By Annette Sanfilippo Photos Yanni
Vintage shopping is fast becoming one of the biggest pastimes around the world and for good reason. Not only is it fun and saving the universe from textile waste, it’s also the secret to taking a basic look from ordinary to the extraordinary. Many would argue what age something has to be to constitute ‘vintage’. Some say over fifty years old but of late it’s more like thirty.
In a world dominated by capsule wardrobes and minimalist dressing, there is something undeniably powerful about adding a touch of history to a modern look. While a great pair of jeans and a crisp white T-shirt remain the foundation of effortless style, it’s often the vintage pieces layered into the outfit that transform it from simple to unforgettable. The beauty of contemporary staples lies in their versatility.
Models Lulu, Jess and Pierre are peninsula locals who have a passion for fashion and are ready to let me ‘just add vintage’ to their everyday looks. We started with denim and a white tee to provide the perfect blank canvas, allowing individual style to take centre stage. When everyone has access to the same basics, the challenge comes in finding a way to make them feel distinctly your own. This is where vintage fashion comes in to play.
One of our unique local boutiques, My Delirium, in Rye, has the most amazing new and vintage curated collection of clothing and treasures, and is the brainchild of long-time stylist and collector Larelle Guardiani. It was a treat to spend a day dressing up for some upcoming events using a carefully chosen mix of new, bespoke and vintage pieces. I threw in a few of my favourite things, and it wasn’t long before our vintage vibe soiree began.
A vintage leather jacket, a 1970s belt, a delicate heirloom necklace, or a structured handbag from decades past can instantly elevate an otherwise understated outfit. These pieces bring character, craftsmanship, and a sense of individuality that is difficult to replicate with mass-produced fashion. Rather than following trends, vintage allows the wearer to create a look that feels curated and personal. The key is to choose pieces that shape your aesthetic without overdoing it. We want to avoid visual chaos! Some would say that, with vintage, nothing matches but everything goes! Styling it is not always as easy as it seems.
Mixing vintage with contemporary clothing also creates an interesting contrast. The relaxed simplicity of modern denim, paired with a vintage jacket, for example, strikes the perfect balance between old and new. It suggests confidence and creativity rather than adherence to fleeting trends. The result is a style that feels effortless yet intentional.
Beyond aesthetics, vintage fashion tells a story
Beyond aesthetics, vintage fashion tells a story. Every piece carries a history, whether it is a handcrafted brooch discovered in a market, a designer jacket sourced from a vintage boutique, or a treasured family keepsake passed down through generations. Incorporating these items into everyday outfits adds depth and authenticity that cannot be bought off the rack.
At a time when fashion is increasingly focused on individuality, vintage offers something truly valuable: uniqueness. No two people will style the same vintage find in exactly the same way. Modern essentials such as jeans, white T-shirts, tailored trousers, or classic shirting, combined with these one-of-a-kind pieces, help create a signature look that stands apart from the crowd.
With the Spring Carnival off and running there is a fair chance you may bump into someone wearing the same suit or dress. Having fun with a vintage dress and accessorizing it with some modern retro styled glasses, shoes or hat can calm the anxiety of that potential face-to-face moment. Change up a suit with a cool vintage shoe or add a brooch, kerchief or statement hat to take the edge off that cookie-cutter look.
Ultimately, great style isn’t about wearing the latest trend from head to toe. It is about blending the old with the new, the timeless with the contemporary. Your jeans and tee may be the starting point, but it is the vintage touch that gives an outfit soul, personality, and an edge that feels entirely your own. Once you are inside a vintage boutique it’s hard to avoid the curious foraging that can ultimately become a new addiction. Be a little brave like my lovely models and perhaps try a style that may not be what you’re used to and you may discover a side of your personality that’s been waiting to materialize.
Fashionably yours,
Annette
Styling and millinery by Annette Sanfilippo