Vintage Fashion
Dressing up in vintage style can be a challenge in the cookie-cutter world of clothing retailers, but if you know the good sources, it's a breeze.
First, dig up some books (see below) and educate yourself about authentic vintage style. Beware of fake vintage, get the real thing! (Can you get any more real than looking at Sears catalogs from the era?)
Second, get the goods (or better yet - sew them yourself) from thrift stores and online flea markets like eBay. There are thousands of retro shirts, skirts and whatnot to be had for pocket change, but the key thing is to look often. If you're a seasoned eBay veteran, you know that a good find can show up any time and disappear any time as well. With vintage, seeing that specific outfit that you love can be a once in a lifetime chance, so grab it! (Start with the sidebar eBay showcase, i made your job easy by only showing vintage clothing from the 1950s to 1970s...)
For inspiration for your retro style, check out these viewbooks from the era's fashions in Sears catalogs and elsewhere:
Forties
Fifties
Sixties
Seventies
More Retro Fashion & Style