As we head into the summer and approach the halfway mark of 2019 it's a good time to look back and celebrate our favourite vintage-inspired looks of the year. Whether your wardrobe looks like it was brought straight from the 60's or you like to experiment with era-themed styling there is something to inspire you all.

1. The Shell Suit Of Your Dreams

Starting strong... our warehouse team showing you how to rock an 80s shell suit. Go hard or go home right?

2. Sassy Seventies 

 A dreamy, bohemian, vintage inspired look perfect for summer. Grab yourself a patterned mini dress from our huge selection! 

3. The Perfect Season Transition Outfit

Leandra Medine is a bonafide style guru and this 70s inspired look has us swoooooning. If you're looking for a way to jazz up your denim why not try a statement jacket.

 4. Flares With Friends

The fitting rooms in our Bristol store are perfect for an impromptu catwalk to strut around in your new vintage finds.

 5. Sorbet Pink Perfection

We just can't get enough of seventies inspired dressing for summer, another of our favourite looks- so chic and flattering for all.

 6. Berlin Street-style Inspiration

Vintage-inspired normcore dressing isn't going anywhere, so get on board!

 7. Dad On Holiday But Make It Fashion

Talking of normcore, dad-style, a member of our Brighton store shoes you how to make the trend work for warmer days! Shop our men's city break edit here.

 8. Dramatic Glamour

One of our favourite Met Gala looks of this year, Lily Collins pulled out all the stops in this vintage-inspired frilled gown with 60s bouffant and makeup. Definitely one to recreate asap!

 9. Rock 'n' Rolla

Coloured vintage jeans styled two ways. A simple but effective way to work your vintage pieces.

 10. Suave Seventies

A superb 70s throwback look and so simple to create- you probably have a vintage roll neck and pinstripe trousers in your wardrobe already!

 11. Disney Dreaming

We absolutely love this fun 90s style- the Mickey Mouse patch is just the icing on the cake. You can shop our selection of vintage Disney clothing here!

 12. Denim Chic

Kendall Jenner rocking both the work-wear and double denim trends all in one go. We love this simple and chic 70s inspired look.

 13. Mint Madness

A swingin' 60s look by one of our Dalston store team. Minty perfection! Don't forget you can shop all of our true vintage pieces by decade online! 

 14. Classic Cowboy

Last but by no means least, Lil Nas X has us all embracing yeehaw culture with his vintage-looking Western outfits. Even if you don't have a cowboy hat from Gucci you can still get some Wrangler on your booty by shopping our branded denim selection here.

Feeling inspired? Head over to our online store to find the freshest selection of vintage pieces hand-picked just for us; or if you want a little bit more style inspiration why not check out our blog where you can see how to wear double denim, how to do monochromatic dressing or read up on what fashion in the 1970s was like.

Words by Eloise Gendry

Double denim, the Canadian tuxedo, whatever you want to call it - it’s a strong look. Often ridiculed, denim on denim a difficult trend to rock, but is actually a lot easier to pull off than you might think. The idea of wearing more than one piece of denim clothing might make you recoil in horror, and you recall that iconic photo of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.

However, lot has changed since then. If you’re feeling ready to experiment with your style, but don’t want to stray too far from your uniform of jeans, you don’t have to.

The double denim look has been around for years and undoubtedly will stick around, carefully treading the line between irony and tragedy, with brands such as MSGM, Bobby Abley, Off-White and Proenza Schouler sending denim-clad models down the runway at Fashion Week.

Kaia Gerber at Off-White

Pastel Denim Cowboy at Bobby Abley

Still overwhelmed? Do not fear! Here is the Beyond Retro guide to styling denim on denim to help you make the most of all your favourite vintage denim pieces.

How To Wear Denim On Denim

1. Match your denim tones and add a print.

By matching denim tones your outfit will have a sleek, put together look - almost like a dressed down suit. (Chic, yet casj). Add a bold printed shirt or top to instantly lift it, then add accessories in the same tones to create a sleek palette for an even more impactful look.

