{"id":34689,"date":"2011-01-03T06:00:34","date_gmt":"2011-01-03T12:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/?p=34689"},"modified":"2025-10-18T09:30:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T15:30:38","slug":"retro-fashion-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/retro-fashion-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Retro fashion: 10 budget-friendly accessories + essential style tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Trends come and go but there\u2019s always place for retro fashion in my heart. Why? Vintage is classic without being boring and quirky without being…you know, Lady Gaga. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 10 budget-friendly retro pieces that can add some quirky fun to your closet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Beaded headband <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/g>\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/clipPath>\r\n <\/defs><\/svg><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cuff bracelet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Vintage bag <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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This adorable crossbody bag<\/a> 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<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a> at your disposal in just a few days for $26.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

4. Cloche hat <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick it up from JC Penney here<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>, and quick before it’s gone. Then, wear it with a double-breasted belted wool coat and boots. It’s almost too easy. Almost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Sunglasses <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Knit cropped cardigan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This one’s available at Zara for $49.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Lace shrug<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pick up this one at Boscov’s for $25<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Polka Dot top <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This top<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a>, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Art deco earrings <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a> ($25). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Feathered hair clip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a> on Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 retro fashion style hacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mix up the decades<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> can update a 1950s’ sundress in a heartbeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throw in something new<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t be afraid to alter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t be afraid to customize<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes when I half-like a retro fashion piece, I look for something I can tweak to make it more me<\/em>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to buy retro <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Want more retro style inspiration? Here are a few stores that specialize in vintage-inspired wear: <\/p>\n\n\n\n