Many people now are looking to vintage when organising events, birthdays, weddings, burlesque nights or simply a love of an era – they’re all reasons to get dressed up in something different and head out looking fabulous. So where to go and what to do? Here's a five step guide to transport you to vintage perfection.
1. Do your homework
Manchester offers some great resources to help you on your way to being ready for a vintage event. Wander down to Platt Fields to the Gallery of Costume for inspiration throughout the decades or if you have a love of mid-century nip into the Manchester Art Gallery who are currently running an excellent exhibition 'Cotton Couture: 1950s Commissions from Manchester'. If you’d rather look at some books head to the Central Library.
2. Get your under structure right
Garters? Girdles? Corsets? Pop into Kiku Boutique in the Northern Quarter, they not only sell bespoke items they also do a fantastic off the peg range of lingerie and corsetry which will have you drooling. From bullet bras down to seamed fully fashioned stockings - if you want to create the perfect vintage shape to go under your outfit and give it that air of authenticity then Kiku is the place for you.
3. Pick the right outfit
If you decide to do it good and proper then head over to the Northern Quarter, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Retro Rehab the have some gorgeous gowns or beautiful day dresses if you want something a little understated, or if wearing true vintage isn’t your thing nip next door to Rockers for some repro vintage and don’t forget to nip round the corner to Oxfam Originals either.
4. Accessorise
Wander round the corner to Pop Boutique and go downstairs to gawp at the vintage handbags in all their cracked leather glory. Take time looking at the lining and check the colour is right against your outfit. They have a great selection of vintage kelly bags not too far from their rows and rows of vintage shoes. If second hand shoes aren’t your thing then take yourself to Clarks on Market Street for a cheat. They have a great selection of vintage inspired shoes which are incredibly comfortable and pretty.
5. Pamper and preen
Now you have all your bits and bobs you really should think about your hair and make up - after all it’s the thing that brings your whole look together. Whether you’re after marcel waves for your '20s look or victory rolls for your '40s ensemble, travel over to Chorlton Green and visit The Vintage Beauty Parlour. A professional hair and make up artist and a connoisseur of vintage styling, Bethany can advise you on the best hair style for your face shape and the most authentic colours to compliment your chosen decade. Then you're all set to head out looking fabulous!
See more things to do in Manchester from Time Out.