2. Throw A Denim Jacket Over Your Denim Skirt.

In the summer, a vintage denim mini skirt is an instant go-to and one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. This is a really easy way to get into the denim on denim trend as it combines two pieces you probably already have in your wardrobe and you can pair it with any kind of top you like - be adventurous with a vintage scarf halterneck or keep it classic with a graphic tee. Super cute.

3. Try A Mix 'n' Match.

If you struggle to find pieces in a similar tone then go in a different direction and look out for patchwork denim pieces. This is a fun way to style denim on denim and will give you an effortless but fashion-forward look. (Cardi B anyone?)

4. Stick To Black Denim.

Black or grey denim is a low-key way to make this trend work for everyone as it's subtle and chic. Wear with a pair of white Converse or trainers that will really pop.

5. Get Crafty and Do Some DIY.

There's nothing like finding a totally unique piece, and DIY-ing some denim is the perfect opportunity. Get your Youtube tutorials at the ready and go crazy. Turn jackets into crop tops, jeans into shorts or even just fray the edges of your denim to make them match.

6. Look For Coloured Denim.

Create a fun and summery look by keeping your eye out for pastel pieces of denim that you can wear together to create a sugary sweet look. Mix and match different colours of pastel denim if you're feeling adventurous or wear with a simple vest or shirt.

7. Co-ordinate Your Summer Essentials.

A vintage denim shirt is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can own, and in the summer is a great option that will take you from sunny days to balmy nights. Match your shirt with a denim maxi skirt for a super summery look with Western vibes - giddy up!

7. Black 'n' Blue.

This trend is supposed to be super laid-back and easy-going so if you don't have matching pieces, don't worry. Mix blue jeans with a black denim jacket (or vice versa). Pair with your favourite vintage Doc Martens and you're set.

If you're feeling inspired you can shop our wide selection of vintage denim jeans, denim jackets, skirts and dresses. If you want some more inspo then read our blog on perfect denim jackets for summer.

You might associate dungarees with awkward pictures of yourself as a baby that your mum pulls out to embarrass you, but they are actually a versatile piece you should definitely add to your adult wardrobe. In the summer, easy dressing and outfits you can throw on in a second are the best - especially as we have to make it out of the house and into the sunshine before until it disappears ten minutes later.

After the boiler suit trend of winter, dungarees are the perfect summer alternative to keep comfy, cool and on trend. If you’ve seen your favourite people wearing them on the ‘gram you’re not the only one, they’re everywhere. But if you still feel lost about how to style a pair of vintage dungarees and then let us gently guide you.

Here's 5 Ways To Wear Vintage Dungarees For Summer:

1 - How to wear dungarees to work

Office-appropriate dressing gets even harder in the summer when all you want to do is rock up in shorts and crop top. Dungarees provide a great option between comfortable summer clothing and outfits that won’t get you fired. Try styling a dark blue or black dungaree dress with a white linen shirt with sleeves rolled up and pair it with some Birkenstocks or your favourite low-top trainers. You’ll stay cool and be comfortable but also look totally profesh.

2 - How to wear dungarees for a night out

On long, hot summer nights you want to be comfortable and feel your absolute best - that’s why dungarees are the answer! Underrated by many their versatility knows no bounds. Ideal for when those lazy park afternoons turn into long summer nights out - you don’t need an outfit change. A cami vest with dungarees and a pair of platforms is all you need to see you through. For a classic ‘out out’ vibe opt for black platforms and bag with gold jewellery with some statement earrings.

3 - How to wear dungarees on a date

Date outfit woes be gone! Pair a long pair of dungarees with a cute tee shirt, and matching leather accessories like a vintage camera bag and some mules for a relaxed and totally cute outfit. Whether you’re heading on a picnic, hitting up your favourite bar or strolling around a gallery this is the perfect date look. Now just to find a date…. Better start swiping.

4 - How to wear dungarees to a festival

Dungarees were MADE for festivals. Ideal for when you’re in a crowd, sitting on the grass and quick to get on and off when you’re in the dreaded festival portaloos, they’re the most practical piece you can invest in for the festival season. Practicality is SEXY. Go all out on your festival look with a sparkly bralet or mesh top, matching bumbag and some serious blingy sunglasses. Now you’re ready to go pay £10 for a pint of beer and dance to your heart’s content.

