by Leonore Dicker
 
We use these words quite often, and yet never really stop to think about what they actually mean. If you always thought “vintage” and “retro” were synonyms, then you might be interested to know that they’re not.
 
The term “vintage” actually refers to an item that is at least 20 years old or more. Anything from the 90’s is therefore not vintage, as it’s too recent. While the eighties are the starting point, many believe that a “true vintage” item should be at least 50 years old –but that’s simply a matter of opinion.

“Retro”, on the other hand, is something that looks out of style compared to the current trend. This means that the item could be brand new but should resemble the style of the time it is trying to replicate. A brand-new nineteen-twenties inspired dress is consequently retro –but not vintage.

Some say that a vintage item can be described as retro but never the other way around.