Evan Picone Dress Vintage

Embracing the Allure of Evan Picone’s Timeless Fashion

As a lover of vintage fashion, I’m always on the hunt for those perfect finds that evoke nostalgia while still feeling fresh and modern. And one of my favorite vintage labels to collect is Evan Picone. With its sophisticated silhouettes and office-chic styles, Evan Picone encapsulates a classic, elegant aesthetic that never truly goes out of fashion.

If you’re looking to add some retro allure to your wardrobe, buying a vintage Evan Picone dress is a fabulous way to do it. These dresses are true time capsule pieces, reminding us of the effortless polish and poise that defined fashion icons like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

In this buying guide, I’ll give you tips on how to spot authentic vintage Evan Picone pieces, where to shop for them, how to style them and care for them. I’ll also go over common features of these dresses so you know exactly what to look for when searching for your own blast-from-the-past find. Let’s dive in!

What Makes an Evan Picone Dress Vintage?

An authentic vintage Evan Picone dress will date back to the 1960s, 1970s or 1980s. This American fashion label was especially popular in the 1980s and early 90s, so most vintage pieces you find will be from this era.

There are a few key indicators that a dress is a true vintage Evan Picone:

• The Evan Picone label – Early labels will say “Evan Picone of California” or “Evan-Picone”. Later labels simply say “Evan Picone”.
• Fabric and materials – Evan Picone dresses are made from quality fabrics like silk, wool and cotton. Lots of vintage pieces feature details like shoulder pads, buttons, bows and belted waists.
• Construction – Expert tailoring with clean seam lines, lining and finishing are signs of an original Evan Picone. Stitching and embellishments will be neat and consistent.
• Style elements – Defined waistlines, office-ready silhouettes, midi lengths and modest necklines typify the Evan Picone aesthetic. Crisp, tailored lines and subtly feminine details are also signatures of the brand.

Once you know what to look for, spotting an authentic vintage dress by Evan Picone is easy. Now let’s explore where to track down these retro beauties.

Where to Buy Vintage Evan Picone Dresses

There are plenty of excellent sources to shop for Evan Picone dress vintage. Here are some of my favorite spots to scour:

Thrift and Consignment Shops

Local thrift stores often have an amazing selection of vintage pieces, including classic Evan Picone dresses. You can uncover real hidden gems for only a few dollars if you take the time to sift through the racks. I always check the “career wear” sections closely for tailored professional dresses perfect for the office.

Upscale consignment boutiques offer pricier vintage selections in excellent condition. These shops will do the searching for you, pulling the top designer finds, but expect to pay more of a premium. It’s worth browsing if you want a higher-end curated selection.

Online Shopping Sites

For the widest selection, eBay is hard to beat when shopping vintage Evan Picone online. Listings abound, and you can search for specific styles, sizes and eras. Retro fashion bloggers also sell their vintage finds on Etsy, so be sure to check the Evan Picone category there too.

If you want a more curated collection of vintage dresses, online boutiques like Rusty Zipper, Shop Ruche and ModCloth also carry great options at various price points. Their selections tend to be more edited, focusing on the very best conditioned pieces.

Estate and Garage Sales

Don’t overlook local estate and garage sales for vintage gold! Homeowners will often sell their “attic treasure” wardrobes for a steal. With a bit of digging, you can discover practically new condition vintage Evan Picone dresses for next to nothing. Just be willing to put in some time searching to find the fashion buried among household wares and knickknacks.

Brand Archives

For the ultimate vintage Evan Picone pieces, contact the company archives directly. Many fashion houses retain samples and inventory they may sell or auction off to collectors. You’ll find true vintage gems this way, albeit likely at higher prices. It never hurts to call and inquire politely!

With all of these avenues, persistence and patience are key. But the thrill of the vintage hunt makes it so rewarding when you finally score that perfect retro find!