5 - How to wear dungarees to the beach

The perfect holiday outfit is just a pair of vintage dungarees away. If you’re not a beach dress kinda person then opt for the effortless and equally as cool option of some short dungarees. Wear over your swimsuit with a wide-brimmed hat and sandals for a chic beach look that will also take you from the beach to bar.

All the pieces featured in this blog can be found in our Brick Lane store on Cheshire Street, along with a myriad of other vintage gems.

You can shop our range of dungarees online here or alternatively pop into one of our stores to find your perfect pair and all the accessories you need.

After the hype around Bohemian Rhapsody it’s no surprise that an Elton John biopic has been announced. One of the most iconic figures in British music, Sir Elton John has inspired generations after him with both his music and his style. His stage outfits are instantly recognisable in the same way that his voice could not be confused for anyone but him.

So before we see Taron Egerton portray the living legend in Rocketman lets take a look at Elton John’s most iconic fashion moments.

Top 10 Elton John Looks

1973 - Winged Wonder

A truly iconic outfit, this all white, angelic get-up is an ethereal look. The oversized sunglasses are the perfect accessory to top it off - definitely inspiration from for the festival season.

1974 - Definitely Not Mellow Yellow

This in-your-face yellow stage outfit is exactly what you think of when you think of Elton; tight spandex, a plunging v-neck and massive white feather sleeves. YAS.

1975 - Home Run

This crystal covered costume made Elton’s performance at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles a memorable one. Harry Styles was even inspired to recreate this look for Halloween 2018, down to the tinted-lens square sunglasses.

1980 - Totally Quackers

Not one to shy away from wacky looks, Elton performed in Central Park, NYC in an inflatable Donald Duck outfit. Genius.

1984 - Shining Star

Elton John has always existed outside the realm of gender norms and in this bedazzled gown he makes a statement. The custom headpiece is also a show stealer.

1986- Shocking Pink

You would think the focus point of this outfit would be the bedazzled silver jacket, alas, it is the bright pink mohawk that our eyes are immediately drawn to.

1988 - Man Of Many Costumes

Dressed down in a simple black polo, Elton stands with a selection of his stage costumes showing the transformation that takes place in the dressing room.

1992 - Versace, Versace, Versace

At a Versace store opening in London in 1992, Elton poses with Donatella Versace in his iconic round sunglasses that became an integral part of his looks.

1997 - Never Outdone

For his 50th birthday party Elton John arrived dressed as an 18th century aristocrat. The bigger the hair, the closer to heaven, as they say; this hair is practically in the clouds.

Totally Gaga

His influence is boundless and of course the queen of outlandish stage costumes has taken a note or too from Elton John’s costume playbook.

Get The Look

Feeling inspired? We don't blame you. If you're read to upgrade your wardrobe and try something a little more flamboyant then look no further- here's our top Elton John inspired picks.

Gold Converse- £26.95

Red Patent Baker Boy- £18.00

Yellow Lens Round Sunglasses- £10.00

Long Sleeved Metallic Rainbow Shirt- £22.00

Floral Cropped Blazer- £25.00

Leather Platform Boots- £46.00

Diamante Resin Hoop Earrings- £10.00

If you can't get enough of the Elton John inspiration then head over to Pinterest. You can follow Beyond Retro and see our Rocketman inspired board where you can get inspired by his best looks and a curation of Elton-inspired vintage pieces from our website.

Words Eloise Gendry

As it gets warmer, and we all start to panic about whether it’s too cold to go bare-legged, or too warm to wear your favourite vintage jumper that you’ve been wrapped up in all winter, there’s one piece that will always be our go to; a vintage Levi denim jacket.

The perfect throw-on piece that really does go with everything, it’s one of our summer wardrobe heroes. We’d never want you looking anything but you’re best and feeling like so here is our pick of the best Levi denim jackets and how to wear them.

Vintage Levi Denim Jackets Looks For Her

How to wear denim jackets to work

What to wear to work in the summer is always stressful, but take it easy and create a foolproof look that you can wear any day of the week. A floral midi + a tee + a denim jacket = your new go-to office outfit. Keep it casual with some Vintage Converse or take the look up a notch with some pumps, either way, it’s an easy look that requires little effort for big impact.

