What Makes a Dress “Vintage‑Inspired”? What and where to buy?

Vintage-inspired dresses draw on the elegance and charm of past eras—think 1940s tea dresses, 1950s silhouettes, or 1970s prairie prints—reimagined with modern details. These pieces add personality to your wardrobe while offering timeless sophistication.

Why Fit & Sizing Still Matters

Even vintage-style shapes—like fitted waists or fuller skirts—come in a range of cuts and fits. To make sure that sweetheart neckline or puff sleeve hits perfectly, use Tellar’s free sizing tools:

• 👉 Discover your best size with our guide: How to Find Your Perfect Size and What’s Worth Buying

• 👉 Expert tips from Shusha Tong: How to Find Your Perfect Size

These guides help you find the right fit across vintage‑style brands, based on your measurements—not guesswork.

 Where to Shop Vintage‑Inspired Dresses

All store links go to homepages so you can explore the full vintage-style range:

🇬🇧 UK Retailers

Reformation

Modern cuts with 1940s and 1970s influences—perfect midi wrap dresses and puff-sleeve numbers.

🛒 https://www.reformation.com

Me + Em

Clean takes on vintage aesthetics—structured waists, modest necklines, and elegant tailoring.

🛒 https://www.meandem.com

Collectif Clothing

Specialists in 1950s-style tea dresses, full skirts, and retro prints (like polka dots and gingham).

🛒 https://www.collectif.co.uk

Karen Millen

Tailored vintage-inspired pieces with 1940s waistlines, broderie details, and flattering shapes.

🛒 https://www.karenmillen.com

Next

Accessible vintage cuts like fit‑and‑flare and shirt dresses in seasonal prints.

🛒 https://www.next.co.uk

🇺🇸 USA & International Stores

ModCloth

Online vintage heaven with reproduction dresses yielding 1920s‑1970s styles, quirky prints, and decency cuts.

🛒 https://www.modcloth.com

Unique Vintage

Retro-first brand with 1940s swing dresses, 1950s tea dresses, and 1960s A-line silhouettes.

🛒 https://www.unique-vintage.com

Anthropologie

Romantic prairie and boho dresses with vintage embroidery, maxi lengths, and soft florals.

🛒 https://www.anthropologie.com

BHLDN

Anthropologie’s vintage-inspired bridal and special-occasion sister brand—seasonal dresses with retro romance.

🛒 https://www.bhldn.com

Etsy (Curated Vintage)

Thousands of authentic vintage dresses—from 1950s wiggle to 1970s prairie styles. Expertly curated by independent sellers.

🛒 https://www.etsy.com

What to Buy (Era‑by‑Era Guide)

🔹 1940s Style

• DSO: Tea‑length skirts, defined shoulders, cinched waist.

• Look for: Structured tailoring, modest neckline with feminine detailing.

• Shop at: Reformation, Me + Em, Anthro.

🔹 1950s Style

• DSO: Full skirts, polka dots, sweetheart tops, swing shapes.

• Look for: Vivid prints or pastel solids.

• Shop at: Collectif, Unique Vintage, ModCloth.

🔹 1960s Style

• DSO: Shift cuts, mini or knee-length, bold patterns.

• Look for: A-lines, mod florals, colour blocks.

• Shop at: ModCloth, Etsy.

🔹 1970s Style

• DSO: Prairie dresses, flowing maxi silhouettes, boho embroidery.

• Look for: Earthy florals, tiered skirt panels.

• Shop at: Anthropologie, Reformation, Etsy.

 Styling Vintage‑Inspired Dresses

1. Balance with Modern Footwear

   • 1940s/1950s: Slingbacks or block-heel mary janes.

   • 1970s: Low boots or strappy sandals.

   • Modern slip-ons: Minimal sneakers for a playful contrast.

2. Layer with Modern Outerwear

   • Leather jackets or denim jackets keep the dress youthful.

   • For cooler months, add a slim cashmere or cropped knit.

3. Keep Accessories Simple

   • Vintage-style hats (beret or straw) for flair.

   • Color-matched belts enhance the waistline.

   • Delicate jewellery or pearl studs maintain a retro mood.

4. Respect the Print & Cut

   • A bold print does the talking—stick to neutral accessories.

   • Midi/maxi flowy shapes work well solo; cinch waist with a modern belt.

5. Mind the Color Palette

   • Warm vintage: rust, mustard, olive greens.

   • Cool vintage: navy, forest green, burgundy.

   • Or keep to clean whites and blush pastels for timeless charm.

✔️ How Tellar Helps You Nail the Fit

Vintage-inspired pieces often run small—don’t guess your size. Use Tellar’s free sizing tools:

• Store Size Lookup: Check your ideal size at any brand before buying →

  🔍 /store-size-lookup/

• Brand-Specific Fit Guides

  • Me + Em Fit Guide

  • Reformation Sizing Help

  • Karen Millen Size Review

  • Unique Vintage Fit Report

Using these links ensures you’re selecting the right size for that vintage silhouette—less returns, more confidence.

 Example Outfit Ideas

1. 1940s‑Style Tea Dress + Leather Jacket

   Cinched waist floral dress, black ankle boots, and a candy-red lip.

2. 1950s Swing Dress + Cardigan

   Polka‑dot full skirt, cropped cardigan, slingbacks, and simple pearls.

3. 1970s Prairie Maxi + Suede Ankle Boots

   Earth‑tone maxi with tiered skirt, wide-brimmed hat, and suede boots.

4. 1960s Shift + White Sneakers

   A‑line shift dress, minimal white sneakers, small tote—casual yet retro.

Stay Connected with Tellar

Follow daily vintage style inspo, fit tips, and sizing help:

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Twitter/X: @TellarSizing

• Facebook: Tellar Sizing

• Pinterest: TellarSizing

Final Tip

Vintage-inspired dresses are timeless mood-lifters—but only if they fit perfectly. Use Tellar’s tools before you shop, pick the right era and silhouette, and style with modern flair for a look that’s classic yet current.