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Retro Fashion: 10 Budget-Friendly Accessories + Essential Style Tips

Trends come and go but there’s always place for retro fashion in my heart. Why? Vintage is classic without being boring and quirky without being…you know, Lady Gaga.

Sadly, true vintage (actual, legit old stuff) is beyond my budget, but I’m not above modern retro style and vintage-inspired accessories and outerwear. And since a little goes a long way with retro, you don’t need to remake your wardrobe to play in the styles of prior decades.

Here are 10 budget-friendly retro pieces that can add some quirky fun to your closet.

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1. Beaded headband

Close up of retro beaded headband in woman's hair.

A cute beaded vintage-y headband and — suddenly — your most boring outfit is tres chic. This headband (and many more like it) are available on Etsy for around $25.

2. Cuff bracelet

Close-up of art deco cuff bracelet on woman's arm.

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A shiny cuff bracelet may be all you need to nod to retro style. Pair one like this with a little black dress or a slouchy tee and jeans. This bracelet can be yours for $18 from Amazon.

3. Vintage bag

Product shot of mint green vintage handbag.

This adorable crossbody bag will make you feel just a tiny bit more stylish every time you reach for your lip color. If you’re a Prime member, you can have this dainty, feminine bag at your disposal in just a few days for $26.

Budget Fashionista Tip: Get coupon codes now with Capital One shopping. Here's how.

4. Cloche hat

Product shot of vintage-style cloche hat.

OK, budget is no longer an excuse to avoid unleashing your inner retro stylista. Because this cloche hat is…wait for it…$6.28. That’s right. You’ll spend more on a cocktail the next time you’re out for dinner.

Pick it up from JC Penney here, and quick before it’s gone. Then, wear it with a double-breasted belted wool coat and boots. It’s almost too easy. Almost.

5. Sunglasses

Product shot of retro-style cat eye sunglasses.

The perfect signature piece? Amazing retro-inspired sunglasses — cause they go with everything, and with a pair like these from Amazon, you can be Thelma or Louise. Shop them here for $14.

6. Knit cropped cardigan

Model wearing knit checkered cardigan.

So, if this were 50 years ago, you’d be one of the tough girls, huh? Vintage isn’t all about gems and feathers and lace — it’s also about pattern and cut. Enter the checker cardigan. Strong pattern and no fuss. Love.

This one’s available at Zara for $49.

7. Lace shrug

Pink lace shrug on mannequin.

One of the hardest things about the dress-up season is figuring out what to wear over your dress (without ruining the whole I-dress-like-this-all-the-time illusion). Of course, it’s not just for dress up — a vintage-inspired lace shrug or bolero would look super cute over a tank with jeans too. Versatility is always on trend.

Pick up this one at Boscov’s for $25.

8. Polka dot top

Model wearing green top with polka dot detail on sleeves.

Nothing says vintage quite like polka dots. In some uses, the pattern can be a little over-the-top, though. To make dots more wearable, look for a textural or monochrome design, like CeCe’s clip dot design shown above.

This top, available at Macy’s for $69, is a tad splurgy. But it’s a beautiful application of retro style — bold color, dot detail, and gathered sleeves.

9. Art deco earrings

Jeweled earrings in an art deco style.

Art deco style is best worn in small doses — otherwise you risk looking like a disco ball. That small dose can easily be an earring, like this green jeweled number available on Amazon ($25).

You could dress them up, but I like the idea of wearing them with a sweater, jeans and booties. Because effortless is my favorite kind of chic.

10. Feathered hair clip

Model wearing retro feathered hair clip.

I love a veiled hat, but wearing one can feel like I’m an extra on movie set (it’s on my bucket list, but still). A veiled, feathered hairclip, however, delivers the right amount of vintage without the fuss. You can get this one for $17 on Amazon.

4 retro fashion style hacks

If you’re drooling over these fun retro pieces, but also wondering how the heck you can work them into your wardrobe — I have you covered. Read on for four easy tips for wearing retro.

Mix up the decades

Some women look great dressed all in one decade, but I’m not one of them. I like to play around with the eras around a little. A blouse from the ’40s can look amazing tucked into a skirt from the 1990s. Just as a 1970s’ clog can update a 1950s’ sundress in a heartbeat.

Throw in something new

Head-to-toe vintage is fine, but I like adding one new thing — even if it’s only a necklace or bag. Shoes are the best, though. Especially when they’re a bit crazy and unexpected.

Don’t be afraid to alter

Are there exceptions? Yes. If something is extra-old and in pristine condition AND you might want to sell it or keep it on display, then maybe don’t mess with it.

On the other hand, if you own a piece you’ll never wear because it doesn’t fit, then give your tailor a ring. Because sometimes a dress from the 1950s can look way more modern (and chic) with a shorter hemline.

Don’t be afraid to customize

Sometimes when I half-like a retro fashion piece, I look for something I can tweak to make it more me. Maybe it needs a change of buttons or a new collar. If you’re good at sewing (or know someone who is), you can get creative and make new things out of old things.

Where to buy retro

Want more retro style inspiration? Here are a few stores that specialize in vintage-inspired wear:

You can also search for retro pieces on Etsy and Amazon.

Vintage Mens Clothing

Sunday 6th of March 2011

What a spectacular display of vintage/retro pieces! I can't wait to shed the winter coats and start wearing some of these great pieces!

Farrah

Friday 18th of February 2011

Gotta love a good cloche hat! It's nice to see those coming into style. They are so lady like

KC

Wednesday 2nd of February 2011

Love that the '70s are back in this season! I'm so excited for Theodora & Callum's new line. It's inspired by travel and the '60s/'70s. Here is their behind the scenes video on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdcWAtF4J3Q

Nicole

Wednesday 12th of January 2011

Hi there!

We absolutely loved your list affordable retro pieces. What's so great is that these pieces never go out of style. We loved your list so much that we linked to it on our site.

http://www.24savvy.com/?q=articles/01-12-2011/savvy-7-things-to-knowseedo-week-jan-12

Best,

Nikki

24Savvy Team

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