13 Vintage Outfit Ideas and the Key Pieces You Need to Update the Look

Not only does reflecting on the best vintage outfits from the past reiterate how trends have a boomerang effect, but it reinforces the idea that when it comes to shopping, it's best to invest in key classic pieces. Over the years, both on the runway and on the street, some of the most memorable moments in fashion have been anchored with styles that are just as relevant today as they were then.

The 1970s gave birth to hero pieces like leather blazers and boot-cut trousers. When you think of the '80s, it's likely that biker shorts, shoulder pads, and Madonna's signature leather moto jacket spring to mind. The same can be said about many of the earlier decades as well—in fact, the popularity of lady bags can be traced to the '40s and '50s.

Rather than sift through photo galleries of your favorite celebrities and runway fixtures over the years, just ahead, we've cherry-picked a list of well-curated pieces for inspiration—plus, a slew of vintage pieces available for purchase to help you complete the look in a way that feels fresh for fall 2020.