How to wear a denim jacket to a festival

Stay cool in the sunshine by throwing a sleeveless denim jacket over your fave Vintage Band T-Shirts and a pair of raw-hem shorts or your favourite mini skirt. This look works whether you pair it with your favourite vintage Vintage Doc Martens or if you go all out with a pair of wellies.

Dance all day and night in the ultimate festival look. Bonus points if you customise your jacket with patches and badges. Don’t forget some big earrings and a pair of statement sunglasses for a killer sunset look.

How to wear a denim jacket on a date

There’s nothing like a summer romance; fall head over heels for your vintage Levi’s denim jacket and create the perfect date look. Simple, elegant and SO cute this look never fails.  Check out our selection of slip dresses and add your favourite oversized denim jacket, voila you’re ready to bag yourself a boyfriend…. Or girlfriend… Or FWB… or whatever it is you’re after.

Vintage Levi Denim Jackets Looks For Him

How to wear a denim jacket with denim jeans

A legend, an icon, of course, we’re talking about double denim. The summer is the perfect time to play around with new looks and go all out with your outfits, so embrace the double denim revolution by matching the washes of your jeans to your jacket and styling it out with a pair of trainers and your favourite graphic tee.

How to wear a denim jacket for BBQ

There's nothing like having a few beers, soaking up the sun and eating totally burnt food from the bbq. Whilst the food might not be on point your outfit can still be. Pair some casual chinos with a vintage denim jacket in a muted tone with chunky trainers to channel your inner Yeezy and rock the dadcore trend. Bonus points by adding the ultimate normcore accessory- some Kappa tube socks.

How to wear a denim jacket to the pub garden

Don’t throw out your skinny jeans just yet, keep it casual in black denim for a lazy summer Sunday outfit. Converse or Vans are a must for this look as are some wayfarer-style sunnies. Cut up your favourite band tee and turn it into a tank for a grungy laid-back look.

Shop our selection of vintage Levi's denim jackets here and if you're after some more style inspo for summer check out our guide to Hawaiian shirts.

 Words by Eloise Gendry

Everyone has a favourite pair of jeans, and the right ones will last you a lifetime. But sometimes you just want a change. We've got some simple DIY hacks to refresh your fave denim staples to give them an even longer life in your wardrobe. 

How To Make A Raw Hem

Here’s a great trick for when your latest vintage jeans purchase is slightly too long or if you just want to show off your ankles this Summer, fixing your own hem is actually super simple!

Step 1

First off, you’ll need:

• Your jeans
• Fabric scissors
• A tape measure
• Pins

Step 2

Before this, try on your jeans in the mirror and work out exactly how high you’re going to crop them. Measure the ideal length on one leg, making sure to make note of the number for the other side.

Step 3

Using your trusty pins, attach both sides of the trouser together so that’s easier to trim. Be sure to make this a straight of a line as possible!

Step 4

Snip, snip! See ya later excess material. A straight line across should be simple enough. The sharper the scissors, the better. After snipping away the ends of your jeans, you can design your own worn effect using sandpaper. This will give you that very trendy raw hem result.

Frayed Hem Jeans

Instead of cutting horizontally across the pinned line, try snipping vertically upwards to create a fringing effect. Wash on a short cycle on the lowest temperature and they’ll naturally create a super cute fray.

Pocketless Denim

And here’s us thinking women's clothes didn’t have enough pockets. Often the colour underneath will be different from the rest of the jean, giving you a cute little statement zone.

Ripped Denim

A punk and grunge classic. We take no responsibility for any elders making stupid comments like ‘where are half your jeans gone?’ at family events though. It’s called fashion, look it up.

Find out more on making your denim your own with our guide on how to customize your denim!

From punks to pop icons check, tartan, houndstooth and gingham are eternal favourites. Each type of fabric has a rich history and they continue to be updated every season, their popularity never faltering. We’ve taken inspiration from these fabrics and the likes of Gucci, Kenzo, Versace and Charles Jeffrey for winter, piling up kilts, plaid shirts and scarves.

