Keeping it fly from the past sky

The through back look..."yes."

7 trendy retro looks
But before you hit the streets looking for authentic vintage goods, check out these retro-inspired modern items that are all the rage. Dirty denim: Otherwise known as "washed-out" or "distressed," this denim is treated to give jeans and jean jackets a second-hand look.

T-shirts:
Vintage-looking Ts have a "thrifty" appeal, so much so that the color is faded, the fabric is soft and practically worn-out, and if there's a logo on the T-shirt, then it's sure to be retro. You can find vintage-looking T-shirts in most stores, as well as on websites like PalmerCash.com.

Button-down shirts:
Popular vintage-looking collared shirts include "utility" shirts; a button-down with a small chest pocket on one side, and a patch or insignia that reads "Joe's Gas Station," for example. You can also find what I like to call "bowling shirts," in either brown, blue or green, with some stripes on the shirt, usually in another shade of the shirt's base color. Another popular vintage detail is a shirt collar made from a different fabric, usually a knit.

Ties:
Any tie with a '60s or '70s pattern, in those unmistakable old-school colors, and either extremely wide or extremely thin. Speaking of thin, a very slim, knitted tie is a sure giveaway that it's retro.

Converse and Nike:
These shoes are everywhere! The '80s have returned in full force, especially in the world of sports apparel. You can find old-school white Nikes with the original Nike "swoosh" in most sporting goods stores. Even '80-style Converse All-Stars (low or high-top) have made a huge comeback.

Jackets/sports jerseys/hats:
Sports jerseys and caps with the team's retro logo are presently very cool. You could find these at popular sports specialty stores, or even try your luck on eBay.

Sunglasses:
Oversized shades are super popular for men, and they're reminiscent of the good old '60s and '70s. Even '80s-style aviators are flying high on the fashion scale.

Learn the difference between "thrift" & "vintage"
Items found at thrift stores are second-hand, and are cheaper than what you'll find at an authentic vintage store. Locations where you can find thrift items include the Salvation Army, flea markets, as well as second-hand stores. Vintage apparel refers to clothing and accessories from a different era; vintage items range in price and quality.

Inspect the item's condition
Whether you're shopping at a thrift shop or the best vintage store in the city, make sure the article is in mint condition. Check the stitching, finishing, lining, and exterior for defects or stains, and make sure you won't need alterations (these can sometimes cost more than the item itself).

Know how to recognize authentic vintage
If you're a wine connoisseur, you know a good bottle when you see it. By the same token, it's important to not get taken for a ride by merchants who claim that the leather jacket you're contemplating was really from the '50s. Once you get to know retro merchandise and time periods better, you'll notice certain signs of authenticity and quality that will make you a savvy vintage consumer. Details like workmanship, buttons, buttonholes, cuffs, and seams are usually good indicators of the item's quality and authenticity.