Vintage-Inspired Dresses That Feel So Modern

last updated 13 August 2019

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If you want a guarantee that the dress you’re ordering will be stylish now but also a few months, a year, and even five years from now, your best bet is to opt for a vintage-inspired dress—and here’s why. Retro pieces follow the classic shapes and silhouettes that worked so well in the past that they’re worth bringing back today, and there are some standout styles from each decade worth trying.

In the ’50s, tea dresses were popular, and they’ve returned now with designers like HVN bringing them back in the fold. From the ’60s, cool mod dresses are making a comeback. In the ’70s, pussy-bow styles were very of-the-moment, and they’re back in a major way. Even styles from the ’80s have returned—digging into the archives of Jean-Paul Gaulier, French designer Jacquemus is ushering back iconic styles from the decade. Want to see the best vintage-inspired dresses to try now?

Ahead, we’re breaking down 18 of the coolest pieces to wear now.

Saloni

Ruth Off-the-Shoulder Neoprene Midi Dress

The perfect dress for your next date night.

Unique21

Pussy Bow Pleated Dress With Embroidery

We are loving this preppy all-white dress from Unique21.

Topshop

Ditsy Ruched Front T-Shirt Dress

A dress that is sure to draw eyes.

See by Chloé

Pussy-Bow Stretch-Crepe Dress

Pair with cool combat boots to dress down the look.

Broderie Anglaise Cotton Midi Dress

Show this dress off when running your weekend errands.

AlexaChung

Hooded Floral-Print Crepe Midi Dress

Pair with black chunky heels for a cool summer look.

Needle & Thread

Ditsy Pussy-Bow Embellished Tulle Dress

The added tulle gives this dress such a pretty, romantic touch.

Violeta by Mango

Print Wrap Dress

Try out this floral number from Violeta.

Boutique Moschino

Tweed Mini Dress

This preppy yet sophisticated dress screams business casual.

Zara

Velvet Tube Dress

Velvet is everywhere this season. Stay on-trend with this adorable tube dress.

Miu Miu

Sequined Cady and Chiffon Mini Dress

The coolest work-appropriate dress.

Mango

Velvet Crossed Dress

Add a colorful purse to color-block with this velvet dress.

Club L

Velvet Wrap Front Dress

Take this little number out for a night dancing with girlfriends.

Jacquemus

La Robe Claude Longue Midi Dress

A sleek and conservative look.

Alexander McQueen

Pussy Bow Midi Dress

So romantic with the ruffled detailing.

HVN

Morgan Floral-Print Silk Crepe de Chine Dress

The cutest floral dress for spring.

Forever 21

Unique Vintage Polka-Dot Dress

Add a red lip for a cool retro look.

Bershka

Floral Print Dress

Get your floral fix for spring with this dress from Bershka. Next, find out which gifts to get for the most stylish women in your life.

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Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.