Styling Your Vintage Evan Picone Dress

Once you’ve found the perfect vintage Evan Picone dress, it’s time for the fun part – rocking your retro style! Here are my top styling tips:

Highlight the Dress’ Structure

A vintage Evan Picone is all about crisp silhouettes and expert tailoring, so show that off! Opt for sleek, minimal accessories that don’t distract. Clean-lined bags, simple jewelry and pointed flats or heels allow the strong dress shaping to take center stage.

Play with Proportions

Experiment with layers like oversized blazers, cozy cardigans or textured jackets on top to balance the dress’s fit-and-flare shape. Cropped and updated denim jackets look fabulous for a modern twist.

Choose Bold Hosiery

Vintage dresses call for equally retro legwear. Have fun with colorful tights, textured stockings and over-the-knee socks. Checkered, polka dot and solid opaque tights keep legs warm while adding a whimsical punch.

Finish with Dainty Accessories

Keep jewelry and other accents petite and feminine. Small pendant necklaces, fabric bows, pearl studs and ladylike watches work beautifully. A demure hat or headband also channels a darling retro vibe.

Add Some Edge

Contrast the dress’ delicateness with an edgier modern element. Biker boots, a distressed denim jacket or leather backpack give the look contemporary cool. The juxtaposition creates visual interest.

However you choose to style your vintage Evan Picone dress, do it fearlessly! The charm of vintage is all about having fun with self-expression.

Caring for Your Vintage Find

To keep your vintage dress looking its best through years of wear, proper care is essential. Here are my top tips for maintaining vintage Evan Picone pieces:

• Hand wash or dry clean only – Machine washing can damage delicate fabrics and finishes. Play it safe with a gentle hand wash in cold water or let the professionals handle it.
• Watch water temperature – Hot water can cause dyes and fabric to bleed. Lukewarm or cold water is best for preventing running colors.
• Air dry – Never put vintage dresses in the dryer, as heat deteriorates fibers. Lay flat or hang to dry fully before storing.
• Use mild detergent – Harsh soaps and chemicals strip vintage fabrics. Wool-safe cleaners or mild detergent prevent this.
• Spot clean when possible – Treat stains and soiled spots individually before attempting an overall cleaning. This prevents premature fading.
• Steam or press gently – Rejuvenate the shape and structure of vintage pieces with light steaming or an iron on low heat as needed. Avoid pulling or tugging fabric.
• Store properly – Keep delicate vintage dresses on padded hangers in dust-proof garment bags. Never fold or bunch fabric.

With some extra care, your Evan Picone dress vintage will stay pristine and ready to bring retro charm to every outfit!

Why Evan Picone Dresses Are Worth Buying Vintage

Beyond the obvious appeal of their classic vintage style, Evan Picone dresses boast exceptional quality that makes them worth investing in, even years later. Here’s why these dresses stand the test of time:

Timeless, Sophisticated Silhouettes

Evan Picone’s tailored, feminine shapes transcend fleeting trends. Their graceful fit-and-flare or sheath styles flatter all figures, remaining effortlessly chic decade after decade.

Luxurious Fabrics and Materials

From buttery soft wool to rich silk crepe, the textiles used in Evan Picone dresses are indulgent and durable. Thoughtful fabric choices and blends ensure enduring beauty.

Meticulous Construction and Detail

Every element of an Evan Picone dress exhibits impeccable craftsmanship, from structured seaming to neat, even stitching. Elegant embellishments like covered buttons, tonal embroidery and bows finishing each piece.

Versatile, Timeless Design

Unfussy lines and classic accents mean Evan Picone dresses adapt seamlessly to changing trends. They transition beautifully from day to night, office to cocktails. Their versatility ensures cost-per-wear value.

Investment in Quality

While pricier than fast fashion, Evan Picone dresses represent an investment in lasting construction over disposability. Choosing vintage allows you to enjoy that quality at thriftier prices!

So whether you’re adding a pop of retro charm to your wardrobe or simply value good craftsmanship, vintage Evan Picone dresses deliver timeless sophistication. Each pre-loved piece carries its own story, one you’re now ready to discover. Happy thrifting!