Brooke Stretton, a 24-year-old woman from South Yorkshire, has developed a passion for vintage clothing that has not only transformed her wardrobe but also the way she is treated by men. Inspired by icons like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, Brooke’s love for vintage fashion began after watching the film Grease in October 2023. Since then, she has amassed an impressive collection of 100 dresses, 20 pairs of shoes, and 14 hats sourced from eBay, Vinted, and charity shops.
„I started dressing up in this style a year ago,“ Brooke shared. „I mainly wear 40s, 50s, and 60s clothes. Growing up, I loved musicals such as Grease and Hairspray, and I guess that is where my inspiration came from.“ Her first vintage purchase was a black and white floral dress that she bought for £30, and she immediately received compliments from people when she wore it.
Brooke’s unique style has not gone unnoticed by the public. She mentioned that she feels more confident and gets treated differently by men when she wears her elegant dresses. „There was a man holding the door for me all the time, and it’s great,“ she said. Strangers often approach her to compliment her outfit or share stories about their own vintage clothing, showing the impact her style has on those around her.
Despite her love for vintage fashion, Brooke admits to opting for comfort when running casual errands. „I do wear a tracksuit if I’m going round ASDA,“ she confessed. However, for dinners or day outings, she enjoys dressing up in her vintage attire, showcasing her unique sense of style.
Brooke’s boyfriend Brendan, who works in sales, has also embraced her love for vintage clothing. „He’s getting into it ever since we met, and he’s started wearing flat caps which really suit him and shirts,“ Brooke shared. Their shared interest in vintage fashion has brought them closer together and allowed them to bond over their mutual love for retro styles.
With an impressive collection of 134 vintage outfits, Brooke continues to explore and experiment with different looks from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Her favorite dress, a bridesmaid’s dress from the 1980s with a 60s style, was found on Vinted for £20 and has become a staple in her wardrobe. As she continues to embrace her passion for vintage fashion, Brooke hopes to inspire others to bring back this timeless style and appreciate the beauty of retro clothing.