From season to season, leather is key to compleating your look. From top to toe, vintage leather is a go-to for investment pieces that steal the show! Here’s how we style three key leather pieces. 

Leather Trousers

We all know about that Ross from Friends moment, so best to choose wisely when picking your pair of vintage leather trousers. This is an easy way to take on the leather trend whether you go for the straight leg, or wide-leg fit, both perfect with a vintage pussy-bow blouse or throw over an oversized knit when you want to stay chic, but half less than 10 minutes to get out the front door.

Leather Skirt

One thing we can never get enough of and is every bit necessary for your wardrobe, a vintage leather skirt is way more versatile than you think. It can act as a blank canvas for your outfit or win everyone over as a focus point. Try a rollneck and mini skirt for a chic 60s inspired look, alternatively why not go for a midi? This look is perfect with a puff sleeve 80s blouse for a statement look. 

Leather Jacket

The perfect unisex leather! Originally a symbol of rebellion, the classic leather jacket has now got a reputation for being a must-have item, whatever your style. Whether you prefer the classic biker look inspired by the bad boys and girls of the 1950s, a long 1970s coat or your opting for a boxy 1990s piece, all you need to do is pair it with your favourite Levi's! It’s the vintage investment piece of your dreams, so check out our huge selection. 

Feeling inspired? Finish off your look with denim, and discover our ultimate denim guide here.

As we say BUH-BYE to summer and start slipping into something a little more autumnal it's time to cast our eyes to the runway and see what trends are in store for the upcoming season. We're sure there's definitely a few comfy winter pieces hidden in your wardrobe that you're excited to dig out again, but freshening up your look with a few key pieces is a great way get prepped for a new season. 

Maybe it's the cycle of fashion, or perhaps just how a lot of the world are feeling right now, but the overall feel for AW19 is pretty emo; with gothic touches, dark palettes and 19th century vibes. Put on your best pussy-bow blouse, slip into some lacy black tights and let's dive into winter. 

Top 10 Trends For A/W19

1. Moody Florals

From Richard Quinn to Miu Miu, dark and wintery florals were all over the runways for A/W19. On pieces such as cape-like coats and flowing maxi-dresses there's no garment left untouched by the moody floral trend. Don't go putting your floral maxi's away just yet, try pairing them with thick woolen tights or socks and chunky boots for a autumnal twist. 

Richard Quinn, Paco Rabanne, Miu Miu

2. Corduroy

A favourite among dads, farmers and fashionistas alike; cord has taken over as the fabric of the season this year. In rich caramel trousers at Alexa Chung and in a delicious, cobalt suit at A.W.A.K.E. Mode, we've been getting a serious craving for corduroy. Don't be scared by it's traditional roots, a pair of vintage cord trousers are surprisingly versatile and will see you through the season effortlessly. Pair with a vintage band tee or a loose-fitting blouse for a cool, casual, daytime look or with a sparkly top and faux fur coat for some serious 70s glam vibes.

A.W.A.K.E Mode, Michael Kors, Alexa Chung

3. Tie-Dye

Keep those chilled, summer vibes coming despite the turning weather. Tie-dye has been seen on runways from New York to Milan for the last few seasons and there's no sign of it going away. This trend is great because of it's simplicity and DIY nature. Either bag yourself a tie-dye tee to layer over a contrasting long-sleeve or find a pair of vintage joggers to tie-dye yourself. Bleach tie-dye is an especially fitting way to take the trend into winter as it involved removing colour from your palette rather than adding. #emo.

Area, Ashley Williams, Collina Strada

4. Tartan

Sometimes you just don't need to mess with a classic. As soon as the temperature drops a couple of degrees tartan seems to spring up all over, for good reason! With a rich history behind the textile not only in its origin but it's adoption by the punk movement means that it's a fun and easy way to toughen up any autumnal look. Our favourite way to style a tartan skirt is with an over-sized sweater and as much black eyeliner as we can fit on our eyelids. 

Ashley Williams, Coach 1941, Marine Serre

5. Layers upon layers

Layers to autumn are what florals are to spring; groundbreaking or not layered looks are still all over the runway for A/W19. Sometimes practicality can be stylish and why would we argue against that! Mix up your classic styling with a pair of vintage Levi's 501s, a baggy striped shirt worn hanging out of an over-sized hoodie and throw on a blazer to finish; so fashion. 

Aigner, Altuzarra, Annakiki

6. Suiting

Smart, tailored details will never go out of style and that's a fact. Heading into winter we often start to reach for comfy, rounded silhouettes but it can be a refreshing change to mix up your autumnal wardrobe with some sharp, tailored looks. At Adeam, Gucci and Eckhaus Latta, tailored shapes were on the agenda for 2019/2020, so take note and start looking for those perfect suiting pieces. It can be difficult to find perfect-fitting suits but search for some vintage pieces, whether herringbone, check or prince of wales and invest in getting them tailored to fit you perfectly. The ultimate way to get yourself a stand-out, custom piece without splashing the cash.

Adeam, Gucci, Eckhaus Latta

7. Rich Fabrics

Wrap up and feel like a glamorous starlet with in autumns most luxurious trend. Soft crushed velvets, buttery silks and satins paired with faux-fur and leathers come together for this season to make a multi-faceted and rich aesthetic. For inspiration look to brands such as Alexander Wang and Claudia Li for their subtle inclusions of luxurious fabrics. 

 Alexander Wang, Dennis Basso, Claudia Li

8. Prairie Chic

Summer 2019 will forever be remembered as three months where yeehaw culture swept the fashion scene, taking it by storm with cowboy-inspired looks. As we move away from summer the wild western theme is still going strong but re-imagined for a more autumnal feel. Prairie chic is a girly and often floral-heavy interpretation of the cowboy trend which is perfectly suited for colder weather. Layers of floral and lace with leather touches and soft draped silhouettes are perfect for incorporating both the gothic floral and layering trends too. Longchamp and Maryam Nassir Zadeh are your go-to reference points for this trend, keep an eye out for maxi-length vintage floral dresses, lace tops and mid length boots. 

Jonathan Cohen, Longchamp, Maryam Nassir Zadeh

9. Lilac

Every season there area couple of colours that stand out and seem to be everywhere, we've had Millennial pink and Gen Z green but now we have two more colours de jour to fall in love with. The first colour of the season is lilac, whether you go head to toe like Balmain or add in touches of the hue like Mazarine, there's many ways to wear lilac for autumn. 

Balmain, Dries Van Noten, Mazarine

10. Orange

 The second big colour for the season is orange. Intimidating to some, maybe, but it will be everywhere this winter. In toned-down leafy tones or in near-neon vibrancy there's a whole lot of ways to wear it. Fashion East alum Charlotte Knowles showed gorgeously tailored, feminine pieces in layers of orange whilst Kenzo showed one of our new go-to winter looks; a bright woolen jumper layered under a flowing floral slip dress. 

If you're feeling suitably wintery and in the mood to start putting together your wardrobe for A/W19 then head over to our In Bloom edit to shop A/W19 trend pieces or if you need a little more inspo for how to put together your winter wardrobe then check out our blog on our favourite vintage-inspired looks for autumn. Also check out our playlist below for the perfect soundtrack for autumnal shopping. 

Words Eloise Gendry

We absolutely LOVE a pair of dungarees at Beyond Retro. They are the most comfortable and versatile denim item you can own, and you definitely won’t regret investing in a pair. A good pair of vintage dungarees are a sure fire way to pull off a 90s inspired look in an instant.

We love to look back through the decades and pull inspiration on how to style our vintage finds, and the 90s is definitely the best place to start when it comes to dungarees. Check out our top 5 90s celebrity dungaree outfits!

Top 5 90s Celebrity Dungaree Outfits

1. Aaliyah in Tommy Hilfiger

A bonafide icon of the 90s, Aaliyah had one of the most inspirational styles of the decades. Her laid-back, cool looks had everyone trying to imitate her outfits.  A big fan of Tommy, Aaliyah looks mega in these baggy, blue, Hilfiger dungarees with a simple white crop top, white socks and slides. Conveniently this look is also perfect for long summer days when it’s too hot for any kind of layers.

2. Britney Murphy’s Dungaree Dress

A ray of sunshine in a grey New York street, Britney Murphy’s applique embellished dungaree dress is a super cute and quirky twist on traditional dungarees. With strappy sandals and a baby pink vest, this is the perfect laid-back, low-key Saturday afternoon outfit.

3. Sarah Jessica Parker

Just when you think that dungarees couldn’t be any more 90s, this picture of SJP comes along. The hat, the blazer, the fresh-faced makeup; you can’t get more quintessentially 90s if you try. This over the top look is surprisingly great inspiration for a way to wear dungarees to work, by wearing them over a crisp white shirt, adding some cute black shoes and a blazer you have an office-appropriate outfit to wear again and again.

4. The Olsen Twins

The cutest style icons of the decade, Mary-Kate and Ashley are big dungaree outfit inspiration. Throw a vintage flannel shirt around your waist and pair with Doc Martens and you’re good to go; who new MK&A were such grunge style icons.

5. Jennifer Aniston

90s style icon JenAn has provided us with so much style inspiration it would be criminal to not include her on this list. Lest we forget the amount of women who were rocking ‘the Rachel’ haircut in the 90s, her power means she was probably one of the first influencers as we know them today. The simplest and probably most effective way to style dungarees, is a look that will take you through seasons and different occasions effortlessly. A printed tee and blue denim dungarees should be a staple look.

Shop our expertly selected range of vintage dungarees online and in-store, whether you’re after the classic full length, cropped vintage dungarees or a denim dungaree dress we’ve got you covered. After some more style inspiration? Check out our guide to 90s summer inspiration.

Words By Eloise Gendry

We’re already looking forward to long days in the park, the sweet smell of sunscreen and all the over-the-top wide-brim hats but thinking about all of those plastic pint-cups, the single-use food packaging from picnics and all the temptingly-cheap fast fashion makes us break into a sweat. As it starts to heat up and we start planning for summer fun it’s easy to let our habits slip and forget the impact our everyday lifestyle choices can have. We know we can’t solve every issue but we can all do our own small bit every day in the choices we make. So to get the summer vibes flowing and help you plan for the most fun-filled season of the year we’ve compiled a list of switches, steps and shopping choices you can make to make 2019 your most sustainable summer yet.

Practical Picnic Tips

Food wraps

Step away from the cling film and tin foil! Whilst a sandwich bag or two might not seem like the worst thing you could do, they are the type of single-use plastic that will take years and years to decompose and poison the environment. But don’t stress! You can still keep your sarnies safe without plastic. Try making a DIY beeswax food-wrap. They are reusable so you can use them throughout the summer but means you can ditch unnecessary packaging.

Bamboo cutlery sets

There’s nothing like a stroll around a food market or lunch in the park but disposable cutlery is a huuuuuge waste of resources. Invest in a chic set of reusable bamboo cutlery which you can keep in your bag and refuse the nasty plastic you’re offered. The more people who stop using it, the less profitable it is for the companies and they will stop buying them.

Metal straw set

An essential for sustainable living the whole year round; a metal straw will mean whether you’re in the pub, at the beach or at a festival you can feel good about your choices.

Sustainable Summer Skincare

Biodegradable Face Glitter

Of course a glamorous, glittery look is essential for festival season but most are made of plastic which, when washed off, adds to the micro-plastic pollution in our oceans. Opt for a more sustainable option and feel like a guilt-free, glittering goddess.

Eco Glitter in Merry Go Round 

Ditch face-wipes

Face wipes are not only damaging to the planet when disposed but they’re bad for your skin too! Choose a more skin-loving and planet-loving option and go for a good face wash or reusable cotton rounds.

Solid deodorant

Being a sweaty-mess is not a strong look for summer but neither is the effect that aerosol cans have on the environment. Try out a natural, solid deodorant that is just as effective but kinder on your arms and kinder to the environment.

Style

Upcycle Your Wardrobe

Everyone has that old pair of jeans that don’t quite fit right anymore or aren’t your style but linger in the back of your wardrobe. Summer is the perfect time to get creative and experiment with some DIY style. Take that old pair of jeans, that old maxi dress or an old tee-shirt and grab your scissors. By simply cutting off the hems you can revive your wardrobe in an instant and have a new summery wardrobe without spending anything. If you want some more upcycling inspo then check out our customization how-to’s!

No Waste No Regret

If you do decide to crop your jeans, jackets, dresses and tees then take the excess fabrics and turn them into a coordinating item for your outfit. For example, with a few simple stitches the denim from your jeans can be used to make a matching tote bag to go with your new denim shorts. There’s a world of possibilities to refresh your look!

Avoid Fast Fashion

When it comes to planning holidays or even what you’re going to wear to the park with friends it can be tempting to go for the super-cheap, low-quality fast fashion the high-street has to offer. Of course it can be difficult to avoid the convenience all together but by checking out your local charity shops and vintage stores you’ll be bound to find yourself something totally unique. To make life even easier we even offer next-day shipping on our website, so when you fall in love with a vintage gem and just can’t wait to wear it you don’t have to.

Work With What You’ve Got

When looking for new summer pieces, choose things that already work with what’s in your wardrobe. By buying less you save money and save the planet! It’s simple but a super effective way to help lessen your contribution to climate change.

Stay Cool In Vintage

Look for vintage hats and fans to keep your cool as it heats up. A good wide-brimmed boater, some cat-eye sunglasses and a vintage handheld fan will not only means you’ll be staying chilled but you’ll look chic AF whilst doing it.

Out & About

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

One of the joys of summer is being able to be out in the sunshine all day, strolling through the streets, picnicing in the park and avoiding public transport at all costs. Whilst walking places is a more environmentally friendly way to get around you’ll need to stay hydrated- don’t forget a reusable bottle to keep filled up with water!

Totes Adorbs

Refusing plastic bags when you go shopping is a simple witch which many of us have already begun to do naturally, but when the sun comes out you might not be carrying around the same big backpacks you were in the winter! Get yourself a cotton or net tote bag which you can fit neatly into your wicker summer bags and you’ll never be caught having to use plastic. Also a tote bag will double up nicely as a mini picnic blanket to sit on so you don’t get your white summer clothes dirty on those long picnic-in-the-park afternoons!

Every small step helps and the most seemingly-insignificant change can make a big impact when we all do it. If you’re after some summer wardrobe refreshment then shop our women’s summer shop or men’s summer shop online. Or if you want some more info on sustainability in fashion read about it here.

Festival fashion has become a mainstay of the fashion industry, clutching our attention each and every Spring with the Californian music festival Coachella, right through summer with the likes of Glastonbury, Reading and All Points East.

Festival fashion once meant donning a sequined body-suit, a pair of hot pants and decorating every inch of your body with blinding glitter. At Beyond Retro, we certainly encourage this extravagant dress-code, but festival fashion often means buying something you may never wear again. So to encourage a more sustainable way of dressing for the best summer of your life, we have created this list of your 2019 festival vintage and eco-friendly must-haves! 

1. Plastic-Free Glitter

Glitter is fun, but commercial glitter contains plastic, and plastic isn’t fun! Everything about Eco Glitter Fun is plastic-free, including the packaging, making it a sustainable substitute for your festival favourite this Summer. Glitter can be worn in a variety of dynamic ways, try wearing it as an eye shadow, or painting sunbeams across your cheek and collar bones! Shop our women’s accessories.

