Define Vintage

• At every awards show you'll hear the question, "Who are you wearing?" Time and time again it will be "Vintage..." What this means is that at least 25 years ago a designer made an outfit that is still relevant to today. Vintage clothing has usually been housed in museums or in warehouses by the designers where it has been protected from outside elements. It is timeless. Vintage clothing usually comes "as is," which means it will not be altered to fit you.
  
  

Vintage Today

• Fifty years ago Coco Chanel invented "the little black dress" as well as the beautiful beaded dresses and wool patterned suits. Today "the little black dress" and "beaded gowns" are a staple of almost every woman's closet. Who doesn't recognize a pink- and white-checkered box cut suit? There are many imitations of these items, but mostly there are new inspirations including Karl Lagerfeld, who says Chanel is one of his greatest inspirations.
  
  

Vintage Versus Retro

• Sometimes you'll hear the term "Retro--this is different from "Vintage." Retro is usually used to refer to the revival of things from more recent eras--say the 1960s and 1970s. Vintage refers more to the 1920s to the start of the 1960s era. But for a piece from 1960, there is a gray area as to whether it would be considered vintage or retro.
  
  

Why Vintage?

• Vintage clothing means the outfit comes from another era, but is still relevant today, and is in good condition. Vintage clothing is a way of honoring another era while inspiring the designers of today. So be careful when buying: you can either get a real vintage piece or a vintage inspired piece.
  
  

How to Make Sure It's Real

• Vintage clothing is very hard to find and authenticate. There are many Internet sites claiming to sell vintage, but mostly it's more of the costume variety. Vintage clothing is an investment, so if you're already willing to shell out the cash for it, you should go to the designer shops themselves or find a certified dealer. The basic definition of Vintage clothing is a piece that was created, has sustained the test of time, and is still as beautiful today as it was the day it was made.