I have sewn clothes since I was a kid -- 40 years, self taught -- and I used to use vintage patterns all the time. Tips from others, like using a dress form, are all right on. My tip would be, especially when you're starting out with clothing, don't take any short cuts. Even when a step seems redundant or unnecessary, if the directions say to do it, do it. My mom didn't teach me how to sew, but she handed me a pattern and said, if you can read, you can sew.