In the 21st century, more and more people are becoming nostalgic about decades passed. There has been an uptick in consumers purchasing vintage and antique goods to adhere to older, more retro lifestyles that have made a comeback in terms of popularity. The Washington Post reports how vintage dealers are getting twice as many sales because more people are buying their pieces. This includes gadgets, clothes, and furniture. Consumers continue to buy these pieces because of the high quality of their craftmanship — an aspect that many people appreciate. Living a vintage lifestyle also promotes sustainability, because it makes use of previously loved items rather than brand new ones.

For those who want to live their vintage dreams, here are some of the retro trends and tech that you can make use of:

New wave playlists

New wave was an instrumental genre during the 80s. It was an amalgamation of classic pop and the classic synths the decade was known for. With shows like Stranger Things integrating hits like Aha’s “Take On Me”, Duran Duran’s “Girls on Film”, and Erasure’s “A Little Respect”, more people are creating playlists that compile songs from the genre to emulate the feeling of being in the 80s. Other artists you can listen to include The B-52s, Depeche Mode, and Culture Club – all of whom released epic instrumentals back in the day.

Music players

While most music nowadays is streamed, nothing beats having a physical copy of the album you want to listen to. Some fans of vintage opt to use vinyl and record players. They produce a grainy yet quality sound that cannot be replicated by other mediums. However, they aren’t portable. Thankfully, there are other devices you can make use of to listen to music anywhere you like. The music players by Sony prove that sometimes old is just as good as new. The Discman, first released in the early 80s, wasn’t popular until the 90s, which collided with the rise in laser-printed CD albums. Discmans were battery-operated and use the 3.5mm jack, so they were a popular option for anyone that wanted to listen to their favorite tracks without having to bring a boom box. They are great technologies anyone who loves vintage style, but also collects CD albums or cassettes.

Film cameras

Though digital cameras are certainly a phenomenon unlike any other, consumers are now going back to the classic film cameras so they can produce images with an interesting and natural vintage effect. The specialty cameras listed on Adorama showcase the wide range of colorful film cameras still produced today. They look very retro with an analog feel, producing images with grainy, old-school finishes. Retro collectors can make use of reusable or disposable cameras since they function the same way, the latter just being a single-use device. You will be able to better capture memories through a vintage lens without worrying about how the pictures look, helping you live more in the moment.

Resurgence of Old Hollywood movies

Filmmakers are bringing back old Hollywood movies and reviving icons from past decades. One of the most notable figures during this time was Audrey Hepburn, who is considered to be one of the most prolific and popular actors from the 50s and 60s. Hepburn is known for her petite frame, classic side bangs, and timeless beauty. So, it’s no wonder that people are turning to her movies to understand what living in 50s and 60s was like. With classic pictures such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s showcasing the beauty of old New York and Roman Holiday portraying the breathtaking sights of Italy, her movies certainly serve as a great window into the past.

Vintage thrifting

One of the best ways to express a passion for the past is by wearing the old fashion trends. The 70s was full of fringe and bell-bottoms, while the 80s was known for neon colors and geometric prints. For a 50s and 60s look, you can turn to adopting Dior’s New Look silhouette. This was a change from the form-hugging fashion of the 30s and the drab couture of wartime. The New Look is characterized by a cinched waist and a bell-shaped skirt, which were commonly associated with the 50s and 60s. It showcased femininity and the opulence of fashion at the time, so many vintage pieces during this era adhered to this style. After all, dressing up is a captivating way to live out a vintage lifestyle.