Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by Karis Tavernier-Nicholas
Whether it’s the classic, stylish looks from the ’50s and ’60s a la Audrey Hepburn, or the more flamboyant, boho styles from the ’70s, vintage style is always in Vogue. But some of these looks can be hard to achieve in the colder months of autumn and winter, just as it can be difficult to find motivation to wear anything other than trousers and a top, hidden under a duvet jacket. Here’s your guide on ways to wear vintage clothing in the colder seasons without freezing to death.
Vintage Clothes for Plus-Size Women
I wear a lot of vintage style clothing. I’m typically drawn to an eclectic mix of decades, typically the 1940s and 1950s, as well as the 1960s and 1970s especially. But I’m not a small girl, and finding true vintage clothes is very tricky and limiting for the larger woman. If you’re petite or of average size you shouldn’t have a problem finding some great clothes in vintage stores. But for us plus size girls, you can also find some great vintage reproductions online.
How to Dress Vintage for Autumn/Winter
I find that the clothes I wear are kind of universal throughout the year, and the key to that is layering. For instance, most of my ’40s and ’50s style dresses can be worn in spring as well as autumn and the early part of winter as the material is quite heavy. If I wear one of these dresses in the summer months, I wear it on its own with a pair of sandals or ballerinas. But if I want to wear the same dress in winter, I would layer, depending on how cold it is. I’d put on a vest, then a fine-knit jumper (as most of my dresses are short-sleeved or sleeveless) and then top it off with a short cardigan, a thick pair of tights and boots.
I’m also a fan of ’60s and ’70s styles. I have several long-sleeved Boho style dresses which can be worn in the spring, autumn and early winter. In summer these would be worn alone with a pair of flat strappy sandals; in the winter, I’d pair it with a fine-knit jumper underneath, preferably a polo neck and knee-high or short boots.
On very cold winter days, I tend to wear flared or wide-legged jeans and cords. Again, it’s all about layering in a similar fashion to what I’ve already mentioned. I’d add a thick cardigan – keep the cardigans short and classic as these already have a vintage vibe. Wear with jeans or cords, and team up with boots – I am still an avid wearer of Uggs. In the summer, the same jeans (although not on really hot days) would be teamed with a cute t-shirt or vintage style top, and a pair of birkenstock or flip flops, or maybe sandals or wedges.
I also love Fair Isle jumpers, cardigans and vest tops; they’re a great way to keep your winter outfit vintage in look, with a festive feel also. If you have shorter dresses or skirts, these can be worn with thick tights and knee high boots which gives a lovely cool ’60s vibe.
To finish, I’d say just have fun. Mix and match, and then you’ll create your own vibe.
