Indie Aesthetic

Mixing Vintage and Modern: How to Nail the Indie Aesthetic

From an outsider’s view the Indie aesthetic seems effortlessly cool, but it isn’t always as effortless to nail as it looks. Similarly to a perfectly curated indie tumblr feed from the early 2000s, obtaining the perfect indie style is about finding the delicate balance between vintage and modern, mixing in a bit of DIY elements or giving it a thrifted feel. 

Whether you’re a designer who wants to take their collection dedicated to the indie aesthetic style, or just curious to learn more about the style and the indie vibe, we’re going over everything you need to know about indie fashion in this article. From skinny jeans and graphic tees to statement jewelry, after reading this you’ll have a strong command over indie aesthetics. 

Understanding the Indie Aesthetic

Indie aesthetic refers to the aesthetic of “indie” or independent designers within the fashion industry, it’s also used to talk about the Indie Sleaze aesthetic that was popular in the early 2000s. In both instances the style is used for self-expression, creativity and getting away from the mainstream trends within the industry. 

Key Fashion Elements of the Indie Aesthetic

When we’re talking about the Indie Sleaze aesthetic there’s a few key elements that really set this movement in fashion apart: layered tops, skinny jeans, and of course, the graphic tee. Think of Kate Moss in the early 2000s and you’ll probably conjure up a picture of the perfect indie girl. Here’s how to use each of these elements for the perfect indie look.. 

Layered Indie Tops

The art of layering must be mastered in order to nail the indie aesthetic. From two lace trimmed camisoles layered over one another, or layering one under a slouchy t-shirt, with a cardigan layered on top. The more layers the merrier in the indie aesthetic, but there should always be at least two layers to complete the look.

Skinny Jeans and How to Style Them

Skinny jeans are in the bread and butter of an indie aesthetic wardrobe. The skinnier the better– and that goes for all genders. In traditional indie sleaze the skinny jeans will also be low wasted, showing off the wearers mid-drift and allowing all the layers of shirts mentioned above to be seen in their full glory. 

The Essential Graphic Tee

Since the indie aesthetic clothing got its start from the music movement, it’s no surprise that graphic tees and specifically band tees are a key element of this style. During the indie sleaze movement, along with band tees, shirts with ironic slogans (think “Frankie Says Relax”) or graphics (Mustaches) were also a coveted item. 

To truly nail the indie aesthetic, whether you actually thrift the t-shirt or not, it should never look polished. Rather it should be destressed and look worn, the more vintage the t-shirt feels the more coveted. 

Iconic Indie Accessories

While the building blocks of an indie wardrobe might seem simple, it’s the accessories that take the indie aesthetic to the next level and truly seal the deal on the looks. From footwear to sunglasses and hats, an indie styled outfit isn’t afraid to go maximal on their accessories. 

Popular Footwear: Dr. Martens 

From the classic, lace up combat boots or the clunky oxfords, Dr. Martens will always be the footwear of choice for the indie aesthetic. They can be paired with just about anything to give it a tougher, laid back, yet practical look that the indie style craves. 

Stylish Sunglasses: The Ray-Ban Wayfarer

If there is one single accessory that represents the indie aesthetic and especially the indie sleaze movement it’s the Ray-Ban Wayfarer. These classic black framed glasses are the perfect amount of care for design, while still being understated enough to appeal to the indie style. 

Statement Jewelry and Other Accessories

In the height of the indie sleaze movements long statement necklaces were the go-to. Think rosary-style cross necklaces worn over your layers of tops– we weren’t kidding about layering being an art form in the indie aesthetic. For both genders hats were also an accessory worn often, from skull caps and beanies to the porkpie hat. 

Sourcing Vintage Indie Clothing

To find vintage indie clothing, be it for inspiration for your next collection or to wear yourself, the best thing to do is head to your local thrift store, or online vintage marketplace. 

Thrift Stores: Tips for the Best Finds

To find the best indie aesthetic pieces in your thrift stores go in with a plan, know what key pieces you’re looking to find. For example if it’s skinny jeans, head to the jeans section and look at the bottom of the rack where the hems are all lined up, start to skim through looking for skinny jeans. This will save you from having to flip through each pair on the rack. 

Another great hack for finding the best things while thrifting is to know the brands you’re looking for. With an indie aesthetic this could be American Apparel or any of the brands stocked at Urban Outfitters. As you pan through the racks, look at the tags looking for the brands you’re after. 

Online Marketplaces for Vintage Clothing

If sorting through rack after rack of garments isn’t how you want to spend your afternoon, you can head to one of the many  online marketplaces for vintage and thrifted clothing. While etsy and ebay are great, there’s also depop, vinted, poshmark, and thred up.

To master the art of online thrifting, it’s key to familiarize yourself with the brands and the search terms you’ll need to know, i.e. “skinny jeans” or the name of the band who’s t-shirt you’re looking for. 

Balancing Vintage and Contemporary Styles

The balance between vintage and contemporary can be make or break when it comes to designing an indie collection. Too much vintage and it feels dull, and out of touch. Too much contemporary and it’s just another collection hitting the market. Here’s how to find the balance:  

Mixing Patterns and Textures

Mixing patterns and textures is a great way to find balance between vintage and contemporary styles. Pair vintage materials with crisp fresh out of the mill fabrics, or put a vintage pattern with a contemporary design. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and make a unique look, that’s the whole ethos behind indie style after all. 

Seasonal Adaptations of the Indie Look

Adapting for the seasons with the Indie aesthetic outfit is pretty straightforward thanks to layering. As the seasons change and start to get colder, add more layers and use materials that fit the season, like wools or knits for the winter. If you’re making a collection for the warmer seasons, still use layering but using lighter looser fabrics. 

Creating Unique Looks: Tips and Tricks

To create a unique look, make sure that you’re crafting an indie style that still fits with today’s style taste, while still staying true to the core of the indie aesthetic. This could mean pairing band tees and Dr. Martens with a looser fitting pair of jeans rather than skinnies or changing up the color palette to fit what’s trending today.

Don’t be afraid to layer, afterall that’s a cornerstone of the indie fashion style. Add different textures and materials on top of eachother in order to create a unique look that is just as interesting and different as it is stylish. Overall, have fun with it and make a look that you’d love.