individual choice. You can look for unique pieces in vintage stores or visit online shops that offer vintage fashion. You can also combine vintage elements with modern clothing to express your own style.

4) What other aesthetics are associated with vintage aesthetics?

There are many other aesthetics that can be combined with vintage aesthetics. Some examples are cottagecore, retro aesthetic, dark academia, grunge, and many more. These aesthetics can take certain elements from the past and combine them with modern interpretations.

5) How do fast fashion brands deal with vintage aesthetics?

Some fast fashion brands have started incorporating vintage aesthetics into their collections. This can be problematic as it can diminish the value and authenticity of the vintage aesthetic. It's important to be aware that genuine vintage pieces have a history and unique charm that newly produced clothing cannot replicate.