Tim Gunn: How to Wear Vintage Right
The Project Runway style guru answers all your style conundrums. This month, he talks about pulling off retro pieces and clip-on earrings!
![Marie Claire Logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/E9Lz4VZTe7eJoVQrR4U4eh-415-80.jpg)
Past perfect
"I love vintage dresses from the 1950s—they're flattering and really cute. How can I wear them in my daily life without feeling like I'm in a costume?"
I'm delighted by your question because it's an extremely relevant one. The key to keeping great, stylish dresses looking modern is to use on-trend accessories when putting together your look. Furthermore, your hair and makeup need to be current as well, or you'll risk going full-tilt Dita Von Teese. My good friend and coauthor of Gunn's Golden Rules, Ada Calhoun, is a die-hard vintage shopper who has a reverence for '50s style. She always looks relevant by styling vintage dresses with wide patent belts or a chic jacket. Carry an on-trend handbag and wear contemporary shoes and you'll look fabulous!
Fashion on a Budget
"I am a recent college graduate looking to work for the government. I'm a bit of a fashionista, on a budget, and would like to channel more feminine features into the masculine looks, which seem to be Capitol Hill staples, without breaking the bank. Where should I shop?"
I've spent a fair amount of time on Capitol Hill—I'm an ardent advocate for the Design Piracy Prohibition Act, which will give fashion designers intellectual property rights, and I'm working with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to put the DPPA before Congress. I've seen a lot of positive fashion changes since the Obamas have come to town. Now, I believe in being budget-minded when shopping. I find that more fashion mistakes are made by people with deep pockets than by those who shop more thoughtfully and strategically when adding new items to their wardrobe. Investigate the private labels of the major department stores (they're fashionable and more affordable because they're developed within the company) along with J.Crew, H&M, and other accessible and attainable retailers.
Golden lobes
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"I have keloid skin and can't have my ears pierced. I never really wear earrings because most of the clip-ons I find are dowdy and matronly. Any advice to help me accessorize my wardrobe with chic earrings?"
My sister doesn't have pierced ears, either, and like you, she bemoans the dearth of options in stores. I've been buying her clip-ons from Monet, which has everyday hoops as well as flashier pieces for special occasions. I also urge you to explore vintage styles with screw backs. They may not be the most comfortable, but vintage pieces can be quite exquisite and are often one of a kind. For more subtle, comfortable studs, consider magnetic backs. The impact of a pair of pearl earrings, no matter how they're attached to your person, will always be timeless.
GOT A STYLE DILEMMA? Send Tim your questions at marieclaire.com/asktim.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
We’re Calling the Top 6 Denim Trends of Fall 2024
Not everyone will be happy about the silhouette staging a comeback.
By Emma Childs Published
-
30 Linen Pieces From Nordstrom’s Sale for a Seamless Summer to Fall Transition
Shop breezy dresses and airy pants for versatile summer and autumn outfits.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Make-My-Life-Easier Items I'm Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Grab these must-haves before it's too late.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
The Best Summer Work Shoes Don’t Have To Scream ‘Corporate'
Footwear that means business in the best way possible.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
34 Chic Vacation Essentials Hiding in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Don't board the plane without packing these items first.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The Boxer Shorts Trend Offers a Realistic Take on Lingerie Dressing
How the borrowed-from-the-boys bottom became a hero summer piece with endless style potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Destined to Wear the J.Crew x Maryam Nassir Zadeh Collaboration on Vacation
Beloved indie designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh translated her essentials into the ultimate packing list.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I'm a Style Editor—50 Last-Minute Prime Day Fashion Deals to Grab Before Tomorrow
Grab these on-sale items before it’s too late.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated