File this under things I think about too much.... what is the difference between the terms "vintage" and "thrifted" when it comes to style? I used to think there was a definitive difference between the two styles, but as the acceptance of shopping secondhand has continued to grow over the last decade, I think these terms have become somewhat blurred and, even, interchangeable.
The term "vintage" has always represented things that are old. Most vintage resellers will tell you that it represents anything that's 20 years or older. Vintage purists will tell you that only items that were made in the 1970s or earlier are truly vintage. Regardless of which one is correct, when it comes to vintage style, the term has certainly evolved. At one time, it represented a literal head-to-toe look that was instantly recognizeable as being from a certain era. Think 1960s Mod or 1970s Woodstock Hippe.
However, as more and more fashion designers have looked to vintage pieces to inspire their modern designs, the incorporation of vintage into contemporary style has become more common, and even coveted. It's almost impossible to browse social media without being inspired by the latest "It Girl" that's perfected the art of hi- low dressing by pairing modern brands with some kind of vintage piece that ties their look together in an effortless and highly chic way. There's a sense that their wardrobe is finely curated, and that each vintage piece has been intentionally purchased from a reseller or vintage boutique.
If vintage style is the older sister with great taste, then thrifted style is her cool younger sister. Historically, the term "thrifted" was not tied to style at all, but rather a means of purchasing affordable secondhand clothing. Only within the last decade or so has thrifting become an acceptable, and even desired, form of style. I'll never forget a friend of mine from middle school that almost exclusively shopped at thrift stores and, while her fitting was slightly off, or an item had some clearly visible wear, there was something that was just really carefree and punk about her aesthetic that I was immediately drawn to.
Unlike vintage style, I've always felt that there was something more raw and organic about thrifted style, because you have to use your imagination while you sift and dig through hundreds or thousands of items to find the good pieces. There is no merchandising or curation in the thrift store that allows you to easily identify a cute piece, you've gotta put in the work to find it. This involves a certain willingness to experiment with different textures, colors, and silhouettes to capture a particular aesthetic or vibe that you're going for.
Despite their differences, both vintage style and thrifted style represent a shift in how we approach our personal style as a whole. Social media, particularly Instagram and Pinterest, have created spaces for us to celebrate both styles and move beyond the 20-year fashion cycle. We can now fully embrace whatever era or style we want to, regardless of what's being shown on the runway or in traditonal retail stores. Not only is this empowering us to celebrate our own personal style, it's also giving us yet another reason to step away from the traditional fashion and retail cycle. And, that's pretty fucking cool.