If you’ve ever dug through a well-loved thrift store bin and found a 1960s pearl necklace that makes your entire outfit feel instantly timeless, or laced up a pair of block-heel sandals that transport you straight to a 1970s disco floor, you know that accessories are the secret to nailing a vintage look. As someone who’s spent the last 12 years working as an accessory supplier, I’ve heard hundreds of customers say they struggle to pull off vintage style without looking like they raided a costume closet. The good news is that authentic vintage accessorizing isn’t about wearing every trend from a single decade at once—it’s about curating pieces that feel intentional, balanced, and true to the era you’re channeling (whether that’s the soft femininity of the 1950s, the rebellious edge of the 1980s, or the understated cool of the 1990s). Today, I’m breaking down the best vintage accessories, along with pro tips to mix and match them so you can rock this style without feeling overdone. Accessories
First, let’s talk about necklaces—one of the most versatile vintage accessories, and a piece I source hundreds of orders for each month. The key here is to match the necklace length and style to the decade you’re going for, because a 1960s choker doesn’t belong with a 1970s long-layered pendant, and vice versa. For 1950s vintage looks, thin, choker-length pearl necklaces are non-negotiable. Think creamy, unifi in luster (no overly shiny, fake-looking pearls!) or delicate strand of small, baroque pearls that sit right at the base of your neck. These work with everything from a pencil skirt and silk blouse to a full-circle swing dress, and they add just enough old-Hollywood polish without feeling loud. I often recommend pairing a 1950s pearl choker with small stud earrings—no dangly pieces here, because the 1950s aesthetic was all about neat, tailored details.
If your heart’s set on the 1960s, skip the pearls and opt for mod-style necklaces. These are characterized by bold, geometric shapes—think plastic circles, squares, or rectangles in bright colors like red, black, or white, often strung on thin chains. The iconic Jackie Kennedy-style pearl strand of graduated sizes (larger at the bottom, smaller at the neck) is another 1960s staple, perfect for shift dresses or A-line skirts. My go-to tip for 1960s necklaces is to keep them centered: don’t layer multiple pieces, just one statement necklace that draws the eye to your collarbone. For 1970s lovers, long layering pendants are the way to go. Think chunky metal pendants shaped like moons, stars, or peace signs, hung on delicate chains that hit 2 to 3 inches below your chest. Layer two or three of these (they don’t have to be identical!) for that laid-back, bohemian 70s vibe that pairs so well with high-waisted flared jeans.
Next, earrings—another make-or-break vintage accessory, and a category I’ve built my supplier business around, because so many people struggle to find authentic, high-quality vintage earrings that don’t fall apart after one wear. Let’s start with the 1950s again: small, stud earrings made of white or yellow gold, or soft gemstones like small rubies, sapphires, or pearls. These are understated, elegant, and perfect for formal or semi-formal looks. For a more casual 1950s vibe, tiny gold hoops (no bigger than a dime) work great too, paired with a cardigan and jeans for a sweet, retro feel.
Moving to the 1960s: this is the era of statement hoops. Medium-sized hoops (about an inch or an inch and a half in diameter) in gold or silver metal, sometimes with a little enamel detail or a small rhinestone in the center, are ideal for pairing with mod dresses or turtlenecks. If you want to go extra bold, 1960s clip-on earrings are a total staple—most people avoid clip-ons because they’re uncomfortable, but the vintage ones from the 60s and 70s are designed to sit securely without pinching. I source high-quality reproduction clip-ons that replicate the original 1960s design, so you get that authentic look without the discomfort. For the 1970s, dangle earrings are a must. Think long, thin metal dangles, beaded tassel earrings, or even macramé-style drops that add a boho, free-spirited touch. Avoid tiny studs here—1970s earrings are all about movement, so pieces that sway when you walk are perfect.
Bags are the third category of vintage accessories that can make or break your look, and this is one I always emphasize to my retail and boutique clients. A vintage outfit can be spot-on, but a modern crossbody bag will throw the whole vibe off. For 1950s looks, small structured handbags called "car purses" are iconic. These are tiny, boxy bags made of leather or vinyl, often with a metal clasp on the top, that you can hold in your hand or tuck under your arm. They’re small enough to hold just your lip gloss and keys, which was standard for 1950s women who didn’t carry around giant bags. For a more casual 1950s day look, a small woven tote bag in natural fiber (like straw or rattan) works great, especially for summer.
