Unique Vintage Clothing I Wore in Punta Gorda

Ok, I’ll admit it. I adore unique vintage clothing, but sometimes I have trouble actually wearing it. Retro style clothing is just something that catches my eye. Still, sometimes I fear wearing it. A great time to test out wearing vintage style clothing is when I travel, and that leads to fashion posts. I haven’t done one in a while, and I hope you enjoy this fun peek into a few different eras!

Wearing Unique Vintage Clothing

I truly want to hear your thoughts on any of the outfits below. Some have received thumbs up and thumbs down, but I truly like each piece!

Where to Purchase Vintage Clothing

If you are wondering where to buy vintage style dresses and retro style clothing, I can help you out a bit. It may be helpful to search the web for terms such as “thrift stores near me” or “buy 80s vintage clothing online.”

Truthfully, I don’t do much purchasing on the web. I like to see the quality, verify the era, and also make sure that it fits me correctly. Buying in person accomplishes all of that.

These pieces were all found while I was traveling out of my home state.

So, they also serve as memories of sorts. My thoughts? Ditch the t-shirt and buy a vintage souvenir instead.

Scouring Vintage Clothing Stores

To be truly vintage, a piece is supposed to be 20 years older or more, so don’t let some consignment shops and thrift stores pass things off as vintage that aren’t. Vintage DOES NOT equal pre-loved. It’s an age thing, not a matter of wearings.

You have to be really careful with vintage pieces, and it’s ok if they have a few flaws. I have several items that I wear that have slight holes or tiny stains. They don’t detract from the piece, and a little wear and tear are to be expected with age.

Finding Retro Style Clothing

Here is where I find my favorites:

• Antique Stores – I have found several pieces at antique stores and co-op antique malls. It’s fun to stumble upon a booth with unique vintage clothing!
• Yard Sales & Flea Markets – You never know what you will find on a Saturday morning, so I enjoy heading to garage sales and markets to look for lots of things – clothing included.
• Unique Vintage Clothing Stores – Yay! There are shops that specialize in carrying only unique vintage clothing, and this is my FAVORITE way to purchase these items. The owners/sellers are knowledgeable about what they are selling. Generally, they also list the condition, era, and any flaws the piece has. Yay!
• Donation-Based Stores – I have found SO many vintage style dresses and other pieces at Goodwill, Salvation Army stores, and the like. Often, folks are clearing out the belongings of older people – clothing included. It’s a fab way to find pieces at amazing prices!

Ok, now on to what I wore!

Mod 60s Style Dress – $20

I found this lovely dress in Greensboro, NC at a shop that sells vintage clothing. I loved everything about it! It’s cute and comfy, and it was only $20. What a great deal! I wore this while we were at Fishermen’s Village exploring the docks.

Things to note about this dress are the “X” in the back, the pocket, the cute mock collar, and the pattern. The earrings and hair clip are by Violet & Brooks, my sandals are by Sam Edelman (thrifted for $3!), and my watch is by Misfit Wearables.

70s Button Down Top – $10

This was a find that my family definitely gave a hard “no” about. I adored it, and when I was packing for my Florida trip, I discovered that I had the perfect yellow shorts (clearance J Crew for $8) to go along with. The pattern on the shirt is subtle but cute.

A quick tie in the front makes it a bit more modern, and I wore a vintage chain belt that I thrifted for $1. The sandals are by Lucky, and I got them on clearance for just $10. I love bargains!! I purchased the shirt from the clearance rack at a store that sold only vintage items.

We visited the Peace River Wildlife Center where they rehab injured animals. It was a lot of fun to visit and see the animals.

Retro 80s Clothing Sweater – $20

These photos were taken at the golden hour as the sun was almost setting on the harbor in Punta Gorda. I took a chance on this sweater from the 80s that I purchased at an antique mall in West Virginia.

I happened upon a booth that had vintage clothes and fell in love with this sweater! The way it dips in the back is very on-trend, and the texture with the boucle-like look appealed to me.

I paired it with a GAP jean skirt that I have had forever and a few vintage jewelry pieces. I purchased the earrings for $1 at a yard sale, and the bracelets (not the beaded one) were $1 each at an antique shop near State College, PA.

70s Swim Set – $25

Honestly, I am not 100% sure about the price of this set because I didn’t really care. I LOVE it! The bathing suit can be worn as a onesie with a pair of jeans or denim shorts. Toss the top on, and it makes for such a cute retro style clothing look.

I found the set at a vintage shop in Greensboro, NC, and I knew as soon as I put it on that it would have to be mine! I wore it while on a bike ride (with jeans shorts over top) on the harbor trail.

Point of note – I would NEVER wear this for swimming. It’s thin and a bit delicate, but it’s really flattering on. It also hides a multitude with its bold pattern, which is a big bonus!

I know that I 1000% need to do some booty toning, so…at least I realize it. Ha!

Do you have unique vintage clothing?

I’d love to hear about any pieces that you adore! Finding retro style clothing is a passion of mine. I truly enjoy having one-of-a-kind clothing, and vintage can offer that.

Many of the pieces are handmade (like the swim set!), and others are just one of a few that have stood the test of time. Feel free to share any tips or favorite pieces with me below!