As the leaves change and the temperatures cool off, it’s time to dig out your fall wardrobe. With fall 2021 fashion trends taking a cue from the past, it’s easy to incorporate vintage pieces into your outfits while staying up-to-date with contemporary style. This season, check out your local vintage shop or raid a family member’s closet (as I always do), for the perfect vintage elements for fall 2021 fashion. Keep in mind, too, that vintage fashion is a sustainable way to update your closet with less impact on the planet. You don’t have to go full vintage, like in this Vogue article, but buying second-hand instead of new makes a difference.
Sweater Vests
Vests are big for fall 2021, and sweater vests are right up there with the most popular styles. Last year I rejected the sweater vest, but this year I brought three with me to Toronto (my new home). The one pictured above was hand-knit for my dad by my nana in the 70s. I have two of the same style in different colour combinations. They can easily be paired with jeans or worn over a dress as above (See Statement Collars below for details on the dress). Below is another sweater vest, also made by my nana in the 70s, but this one was for my mother so it fits me a bit better in the armpits and can be worn alone or over another garment.
Green and pink are the fall 2021 colours. My skirt is new, but the belt I’m wearing above is vintage and my boots are from the 70s. They belonged to my mom and with square toed boots back in style, they are perfect for this fall. My purse (see below) belonged to my great-grandmother, but we aren’t sure to which decade it belongs.
Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots are back in style again for fall 2021. If memory serves me correctly, the last time they were big was around 2004. If you’ve got some hanging around at the back of your closet, now’s the time to give them some fresh air. My mom wore these Dan Post boots in the 70s. To extend the summer dress season, pair light-weight cotton dresses with boots and a jacket for fall.
As the temperatures dip, keep the cowboy boots in rotation, but switch to wool skirts and sweaters with a cute fall hat. This plaid skirt belonged to my grandmother in the 70s (you may remember it from my post last fall, but this is the reverse side). The belt was also my grandmother’s, while the sweater and hat are contemporary.
Saturated Colours
Opt for bold colours in fall 2021 and bring out some of those colourful vintage gems. Though green and pink are the big colours this fall, anything vibrant goes this season. My mom’s friend gave me these boots from the 70s and the colour couldn’t be more fantastic! The cardigan dates to the 60s and was gifted to my uncle by my great-grandmother. She purchased it on a trip to Switzerland.
Don’t have any vintage saturated hues? Pick up on subtle colours in your vintage pieces with contemporary colours. This new sweater in mustard matches the yellows in my mom’s plaid skirt from the 70s. A jean jacket always works to make an outfit more casual. The necklace belonged to my great-grandmother.
Silk Scarves
Try raiding your grandmother’s dresser for this vintage staple. The silk scarf is in for fall 2021. Whether you wear it over your hair or around your neck, add a classic finish to any outfit. This Christian Dior silk scarf belonged to my grandmother. My mom bought it in France for her in the 70s. The boots (almond toe this time) and kilt also date to the 70s and were my mother’s. Finally, the sweater is another example of my nana’s knitting abilities and was made for my mother in the 70s. I went full vintage for this one!
Statement Collars
For fall 2021, your collar should make a statement. Though small collars were in recently, now it’s time to go big. This dress is from the 70s and also belonged to my mom’s friend. I’ve paired it with knee-high black boots and my Basque beret. For cooler days, as you saw above, layer it with a sweater vest.
Plaid Pleated Skirts
The school-girl look with pleated plaid above-the-knee skirts are another fall 2021 requirement. My mom wore this kilt to school in the 60s. Since lots of styles of vest are in this season, I’ve paired the kilt with this leather vest that belonged to my grandmother. Combat boots are another trend for this fall, and to make the outfit a bit more feminine, I’ve added a necklace that belonged to my great-grandmother.
As you can see, vintage can easily be incorporated into a fall 2021 wardrobe that is on trend. Make sure to find some gems to add to your closet (or bring out again) because at some point fashion becomes ageless, as what goes around comes right back around again.