Whether you choose to go all-out, head-to-toe, full-on with the trend or keep it more low-key by styling up a patterned piece we have some inspiration for you. Check out our Criss-Cross icons.

Clueless

Probably one of the most iconic and memorable costumes from the film, Cher and Dionne’s plaid two piece looks still have us bugging out. Whilst the idea of wearing a completely tartan outfit might scare you as much as driving down the highway in a car driven by Dionne, style this look with a simple graphic tee underneath and it becomes easily wearable.

Malcolm McLaren

Former Sex Pistols manager, artist and musician Malcolm McLaren was an integral part of the London punk scene during the late seventies. His iconic look was truly rebellious, putting two fingers up to the fashion of the time.

Rachel Green

A moment of silence for this outfit, please. Rachel was a style icon of the nineties, wearing some of the best outfits to ever grace the small screen and a haircut that many viewers would later regret copying. Possibly the preppiest she ever looked, this outfit is still inspirational today. The knee socks and roll neck perfectly compliment the plaid mini skirt in a kitsch and cute look that is super simple to replicate. You can shop our selection of laid skirts here.

Gwen Stefani

From performing at Glastonbury to a day out with her baby there’s No Doubt that Gwen is a fan of a plaid pant. Suiting her punky, fusion style statement, red and green checks seem to be her go-to. Easily paired with chunky boots and a crop-top you can recreate this look in an instant.

Tartan Queen

Naomi Campbell is known to make an impression on the catwalk and Vivienne Westwood 1994 was no different, she graced fashion week head to toe in Scottish heritage tartan. The classic Westwood silhouette and the top to toe styling makes a real impact. Go all-out and shop our selection to create your own all-tartan look.

Aunt Viv, Fresh Prince Of Bel Air

Aunt Viv’s costumes were always impeccable, as was her hair and this yellow skirt suit is a perfect example exquisite looks she wore. Shop our selection of blazers here.

The People’s Princess

We all wish we could have raided Princess Diana’s wardrobe as she had such an iconic and versatile style that to this day is #goals. This teal check coat and hat combo is one of her most well-remembered and made an impact whilst also being very simple.

Beyoncé

What’s more iconic than the classic Burberry check? Beyoncé in custom Burberry check. When Riccardo Tisci took over from Christopher Bailey he updated the brand’s logo and the check itself, making it more modern. Obviously, Queen Bey can do no wrong when it comes to her outfits but this stage look in particular deserves a round of applause.

Dorothy

A gingham-clad beauty, Judy Garland’s Dorothy is known for her iconic dress. The pale blue and white pattern perfectly suits the sweeter-than-pie character, especially with the matching hair bows. Gingham screams sunshine, summer and picnics in the park but a gingham skirt paired with a knitted jumper and boots can be a perfect transitional look.

Lady Gaga

Not one to shy away from a bold look, Gaga went all out with this monochrome houndstooth look. The pearls are the perfect finishing touch for this loud but feminine look.

Vans - the iconic skate shoe

The waffle-sole, checkerboard print Vans trainer might be more commonly connected nowadays with the spiked-belt-wearing indie/emo tribes of the early 2000s, but their roots lay firmly in a history of skateboarding. The black and white checkerboard design is a design classic and is still as popular as it ever was. Shop our selection of Vans here.

The late, great Alexander McQueen

One of the biggest designers that Britain has produced and a legend in his own right, McQueen created many collections inspired by his father's’ Scottish heritage that incorporated traditional tartan fabrics. Accompanied by Sarah Jessica Parker to the 2016 MET Gala, the pair looked dreamy in tartan creations, McQueen in a classic kilt and Parker in a tartan-wrapped ball gown extravaganza.

Liv Tyler, Empire Records

The ultimate girl crush, Liv Tyler…. Need we say more?

Audrey Hepburn, 1961

There are not many lists of style icons where Audrey Hepburn wouldn’t appear and this one is no different. Her pairing of colour coordinating green check skirt and polo top clash brilliantly with her opaque red tights, an elegant and fun twist on criss-cross styling.

The laundry bag.

THE biggest criss-cross icon is undoubtedly the humble laundry bag. A true unsung hero, the classic red and blue check has inspired designers and even been incorporated into collections from big brands such as Balenciaga. We stan a criss-cross legend.