2. A Tie-Dye T-Shirt

Tie-dye has already become a trend off and on the runway, with brands such as Prada, MSGM and Stella McCartney debuting tie-dye in their most recent collections. Even Beyonce was seen wearing it, and in our humble opinion, the tie-dye t-shirt is going to be the white blouse of Summer 2019.

Tie-dye can be dressed up and down, but ultimately celebrates individuality and can be worn however you like, making it a must-have this festival season. Find a vintage tie-dye t-shirt and have a piece that is entirely unique!

3. Western Clothing

Western wear has been slowly but surely seeping into the cultural zeitgeist over the last couple of years, but this summer with country legend Billy Ray Cyrus re-entering the charts it is set to become a bonafide festival fashion trend. From fringe to cowboy boots, western wear is an essential component of any respectable festival outfit! Pair western wear with the aforementioned tie-dye t-shirt for a 1970s inspired outfit, or mix and match with other vintage pieces in your wardrobe for a more contemporary look that feels completely you. 

4. Neon Everything

If there’s one way to make yourself stand out in a crowd of thousands, it’s neon. Neon has been a mainstay of brands such as Versace and Iceberg for years and adds the perfect 00s nostalgia component to any festival outfit. You can ease yourself into the trend with these fluorescent sunglasses, or dive straight into the deep end in a head to toe neon look. Never lose your friends again!

5. A Bum Bag

Love them or hate them, there’s no denying that the bum bag is what festival legends are made of. On an aesthetic level, the bum bag can be used to add a level of camp, chic or cool to any outfit, depending on the chosen bag. On a practical level, the bum bag is impossible to lose whilst wrapped around your body and can carry just about everything you need at a festival!

If you’re still not convinced, would it help if we renamed the bum bag the belt bag? How about if we told you Rihanna has one?

6. Your OTT Piece

It really wouldn’t be a festival without that one statement piece of clothing. This is the piece strangers will approach you to talk about, this is the piece that will possibly get you a free drink, and this is the piece that we promise you will want to wear again, and again, and again.

Avoid the fast fashion trap of throwaway items by shopping vintage, and you’ll get to take home a new best friend. Whatever your style, you’ll be sure to find that piece to make your heart sing! Whether it be that 1960s party top, a 1970s dress or a 1990s pair of dungarees … there’s something for everyone!

7. Festival Footwear

There’s nothing worse than ruining a brand new pair of shoes at a festival, but we at Beyond Retro also understand that shoes have the power to make or break an outfit. For a sustainable footwear option, why not invest in a pair of vintage Doc Martens that are built to last? You’ll be able to wear them to festivals for years to come!

8. Practical Bonus Round: A Raincoat!

Considering British summer time traditions, the last must-have on this list is almost a given. British summer will seem more like four seasons in a day, which is why it's important, especially at a festival, to be prepared for everything! Plastic, disposable rain ponchos are available at many festivals now but this is a frivolous and environmentally unfriendly purchase.

Avoid buying single use items of clothing, and take the sustainable route by bringing a vintage raincoat with you. Not only is this the more eco-conscious choice, but a vintage raincoat can also act as a fashion conscious statement piece.

We hope you’re feeling prepared, come rain or shine, for this Summer’s festival season! For more inspiration, why not read our roundup of our favourite vintage looks this year?

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.

You might associate dungarees with awkward pictures of yourself as a baby that your mum pulls out to embarrass you, but they are actually a versatile piece you should definitely add to your adult wardrobe. In the summer, easy dressing and outfits you can throw on in a second are the best - especially as we have to make it out of the house and into the sunshine before until it disappears ten minutes later.

After the boiler suit trend of winter, dungarees are the perfect summer alternative to keep comfy, cool and on trend. If you’ve seen your favourite people wearing them on the ‘gram you’re not the only one, they’re everywhere. But if you still feel lost about how to style a pair of vintage dungarees and then let us gently guide you.

