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Vintage Summer Fashion Tips to Try Out This Year
The throwback looks that still work today.
We all know that when it comes to fashion and trends, what goes around comes around. The good news is that if you're in need of summer style inspo and your Instagram feed simply isn't cutting it, you can look back to the ladies who wore your favorite summer looks first. From the '20s to the early aughts, get inspired by these throwback looks and trends that still work for summer 2019.
1920s: High-Waisted Honey
When in doubt, high-waisted shorts and a tank top or one-piece are always an effortless go-to for summer, as perfected in the summers of the '20s.
L.F. Markey Shop the Look: High-Waisted Cotton Blend Shorts
L.F. Markey Shop the Look: High-Waisted Cotton Blend Shorts
Wear them as a swimsuit cover-up or with a bodysuit on your summer weekends.
1920s: Duster Cover-Up
The duster jacket may be a street-style favorite, but take note from the ladies of the '20s and try it as a swimsuit cover-up too.
All Saints Shop the Look: Feather-Print Duster
All Saints Shop the Look: Feather-Print Duster
Wear it in the summer with your favorite swimsuit and then again in the fall layered over a T-shirt and jeans.
1930s: Prints, Please
The women of the '30s counted on floral and bold print dresses to stand out during a time of fashion cutbacks due to the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The same remains true today: If you're sticking to a budget this season, go for an item that stands out in color and pattern.
Faithfull The Brand Shop the Look: Rafa Floral Midi Dress
Faithfull The Brand Shop the Look: Rafa Floral Midi Dress
The perfect printed midi dress to wear from work to the weekend.
1930s: Wide-Legged Flair
From day to night to the beach, a pair of wide-leg pants is the perfect base for any summer look.
Staud Shop the Look: Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants
Staud Shop the Look: Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants
Available in chambray or khaki, these high-waisted, wide-leg pants are flattering with a blazer and tank for the office, or a bodysuit on the weekend.
1940s: High-Waisted Bikini Bombshell
The high-waisted bikini reigns as one of summer 2019's hottest swim trends. Take note from Betty Grable's beach style and opt for a bright color.
Palm Shop the Look: Baja High-Waisted Brief Bikini
Palm Shop the Look: Baja High-Waisted Brief Bikini
A bright shade of orange goes perfectly with a sun-kissed glow. Shop the matching bikini top here.
1940s: All Tied Up
Channel the early '40s by tying the ends of your button-down into a knot and pairing with a fun pair of printed shorts.
Tommy Bahama Shop the Look: Boyfriend Shirt Cover-Up
Tommy Bahama Shop the Look: Boyfriend Shirt Cover-Up
Roll up the sleeves and wear this as a top or a swimsuit cover-up.
1940s: Summer's New Look
Dior's 1947 New Look complete with a full skirt lent for a perfect summer silhouette that still feels glamorous to this day.
Miguelina Shop the Look: Crochet-Trimmed Maxi Skirt
Miguelina Shop the Look: Crochet-Trimmed Maxi Skirt
A full maxi skirt that'll look best with a white crop top, bikini top, or bodysuit.
1950s: Sweetheart Meets Bombshell
The '50s-favored sweetheart neckline looks best with a fit-and-flair dress that cinches your waist à la Sophia Loren.
Reformation Shop the Look: Dolci Sweetheart Dress
Reformation Shop the Look: Dolci Sweetheart Dress
Get the '50s look with one of Reformation's printed sweetheart-neckline dresses.
1950s: Sunbathed Beauty
Cat-eye sunglasses + a scarf tied as a headband = the perfect accessory equation for a beach moment on level with Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief.
Try the look in summer's animal-print trend. Wear it as a headband, bandana, or neck scarf all season long.
1950s: Bare Midriff Rules All
Take the full circle skirt out of the 1950s housewife's kitchen and onto the beach by pairing it with a strapless bikini top and flat sandals.
Solid & Striped Shop the Look: Tiered Midi Skirt
Solid & Striped Shop the Look: Tiered Midi Skirt
Pair it with a bikini top and you've got an instant beach LEWK.
Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing digital content across fashion, lifestyle, beauty, sex, and culture. Previously, she was the Market Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR and has written for publications including WWD, Bustle, and W Magazine. When she’s not busy taste-testing her way through every dirty martini in New York, you can follow her on Instagram for bad jokes, good outfits, and annoying vacation pics.
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