The retro chic style is a way to incorporate the most desirable elements of previous fashion eras into the modern wardrobe. It means that instead of dressing in the silhouettes, colors, patterns, and accessories of a particular decade in full scale, one chooses certain retro features and combines them with the up-to-date clothing items that are comfortable and easy to maintain.
Such retro-chic elements as high-waisted jeans, A-line skirts, cardigans, leather jackets, Mary Jane shoes, flared denim, and dresses allow the modern woman to complete her look with vintage flair. At the same time, one should try to pick the most convenient and fashionable things and follow the rules of an adequate retro-chic style. All of the mentioned above elements may be used in everyday outfits as separate items or in combination with each other to create a convincing retro-chic look.
Dresses, skirts, and shoes in the colors and patterns of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, floral prints, round faces, and shoulder pads can be used as the sources of inspiration to update one’s wardrobe in the spirit of a selected decade.
Tops to wear with light-wash wide leg jeans
In this guide, you'll discover 15 retro chic outfit ideas for women, along with the key pieces, colors, accessories, and styling tips you need to create modern retro outfits that work for everyday life.
What Is Retro Chic Style?
Pin itRetro chic style is the contemporary way of dressing that draws inspiration from the fashion of the past. This style does not imply that one is wearing a complete look from a particular decade but combining recognizable elements of a bygone era with today’s clothes and accessories.
Thus, the retro chic outfit could be high-waisted jeans, flared trousers, cardigans, A-line skirts, retro prints, leather jackets, Mary Jane shoes, structured bags, and sunglasses. The current trend revisits the tailoring and proportions of the 1970s and 1990s, such as flared jeans and suede jackets, cardigans, and slip dresses, and straight-leg jeans.
Furthermore, it is essential to distinguish between retro and vintage styles. The latter implies clothing worn in a past period, while retro means the reinterpreted modern clothing of the bygone age.
Therefore, the easiest way to execute the retro chic outfit is to go for one or two vintage-inspired elements and pair them with the modern basics to avoid resembling a person in costume.
15 Retro Chic Outfit Ideas for Women
You do not have to dress as if you have shopped in a vintage clothing emporium to achieve retro chic. One or two retro pieces such as high-waisted jeans, knitted crew-neck sweaters, A-line skirts, or a blouse with a vintage print can add style to a modern dressing room. Just experiment with contrasting retro and modern shapes and wear flared or boot-cut jeans with both tucked-in blouses and loose modern sweaters or blazers.
1. High-Waisted Jeans With a Fitted Cardigan
Pin itA pair of high-waisted jeans worn with a fitted cardigan is an easy way to embrace retro chic. The tailored waist and close fit of the top balance out the vintage aesthetic without making you look like you’re walking out of a 1970s film. Complete the look by pairing blue jeans with a cardigan, ballet flats, loafers, or a small shoulder bag.
2. Flared Jeans With a Fitted Top
Pin itFlared jeans give any look an instant '70s boost. Team them with a fitted T-shirt, knitted top or simple blouse (rather than layering on too many retro pieces). Add a belt and pointy-toe shoes or heeled ankle boots to elongate the legs.
3. A-Line Midi Skirt With a Fitted Blouse
Pin itAn A-line midi skirt with a fitted blouse will create a feminine retro-inspired outfit with a defined waist. opt for a solid skirt or one with a subtle vintage-inspired print, and tuck in a blouse, or choose a tailored blouse and team it with a fitted midi skirt. Complete the look with ballet flats, Mary Janes, or low heels and a structured handbag.
4. Retro Blouse With Straight-Leg Jeans
Pin itA printed or detailed blouse can lend the bare look of straight-leg jeans lots of personality. Look for interesting sleeves, contrast collars, petite prints, or structured silhouettes. Go bare with simple denim and pair with loafers or flats for a casual modern-retro look.
5. Leather Jacket With Jeans
A leather jacket with jeans gives a retro look a slightly edgier feel. Go with a fitted or structured jacket, and pair it with a simple tee, tank, or light knit.
Straight fit or slightly flared jeans are also a good option, and can be finished off with ankle boots or sneakers.