Here's 5 Ways To Wear Vintage Dungarees For Summer:

1 - How to wear dungarees to work

Office-appropriate dressing gets even harder in the summer when all you want to do is rock up in shorts and crop top. Dungarees provide a great option between comfortable summer clothing and outfits that won’t get you fired. Try styling a dark blue or black dungaree dress with a white linen shirt with sleeves rolled up and pair it with some Birkenstocks or your favourite low-top trainers. You’ll stay cool and be comfortable but also look totally profesh.

2 - How to wear dungarees for a night out

On long, hot summer nights you want to be comfortable and feel your absolute best - that’s why dungarees are the answer! Underrated by many their versatility knows no bounds. Ideal for when those lazy park afternoons turn into long summer nights out - you don’t need an outfit change. A cami vest with dungarees and a pair of platforms is all you need to see you through. For a classic ‘out out’ vibe opt for black platforms and bag with gold jewellery with some statement earrings.

3 - How to wear dungarees on a date

Date outfit woes be gone! Pair a long pair of dungarees with a cute tee shirt, and matching leather accessories like a vintage camera bag and some mules for a relaxed and totally cute outfit. Whether you’re heading on a picnic, hitting up your favourite bar or strolling around a gallery this is the perfect date look. Now just to find a date…. Better start swiping.

4 - How to wear dungarees to a festival

Dungarees were MADE for festivals. Ideal for when you’re in a crowd, sitting on the grass and quick to get on and off when you’re in the dreaded festival portaloos, they’re the most practical piece you can invest in for the festival season. Practicality is SEXY. Go all out on your festival look with a sparkly bralet or mesh top, matching bumbag and some serious blingy sunglasses. Now you’re ready to go pay £10 for a pint of beer and dance to your heart’s content.

5 - How to wear dungarees to the beach

The perfect holiday outfit is just a pair of vintage dungarees away. If you’re not a beach dress kinda person then opt for the effortless and equally as cool option of some short dungarees. Wear over your swimsuit with a wide-brimmed hat and sandals for a chic beach look that will also take you from the beach to bar.

All the pieces featured in this blog can be found in our Brick Lane store on Cheshire Street, along with a myriad of other vintage gems.

You can shop our range of dungarees online here or alternatively pop into one of our stores to find your perfect pair and all the accessories you need.

After the hype around Bohemian Rhapsody it’s no surprise that an Elton John biopic has been announced. One of the most iconic figures in British music, Sir Elton John has inspired generations after him with both his music and his style. His stage outfits are instantly recognisable in the same way that his voice could not be confused for anyone but him.

So before we see Taron Egerton portray the living legend in Rocketman lets take a look at Elton John’s most iconic fashion moments.

Top 10 Elton John Looks

1973 - Winged Wonder

A truly iconic outfit, this all white, angelic get-up is an ethereal look. The oversized sunglasses are the perfect accessory to top it off - definitely inspiration from for the festival season.

1974 - Definitely Not Mellow Yellow

This in-your-face yellow stage outfit is exactly what you think of when you think of Elton; tight spandex, a plunging v-neck and massive white feather sleeves. YAS.

1975 - Home Run

This crystal covered costume made Elton’s performance at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles a memorable one. Harry Styles was even inspired to recreate this look for Halloween 2018, down to the tinted-lens square sunglasses.

1980 - Totally Quackers

Not one to shy away from wacky looks, Elton performed in Central Park, NYC in an inflatable Donald Duck outfit. Genius.

1984 - Shining Star

Elton John has always existed outside the realm of gender norms and in this bedazzled gown he makes a statement. The custom headpiece is also a show stealer.

1986- Shocking Pink

You would think the focus point of this outfit would be the bedazzled silver jacket, alas, it is the bright pink mohawk that our eyes are immediately drawn to.

1988 - Man Of Many Costumes

Dressed down in a simple black polo, Elton stands with a selection of his stage costumes showing the transformation that takes place in the dressing room.