Words Eloise Gendry

As you've probably seen on Instagram, layered sportswear looks are the hottest trend right now. Inspired by catwalk looks at Men's Fashion Week paying homage to the ultimate street style. With collections from brands like Prada and Vetements taking inspiration from the nineties and early Y2K, we figured the best way to achieve this look is by incorporating old school vintage styles into your wardrobe. It's a bold aesthetic, allowing for both peak comfort and rapid movement whilst still turning heads. 

The majority of the styles have a strong focus on the colour black and usually includes a strong accent colour for contrast such as white, red, yellow or green. Textures including leather and nylon are combined to create outfits that feel as exciting as they look, creating the ultimate feast for the senses. As well as classic sports brands like Adidas and Reebok making obvious appearances, it's totally fine to be throwing leather trousers, kimonos and blazers into the mix. 

Although the trend is primarily menswear based, ladies can fully jump on board too by combining casual sporty styles and clashing textures. Even borrow a couple of pieces from the guys if you have to. Think high necked jumpers and mesh layers under dungarees or tucked into popper tracksuit bottoms, with bandannas and obviously branded sports socks to accessorise. Consider incorporating a leather miniskirt for a feminine edge.

Jackets are a big part of the trend so it's time to dig out your Tommy Hilfiger windbreakers and vintage leather motocross jackets. Reversible puffers and Korean inspired bombers would also be very on point, even a longline leather jacket straight out of the Matrix layered over a sports hoodie would be cool. If you combine obvious branding combined with normcore staples, you're probably somewhere on the right track. 

Fancy getting a piece of the action or simply on a sportswear flex? Shop our Sports Focus edit now and be as happy as our models below. 

Models: Imogen @kate_lapitalism + Jordan @jordzbai

Photographer: Jasmine Dunne @jasmineldunne https://jasminedunne.online/

Assistant: Bella Paulo

The weather outside is frightful and the wine is so delightful but if you don't get your Christmas presents soon, the situation could be frightful. Luckily at Beyond Retro, we have your back with a fabulously festive selection of gifting goodies, perfect for stocking fillers or secret Santa surprises available in just a few clicks. What's better is that many of our favourites are now reduced in price, meaning that you'll have a couple of extra pennies to spend on Christmas Eve drinks. Ding dong merrily on high!

Christmas Jumpers

Whether your office is participating in an ugliest Christmas jumper competition or you simply want your loved one to have the best day ever, our selection of vintage treats is not to be rivalled. From cute and simple designs to outright distasteful disasters, even just a quick scroll through will have you giggling into your eggnog.

Even better, they've all been reduced to £14.95 in time for the big day!

Wool And The Gang Knitting Kits 

When they've overstuffed themselves with dinner and mince pies or can't be bothered to watch Home Alone for the tenth time this month, your loved ones will appreciate a fun wholesome activity as the day draws to a close. Our reduced price knitting kits from Wool And The Gang not only offer result in a glorious new accessory or decoration but also double as a guaranteed bonus fun time. 

Pyropet Candles

Chesnuts may traditionally roast by an open fire, but isn't it about time that they got a bit toasty next to a melting animal about to reveal it's metallic bones? Ok, that was a bit of a long shot but these badass Pyropet candles really do make a great gift. Choose from a cat, deer or bird, available in a variety of delightful colours and currently on sale. 

Assorted Bric-A-Brac

Let's be honest, almost everybody could do with another mug or notebook, which BTW are bound with vintage archive fabric. Luckily for your chosen receiver of gifts, both of these are on sale so grab em whilst stocks last. 

Gift Cards

When you still can't decide on the perfect gift for your friend, partner or family member, usually it's best just to leave it down to them. Our e-gift cards are always available and will be emailed over which means you could literally leave it until Christmas Eve, although we really don't recommend being silly enough to do that. 

If any of our suggestions aren't really your thing, check out the rest of our website and discover a whole world of vintage delights. We can guarantee that there's something for everyone, even the Scrooge in your life. 

✨ Order your Christmas gifts by Weds 20th for standard delivery or Fri 22nd before 2 pm for next day delivery ✨