While fashion is an interesting, unique form of self-expression, vintage fashion is a great way to tap into your inner muse. Here in Hoboken, you don’t have to be a designer, musician, painter, photographer, writer or actor to have a great sense of creativity. You just have to liberate your mind and think like an artist, envisioning yourself as the canvas.

How many times have you heard yourself say, “That’s a great outfit, but I can’t pull that off…” or “I love that, but don’t have any place to wear it…"? This is your inner muse surfacing--but isn’t being fully realized! With a little creativity and confidence, you’d be surprised how you can integrate even the most elaborate vintage pieces into everyday Hoboken living.

Why vintage?

Quality and detail in vintage pieces are often superior to clothing today. Some pieces are original works of art with intricate detail; glass buttons, hand-stitching/beading/embroidery/painting, French seams, etc. Pieces are original, interesting, have their own history and last for a while. Style is timeless. Chances are slim that someone else will have the same item. Plus economically, in these tough times, vintage is a way of splurging without spending a lot of money.

How do you start?

Hoboken has a variety of vintage shops: Revival Vintage Boutique (600 Park Ave.), Mackey Blue (1200 Washington St.), M. Avery Designs (266 Willow St.), The Frayed Knot (601 Newark St.), Maxwell’s 9.13.34 (106 4th St.), O’Mistress Mine (211 Bloomfield St.), Hoboken Antiques (511 Washington St.), and Michelangela (330 Washington St.).

Meanwhile, when you discover your favorite items, don’t overdo it. If you wear vintage head to toe, it can be overwhelming. Start slow with a great accessory: a little locket, bracelet, scarf, hat, interesting handbag or pair of shoes. Then pair that accessory with something current. If you have a very elaborate vintage piece, keep the rest of your outfit simple. Don’t be hesitant to ask for assistance and advice. People who work at vintage boutiques usually have a passion for vintage and a keen eye for pairing vintage with your own personal style.

Find styles that inspire and flatter you…

Style, cut, and materials differ from decade to decade. There is always something new and interesting to learn about vintage--much more than what I can list here, but here’s a starting point:

1920’s

The Holland Tunnel opened, and here in Hoboken, immigration shifted from Germans to Italians. Revenue was driven from manufacturing, shipbuilding, and docks (in Flappers and Philosophers, Francis Scott Fitzgerald makes a mention of a man coming through Hoboken).

Styles reflected waifish, boyish figures, flattened chests and narrow hips, mid-calf hems in the early 1920’s versus above knee flapper dress hems in the mid-late 20’s, both with a dropped waist, cloche hats worn low, short bobbed hairstyles, wrap coats, T-bar shoes with ankle strap, compacts (cosmetic), a fascination with the Far East and dresses adorned with Oriental/Deco designs. Jersey material was introduced as casual wear.

Think Coco Chanel.

1930’s

Sinatra was singing for $40/week in Hoboken’s Union Club and the Lincoln Tunnel was completed.
Femininity was stylish: curvy figures, small waistlines, little plate-shaped hats, skirts longer in back than front with hemlines along the calf, sleek stylish dresses in casual-day fabrics contrasting with evening glamour, glass beads, sequins, metallic lame, fabrics cut on the bias to flow over curves dramatically and flare out. Tanning was en vogue, thus, halter and open-back evening gowns. Nylon stockings were invented. Avant garde designers emerged with tailored suits and shoulder pads.

Think Madeleine Vionnet, Elsa Schiaparelli.

1940’s

During the war, clothing rationing was enforced in some parts of Europe. Women had to use their unused food ration coupons to be able to buy/access clothing, but still had to purchase with money. Since money was tight during the war, shopping was difficult.
In the US, butterfly/dolman sleeves, shoulder pads, wide-shouldered silhouettes for women/men, more zippers and man-made fibers were used. In both Europe and the US, it was popular for women (including lovely Hoboken shipbuilding ladies) to wear snoods or knitted turbans so that hair would not be caught in machinery while working.

Think Dior, Joan Crawford

1950’s

Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront was released. Hoboken’s economy was driven by factories: Todd Shipyards, Maxwell House, Lipton Tea, Hostess, and Bethlehem Steel.

In fashion, emphasis was placed on an hour glass figure, narrow waist, full skirts with crinoline/tulle petticoats, tubular pencil skirts, hems at the calf, Peter Pan collars, bolero jackets, shirt dresses, swing coats, pearls, gloves, neck scarves, high-heel shoes with rounded toes or saddle shoes and hair was styled either short, bouffant or beehive.

Think Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly

1960’s

The Summit or Clan (Rat Pack): Hoboken’s Sinatra, Martin, Davis Jr., Lawford, Bishop made a new look famous for men.
Geometric hairstyles, Nehru jackets, tights, straight shifts, pleated skirts, straight skirts with kick pleats, early 60’s belted sweater dresses, mini skirts, dresses with narrow shouldered tops and armholes, pill box hats, "Mad Men" dresses and suits with Capri sleeves in mid-late 60’s.

Think Twiggy, Jackie O

1970’s

Port Authority piers closed in Hoboken.
Styles varied from disco, hippie to punk: polyester disco dresses, hot pants, lycra, stretch pants, tube-tops, gold lame, leopard skin jumpsuits, halter neck cat suits, short flared skirts, long flowing bell bottoms, wrap dresses, platform shoes, ethnic prints, peasant blouses, kaftans, deconstructed and reconstructed garments, Doc Martens, body piercing, leather, studs, straps, chains, safety pins, shaved hair, spiked hair dyed with food dyes or over-bleached.

Think Vivienne Westwood, Sly and the Family Stone, Soul Train, Studio 54 or Diane Von Furstenberg

Once you find you inner muse…

Inspect your finds--not all vintage is equal, as some items were stored or cared for better than others. Check for worn spots, mends, tears, rips, functional zippers, seams, aligned patterns, linings, sequins/beads and moth holes.

Don’t be afraid to alter and customize. Update a dress by shortening the hem or sleeves.
While you are looking in the mirror and wearing the dress, fold under the hem, so you can envision the dress differently. If it’s too snug, let it out. You’d be surprised to see how much fabric/space is in each seam. Add to it with beading from another dress, or subtract by cutting out shoulder pads if they are overpowering. Deconstruct a piece and reconstruct it with another.

Look around Hoboken for inspiration. Recently singer/musician Lily M. was performing at Revival when a fan stopped by wearing an amazing “homemade” shirt, reconstructed from 2 shirts into 1. Not that confident yet--use a seamstress or tailor (stop by Revival on Saturdays at 3pm). Want to gain confidence--take a vintage dress class at M. Avery Designs.

Don’t be stuck in conventional views of a piece. Update a 1980’s two-piece sequin skirt set by wearing the tunic as a dress with some skinny jeans or tights. The skirt could be used as a tube dress.

Go vintage, Hoboken--have fun and unleash your inner muse!