6. Pleated Skirt With a Knit Top
Pin itHow to Dress Like a Vintage Pin-up Model on a Budget? Dress vintage pin-up style on a budget by pairing a pleated skirt with a fitted knit top. The top should be tucked in, and the skirt should have some movement to it.
Go for neutrals if you want to be subtle, or go all out with mustard jackets, burgundy skirts, olive green blouses or rust-colored pencil skirts.
7. Polka-Dot Dress With Simple Accessories
Pin itA polka-dot dress is a good option to add one recognizable vintage detail without being overdone. Choose a modern cut and opt for minimalistic accessories.
Mary Janes, ballet flats, or even kitten heels will complete the look, without making you feel like you are in an antique costume.
8. High-Waisted Trousers With a Cropped Cardigan
Pin itHigh Waisted Trousers with A Cropped Cardigan is a feminine silhouette that was inspired by the retro style. Choose from beige, brown, black, and navy, and add loafers, ballet flats, or low heels, and a structured bag for a more polished appearance.
9. Denim Skirt With a Fitted Top
A denim skirt with a fitted top will easily help to create a comfortable everyday outfit with a touch of retro. Try a high-waisted A-line or straight skirt in denim to balance a tucked-in t-shirt or sweater. Complete the look with sneakers for a sporty street style or Mary Jane shoes for a more retro-inspired appearance.
10. Slip Dress With a Leather Jacket
If you want to achieve the '90s style, try wearing a leather jacket over a simple slip dress. It is a perfect and effortless way to recreate the decades-old fashion statement. Moreover, it is always in style, so you will not go wrong with such an outfit. Do not forget to accessorize less and wear boots, loafers, or flat shoes.
11. Blazer With Straight-Leg Jeans
Pin itA tailored blazer with straight leg jeans is a prime example of the modern retro style. You can go for an elegant piece, such as a blazer, a simple fitted top, add little accessories to create a sophisticated modern look, not overloaded with vintage prints or patterns. Loafers or pointed-toe shoes can complete the look to make it more elegant.
12. Retro Print Dress With Modern Shoes
Pin itRather than dressing your entire look in a particular era, try using only a single vintage piece (the dress!) to create a balanced outfit. You could go for a retro print such as a floral or geometric design, and balance it out with modern shoes.
13. Wide-Leg Trousers With a Fitted Sweater
Pin itWide-leg pants can give you a vintage look if you throw on a fitted sweater. Tuck it in or go for a cropped sweater that shows at your waist. Loafers, low heels, or toe style shoes will complete the outfit.
14. Mary Jane Shoes With a Skirt
Pin itIf you want to update your style with retro vibes without overhauling your entire wardrobe, start with footwear. Mary Jane shoes with a skirt could bring back some vintage-style magic.
Just pair them with an A-line, pleated, or denim skirt and a simple fitted top, and maybe some ankle socks for a more playful preppy outfit.
15. Simple Jeans With Retro Accessories
Pin itYou can dress up your style using retro aesthetics. All you need is to use the things you already have. The key is to go with your favorite straight leg or wide leg jeans and a plain t-shirt and add a couple of retro accessories. Go for cat-eye sunglasses, silk scarf, structured handbag, vintage belt or statement earrings.
Conclusion
Retro chic style is more about incorporating some of your favorite vintage pieces into modern outfits rather than dressing like someone who stepped out of a specific decade. High-waisted and flared jeans, knee-length cardigans, A-line skirts, leather jackets, retro prints, and Mary Jane shoes — these are just some elements that will help you achieve the nostalgic look.
The easiest way to update the retro chic style is to pair it with modern basics. After all, you do not have to dress in all vintage clothes to look good. Use the clothes you already have, and try adding some retro chic pieces to create an outfit that is trendy but still looks good. Remember to play around with different fits, colors, and accessories.
Whether you want to find some retro outfits for women for college, casual brunch, shopping, work, or a date — all of these are possible with this particular style.
If you need some more inspiration, check out our other women’s clothing guides. We have a lot of articles about modern and retro styles with jeans, kurtis, tops, shoes, and more.