1960s bags are a bit more playful: boxy shoulder bags made of plastic or vinyl in bright, solid colors, with a long strap that lets you wear them crossbody. These often have a small logo or a fun detail, like a tassel or a metal chain, and they’re the perfect complement to mod dresses. For the 1970s, oversized tote bags and slouchy shoulder bags are all the rage. Leather tote bags with fringe details (lots of fringe!) or woven rattan bags with a wide strap are classic 70s pieces that pair perfectly with flared jeans or maxi dresses. I recently worked with a boutique owner who sold my 1970s-style leather fringe tote bags, and she told me they were her top-selling vintage accessory last quarter—proof that people are still craving that laid-back 70s charm.
Now, let’s talk about the accessories that people often overlook, but which add so much authenticity to a vintage look: belts, sunglasses, and scarves. Belts are huge in vintage styling, especially for the 1950s and 1980s. In the 1950s, wide, leather belts with a large, ornate metal buckle are designed to cinch in the waist of a swing dress or a cardigan over a blouse—this was all about accentuating the hourglass silhouette that was so popular in the 50s. For the 1980s, oversize, statement belts with big buckles, often made of plastic or metal, were worn over blazers or oversized sweatshirts to create a bold, power-dressing look. I source a lot of these reproduction belts, because they’re easy to mix and match with modern pieces to get that retro vibe.
Sunglasses are another essential vintage accessory. The 1950s cat-eye sunglasses, with their upswept outer edges, are timeless—they work for every face shape and add instant old-Hollywood glamour. The 1960s brought aviator sunglasses, originally designed for pilots but adopted by counterculture groups and then mainstream, which are still popular today. For the 1970s, round or square "granny sunglasses" (thick, dark frames) and tinted lens sunglasses in fun colors like pink or blue were staples. For the 1980s, oversized shield sunglasses, which cover most of the face, were all the rage, and for the 1990s, tiny rectangular sunglasses (often with dark lenses) were the go-to for that grunge or laid-back 90s look.
Scarves are the perfect finishing touch for any vintage look, and they’re super versatile. A silk scarf tied around the neck or head is pure 1950s elegance—think Audrey Hepburn-style, with a small silk square tied in a neat knot at the neck or a bow on the top of your head. For the 1960s, a larger scarf tied around the handle of your handbag or worn as a belt can add a pop of color to a mod outfit. For the 1970s, a large cotton or linen scarf worn as a head wrap or tied around the waist over a maxi dress is perfect for that boho vibe. I often recommend scarves to my customers who want to test out vintage style without committing to a big piece—they’re affordable, easy to style, and can change an entire outfit with just one addition.
Now, a common mistake I see people make when accessorizing vintage style is overdoing it. For example, wearing a 1960s mod necklace, 1970s dangle earrings, and 1980s wide belt all at once will look like a costume, not a curated vintage look. The rule of thumb is to pick one decade as your inspiration, then stick to accessories from that era, with maybe one small nod to a related era if you want. Another mistake is wearing overly shiny or fake-looking accessories—authentic vintage pieces have a subtle patina or wear that gives them character, and reproduction pieces that are high-quality will replicate that without looking cheap. For example, a vintage pearl necklace might have a slight yellow tint (from age) that makes it look more real than a brand-new, perfectly white pearl necklace, so I always encourage customers to look for pieces with that subtle, lived-in character.
As an accessory supplier, I’ve worked with hundreds of designers, boutique owners, and individual customers who want to incorporate vintage accessories into their collections or personal style. The demand for high-quality, authentic vintage-style accessories has grown a lot in recent years, as more people look for sustainable, timeless pieces that don’t feel disposable. Unlike fast-fashion accessories that break after a few wears, vintage-style pieces are made to last, which is why they’re such a popular choice.
If you’re a boutique owner looking to stock accessories that your customers will love, or an individual who wants to create a vintage look for an event, a photoshoot, or just everyday wear, we can help. We source and produce high-quality vintage-inspired accessories that replicate the best of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, from necklaces and earrings to bags and belts. Each piece is designed with attention to detail, so you get the authentic vintage feel without the high cost or risk of buying vintage pieces online that turn out to be low-quality or fake. Our team works closely with clients to understand their needs, whether you’re looking for small quantities for a boutique or bulk orders for a major event.
Low Voltage Distribution Cabinet If you’re interested in learning more about our vintage accessory collection, or would like to discuss a custom order for your business or personal needs, we’d love to hear from you. Connect with our team to start a conversation about how we can help you incorporate timeless, vintage accessories into your style or your inventory.
References
- Byrdie. (2023). "The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Accessories for Every Decade."
- Vogue. (2022). "How to Accessorize Vintage Outfits Without Looking Costume-y."
- ThredUp. (2021). "The Rise of Vintage Style in 2020s Fashion."
- Fashion History Timeline. (2023). "1950s, 1960s, 1970s Fashion Accessory Trends."
- WGSN. (2023). "Sustainable Fashion: The Demand for Reproduction Vintage Accessories."
Nanjing Aubo Electric Co., Ltd.
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