1992 - Versace, Versace, Versace

At a Versace store opening in London in 1992, Elton poses with Donatella Versace in his iconic round sunglasses that became an integral part of his looks.

1997 - Never Outdone

For his 50th birthday party Elton John arrived dressed as an 18th century aristocrat. The bigger the hair, the closer to heaven, as they say; this hair is practically in the clouds.

Totally Gaga

His influence is boundless and of course the queen of outlandish stage costumes has taken a note or too from Elton John’s costume playbook.

Get The Look

Feeling inspired? We don't blame you. If you're read to upgrade your wardrobe and try something a little more flamboyant then look no further- here's our top Elton John inspired picks.

Gold Converse- £26.95

Red Patent Baker Boy- £18.00

Yellow Lens Round Sunglasses- £10.00

Long Sleeved Metallic Rainbow Shirt- £22.00

Floral Cropped Blazer- £25.00

Leather Platform Boots- £46.00

Diamante Resin Hoop Earrings- £10.00

If you can't get enough of the Elton John inspiration then head over to Pinterest. You can follow Beyond Retro and see our Rocketman inspired board where you can get inspired by his best looks and a curation of Elton-inspired vintage pieces from our website.

Words Eloise Gendry

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

Naomi is a bonafide fashion icon, that is undisputed and with such an awe-inspiring style, of course, people will be looking to copy it. In a world of fast fashion some brands and celebrities, *cough cough* The Kardashians, try to imitate an iconic look without giving credit or making it clear they are paying homage.

A muse to many designers and seemingly ageless, Campbell continues to be flawlessly dressed and always pushing artistic boundaries with her looks. In a world of knock-offs, we believe in celebrating authentic vintage style and today we’re giving thanks to one of the industries biggest players. So here are our 10 favourite Naomi Campbell looks.

1. Doubling Down

A vision in blue, we will always love a bit of double denim but Naomi went all out with these flared jeans and matching sequined denim bandeau. Summer party inspo? We think so!

2. Lowkey who?

A satin bias-cut skirt is a wardrobe staple for summer 2019 but Naomi knew this way before anyone else. The square tinted sunglasses and fur jacket are just the icing on the fashion cake that makes this look feel so effortless. Shop our selection of coloured lens sunglasses and midi skirts online and in-store.

3. Versace Vixen

Whilst she can do OTT like the best of them this Versace outfit from the ’90s is a sophisticated and fun look which is glamorous yet toned-down.

4. Safety Is Sexy

At Beyond Retro we are all about supporting important causes through fashion and 2003 Naomi in the rhinestone embellished halter emblazoned with the slogan ‘Use A Condom’ is the kind of thing we can get behind. The top was part of a collection used to support AIDs awareness by London Designer Katharine Hamnett.

5. All That Glitters

Floor-length, shimmering gown and Gianni Versace as your date; G L A M O U R!

6. Moss & Campbell; A Powerful Friendship

There’s a reason that so many ‘going-out’ inspiration Pinterest boards feature a billion pictures of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, this friendship is a serious fashion powerhouse. Not only are they style icons and supermodels but incredible business women.

7. Fashion Queen of England

A lot of British icons were present at the 2012 London Olympics and whilst our GB teams did well Naomi really showcased our homegrown talent. In a floor-length gown and towering heels, she took to the stage at the Olympic closing ceremony and stunned.

8. Power Dressing

We love a good suit and this white two-piece looks so incredible on Naomi. An iconic 90’s look, the rectangle sunglasses turn this outfit up all the way to 11.

9. Gingham Goddess

We definitely did not look this put-together on our 22nd birthdays but of course, Naomi managed to pull it off in a blue gingham dress with signature 90’s baby blue eyeshadow..

10. No Filter Needed

A legendary look, this Versace mini dress is exquisite and perfectly encapsulates Naomi’s icon status. Even the guy in the headset in the back of the picture can’t believe his eyes.

See more of Naomi's greatest style moments along with some of our other top style icons in our favourite animal print looks.

Words 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