Retro Summer Fashion Tips - Vintage Outfits to Wear in 2019

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1920s: High-Waisted Honey

When in doubt, high-waisted shorts and a tank top or one-piece are always an effortless go-to for summer, as perfected in the summers of the '20s.

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L.F. Markey Shop the Look: High-Waisted Cotton Blend Shorts

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L.F. Markey Shop the Look: High-Waisted Cotton Blend Shorts

Wear them as a swimsuit cover-up or with a bodysuit on your summer weekends.  

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1920s: Duster Cover-Up

The duster jacket may be a street-style favorite, but take note from the ladies of the '20s and try it as a swimsuit cover-up too.

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All Saints Shop the Look: Feather-Print Duster

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All Saints Shop the Look: Feather-Print Duster

Wear it in the summer with your favorite swimsuit and then again in the fall layered over a T-shirt and jeans. 

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1930s: Prints, Please

The women of the '30s counted on floral and bold print dresses to stand out during a time of fashion cutbacks due to the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The same remains true today: If you're sticking to a budget this season, go for an item that stands out in color and pattern.

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Faithfull The Brand Shop the Look: Rafa Floral Midi Dress

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Faithfull The Brand Shop the Look: Rafa Floral Midi Dress

The perfect printed midi dress to wear from work to the weekend. 

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1930s: Wide-Legged Flair

From day to night to the beach, a pair of wide-leg pants is the perfect base for any summer look.

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Staud Shop the Look: Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants

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Staud Shop the Look: Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants

Available in chambray or khaki, these high-waisted, wide-leg pants are flattering with a blazer and tank for the office, or a bodysuit on the weekend. 

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1940s: High-Waisted Bikini Bombshell

The high-waisted bikini reigns as one of summer 2019's hottest swim trends. Take note from Betty Grable's beach style and opt for a bright color.

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Palm Shop the Look: Baja High-Waisted Brief Bikini

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Palm Shop the Look: Baja High-Waisted Brief Bikini

A bright shade of orange goes perfectly with a sun-kissed glow. Shop the matching bikini top here. 

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1940s: All Tied Up

Channel the early '40s by tying the ends of your button-down into a knot and pairing with a fun pair of printed shorts.

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Tommy Bahama Shop the Look: Boyfriend Shirt Cover-Up

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Tommy Bahama Shop the Look: Boyfriend Shirt Cover-Up

Now 25% Off

Roll up the sleeves and wear this as a top or a swimsuit cover-up. 

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1940s: Summer's New Look

Dior's 1947 New Look complete with a full skirt lent for a perfect summer silhouette that still feels glamorous to this day.

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Miguelina Shop the Look: Crochet-Trimmed Maxi Skirt

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Miguelina Shop the Look: Crochet-Trimmed Maxi Skirt

A full maxi skirt that'll look best with a white crop top, bikini top, or bodysuit. 

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1950s: Sweetheart Meets Bombshell

The '50s-favored sweetheart neckline looks best with a fit-and-flair dress that cinches your waist à la Sophia Loren.

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Reformation Shop the Look: Dolci Sweetheart Dress

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Reformation Shop the Look: Dolci Sweetheart Dress

Get the '50s look with one of Reformation's printed sweetheart-neckline dresses. 

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1950s: Sunbathed Beauty

Cat-eye sunglasses + a scarf tied as a headband = the perfect accessory equation for a beach moment on level with Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief.

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Mango Shop the Look: Tiger-Print Scarf

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Mango Shop the Look: Tiger-Print Scarf

Try the look in summer's animal-print trend. Wear it as a headband, bandana, or neck scarf all season long.  

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1950s: Bare Midriff Rules All

Take the full circle skirt out of the 1950s housewife's kitchen and onto the beach by pairing it with a strapless bikini top and flat sandals.

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Solid & Striped Shop the Look: Tiered Midi Skirt

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Solid & Striped Shop the Look: Tiered Midi Skirt

Pair it with a bikini top and you've got an instant beach LEWK. 

Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing digital content across fashion, lifestyle, beauty, sex, and culture. Previously, she was the Market Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR and has written for publications including WWD, Bustle, and W Magazine. When she’s not busy taste-testing her way through every dirty martini in New York, you can follow her on Instagram for bad jokes, good outfits, and annoying vacation pics. 

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