How to Dress Vintage: Re-Create the Most Iconic Looks of the 20th Century

by Gabi Jones

Be inspired by your favorite decades and learn how to identify the features that defined each one, so that you can effortlessly craft looks that embody your favorite moments in time. Whether you’re looking to add a glitzy 20s twist on an outfit you love or want to go all-out-80s from head to toe, this book is a complete guide for how to style vintage trends into your modern wardrobe. Gabi shows readers what they need to know when building a decade-inspired ensemble. Learn how to find military-inspired silhouettes and structured shoulders for a 1940s look, then flip to the extensive lookbook of photos and image references. Each chapter contains visual references for the tops, sweaters, dresses, pants and accessories of each respective decade. And with extensive information about the fabric, colors, and patterns in-vogue, you’ll never ask yourself but what would I wear this with? again. Best of all, Gabi provides detailed information about the context behind the clothes. History fans will love exploring the detailed notes on just what separates a 40s dress from a 50s one, giving an insightful view into the development of American culture as viewed through the lens of fashion. At the same time, with Gabi’s help, it’s never been this easy to bring a vintage touch to your everyday look or special occasion outfit.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, History

192 pages, Hardcover

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[Hadassah Buie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great overview! I will note that there are mentions of birth control and abortion "rights" that may be unsuitable for younger readers.

[Juliette RoseWarden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have watched Gabi on YT for some years now, I almost thought i wouldn't be able to get her book when it came out, but things aligned so i could pre order it, I've read it actually three times since i got it back in August, and have used it for reference many times. It's a great addition to the information in her videos, and it definitely carries her personality in the pages, and I'm totally recommending this to every fan of vintage fashion.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good overview with informative pictures. A great starting point, but not super detailed.

[Marcella Nielsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as entertaining as I’d hoped for. The reoccurring template approach for all the images distracted me.

[Margo Matherne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter is like a little museum exhibit on “How to Dress in [decade].” It includes a little bit of history, the elements that make up outfits of the time, family photos from the time period, and example outfits. I can’t wait to try some of the hairstyles! And I can say that while reading I was inspired to wear the vest I got recently for my birthday.

[Egg97 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of Gabis content and given how well put together her platform is I thought this would be much more detailed than it was despite the broad time period it covers. The book is fun but it is very entry level and simplistic but then I suppose that matches its target audience. I enjoyed her guide on how to style things for a true vintage/ casual/ inspired by look and the guides on general shapes and colours for each era were a good overview. I think this would be great for a young person or teenager who was becoming interested in fashion but overall the content works better in short video form.

[Cheryl]

Cute. I have to say, though, that I was paying the most attention during the late 70s early 80s and saw nothing that I recognized here. I think maybe there's a bit too much emphasis on the looks for women with money, and not enough on everyday or student wear. Which is okay if that's what you're looking for, I guess.

May 2026

[Rachel Mayes Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-designed book with lots of fun visuals for the vintage lover. The writing was serviceable if somewhat generic, but the photos and styling tips shone. I can see this being a great book for a high school student who wants to learn more about the history of clothing styles.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of fashion ranging from 1900’s-1990’s. My favorite part was being shown how to style each decade in a more modern way.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun, easy read about Vintage Fashion.

[Charlotte Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accessible introduction to fashion history

[Kaitlin Jundt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neat ideas but only a taste of each decade's fashion statements.

[shes·a·victorian·romantic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good intro to dressing vintage! Not the most detailed, but it's great for someone new to it and wanting a simple start

[Carol Castillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, and informative. Good photography.

[Martha Trzepacz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What fun! Arranged by decades, the author covers fashions, accessories, hairdos for both men and women. Appealing to all ages.