Getting the vintage look right can be difficult, and without a little know-how can end up anything but chic.

But, get it right and you could look as good as Chloe Sevigny, Winona Ryder or American stylist Rachel Zoe, who all know how to work their vintage the right way.

So, if you want to stand out from the crowd without sacrificing elegance, like our models at Talent Management do, then let us transform you into a vintage vixen with our top tips…

Team vintage pieces with modern basics

Our first, and perhaps most important tip when trying out the vintage look, is not to over do it. Remember what decade you’re in and take inspiration from the past. An outfit replicating an entire look from the 40s, 50s or 60s will look more fancy dress than vintage chic. Founder of online vintage boutique atelier-mayer.com, Carmen Haid, agrees: “You need to make sure you don’t look like something out of your grandmother’s closet,” she said. “Wear the best quality, and mix it up with new season pieces.”

Look for vintage clothes that match current trends

When you visit a vintage boutique, you don’t have the luxury of different sizes, and so it’s easy to get carried away in an attempt to stand out. But it’s important to carefully consider your body type and what silhouette will work. Think which cut, style, details and fabrics found in highstreet stores work with your shape and skin colour, then search for something that ties in with that. By corresponding with current fashion you’ll create a fresh on-trend look that no one else will have.

Buy a real vintage bag

Of all the vintage accessories we could recommend, the bag most definitely comes top. Teamed up with a more modern outfit, a well chosen vintage handbag creates a stunning twist. And with this one, we suggest you get the real thing for sheer heritage value. So keep a look out in charity shops, vintage boutiques and online vintage stores for a bag that no one else will have to make an elegant and timeless fashion statement.

Accessorise the hair

If you want to achieve that perfect 1940s hairstyle, tucked in on one side and a sexy quiff on the other – think Dita Von Teese and Christina Aguilera in her ‘Back to Basics’ phase – then a vintage-inspired hair accessory is a must. We like Glitzy Secrets’ silver tone Vintage Chic Hair Comb encrusted with clear and pale blue crystals. Buy online for just over £10 and then get busy with the rollers.

Wear vintage-inspired jewellery

Vintage-inspired jewellery provides a touch of old school Hollywood glamour to any outfit. There is plenty on the highstreet to choose from at the moment, as the trend is huge, but we recommend elegant gold and bronze pieces, pearls and statement jewellery encrusted with chic gems. ASOS own brand has a great collection available. Our favourites include a cocktail ring, featuring a gold tone finish and rhinestone encrusted design, and vintage style flower and leaves drop earrings, with faux pearl detail.