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.

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

The 1970s and denim go hand in hand together like Jimmy Hendrix and a guitar, or Bianca Jagger and a white horse at Studio 54. From flares and double denim to skirts long and short the decade shifted denim from a Counterculture statement to a fast fashion must have. We take a look at some of our favourite 1970s denim fashion moments to help you get the perfect look online and in store.

Flared Jeans

Flares in any shape and form are synonymous with the 70s, starting life off as Naval bell-bottoms bought by the youth as a distinctive sign of a Counterculture lifestyle. The demand for these recycled Navy uniform trousers outweighed supply and those who wanted the look started to get creative by cutting open the side seams of straight legged jeans and adding extra panels of contrasting fabric.

Manufactures and stores quickly caught on to the DIY flared jeans, and it wasn’t long before a flared jean could be seen in every High Street window. From Farrah Fawcett to the teenagers on the street, flared jeans were the staple of 1970s denim fashion.

The Wrangler Jacket

Denim jackets can be attached to many eras but for the 70s must have it was the Wrangler Blue Bell 11MJ. Made famous by John Lennon it is near impossible to find a photo of Lennon in the 70s without his favourite piece of Wrangler denim.

The Denim Skirt

The denim skirt was born in the 70s as a way to recycle damaged denim in the awakening of the environmentally conscious consumer. They came in all lengths from a take on the 60s mini to the longer bohemian cut with raw hems, centre front o-ring zips and the humble patchwork.

Double Denim

Originally the staple of Cowboys and Miners of Gold Rush California, double denim much like the flare became a popular 70s trend. One of the many advocates of the double denim look was Sonny and Cher. Sonny, in fact, was the first man on television to ever wear denim. Denim came to symbolise a fresh all – American sexuality so the more denim, the better!

With so many 70s pieces in store and online, it is so easy to recreate your own 1970s denim fashion moment or mix and match with your own style. Perhaps try your own bit of DIY on the unloved denim in the back of your wardrobe to create that patchwork look.   If we can recommend one thing though is to try double denim, it may change your life!

 Words Hugo Harris

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!

Denim has been a staple in everyone’s wardrobes since the 60s! This classic workwear textile has been there with us throughout the fashion decades, resulting in the existence of a favourite pair of jeans, statement denim jacket or accessories such as hats or scrunchies (or if you’re brave - all of the above). 

As seemingly everyone in the world is a lover of this comfortably cool material, the tried and tested best way to stand out from the crowd is through customisation. Here at Beyond Retro we love to show off a little creativity and rework a look, so here are a few helpful tips on how to transform your old denim from drab to fab.

Before playing around with your vintage denim, find out about it's story with our ultimate denim guide.

Customise Denim With Patches

Whether you’re into bands, cartoons or merely feel the need to make a statement; patches are one of the easiest ways to get custom images onto your clothes. They’re simple to apply, you just have to iron them on! 

How to Acid Wash

To achieve this ultimate 90s effect, you’ll need to dilute some bleach in a spray bottle, squirting the areas you’d like to lighten. You’ll see the results almost immediately but remember to wash the jeans before you wear them!

How to do Embroidery

Maybe try practising on some scrap material first, or better yet, find somebody else to do it. All you need is a needle and embroidery thread and a cute design in mind and you're set to get to work customising your denim!

Inspired but have nothing to DIY yet? Discover some true vintage denim treasures online at Beyond Retro.

Words Hatti Rex

Unless you've had your phone nicked or have been busy getting on with life, there's no doubt that Coachella 2018 was absolutely unmissable. From iPhone footage of Beyoncé giving us the performance of a lifetime to every influencer under the sun posing next to the iconic wheel, social media was truly coming down with festival fever.

What we were really checking out though were the dreamy ensembles, noting down our favourite 'fits for our future festival looks of our own this Summer. Check out eight of the best below and see how you can recreate their style with vintage picks from Beyond Retro. 

1. Double Denim 

Source: dovecameron

Dove Cameron and her boo are true couple goals, not only are they wearing matching double denim but her face is literally painted on the back of his top. Time to bag yourself a vintage denim jacket from our store and get creative! 

 2. Visors 

Source: jeremy.moeller

For those who didn't get the memo, visors are definitely in again. If you can't afford Dior, don't sweat it: we've got them in stock at all our stores and they'll soon be available online just in time for festival season! 

 3. Practical Layering

Source: jessica_nguyen_

Sheer dresses not only allow for cheeky layering but are the absolute best for running freely through the festival, although vintage trousers are totally the better option for all you budding crowd surfers. Bring along a printed bomber jacket for when the sun disappears but before then, don't forget an essential pair of sunglasses. 

4. Band Tees

Source: Kaitlyn Wilkins

There's no better time for a vintage band tee than at a festival, the perfect conversation starter for making friends in the campsite or merely repping your idols whilst they're performing right in front of you. 

4. Accessories

Source: bellahunter

Accessories are everything and at Coachella, the more is truly the merrier. Load yourself up with bangles and feathers, transforming yourself into a dreamy daytime diva. Discover statement jewellery styles including earrings, chokers and more online. 

5. Short Shorts

Source: monique_thehairfreak

Everyone needs a good pair of denim cut-offs in their Summer wardrobe, perfect for both festivals and casual styling. We love that these besties have worn matching tiny shorts with a crop top to show off aspects of their own personality. 

6. Hats

Source: lindsay_foster

Baker boy caps and berets are the hottest trends this season. Not only do they look super cute but they'll shield your noggin from the harmful sun rays, meaning your outfit will be on fire but you won't literally be dying from heatstroke. 

Source: jeremy.moeller

No festival is complete without boho and 70s hippy inspired outfits and this one is divine! We're totally digging the sheer bell sleeve two pieces but the cross body bag and cowboy boots really steal the show.

Feeling inspired? Shop vintage everything at www.beyondretro.com