Vintage Clothing Accessories

Depending on the look you’re going for, you can make any outfit a bit more dapper by adding some vintage clothing accessories. There are great vintage accessories from every era, but to keep your look modern enough that people don’t think you’re on break from the Renaissance Festival or heading to a costume party, we’re going to focus on the 1940s through the 1960s. When accessorizing your clothing, a little goes a long way, so subtle touches like a pair of cool cuff links from the 1950s can be just what you need to make a lasting impression. Here are a few vintage clothing accessories to consider the next time you want to spruce up an ensemble:

1. Suspenders. Add a pair of suspenders to your office garb, under your suit jacket. If you want to project a more traditional image, keep the jacket on. If you run into that cute girl from accounting, lose the jacket and show off your fashion savvy!
2. Hats. For a casual outing, like a Saturday morning coffee shop run, try wearing a simple fedora (sans the feathers) with some jeans and a white T-shirt. Pairing a vintage hat with more formal attire will result in an over-the-top look that will seem much too fussy. By keeping the rest of your outfit simple, you’ll come across as sexy and sophisticated.
3. Ties. If you have to wear a full-fledged suit to work every day, your tie is probably the best chance you have at showing off your individuality through your clothing. Find a unique '40s style swing tie (they are thinner and typically have fun, geometric patterns) to punctuate that boring old suit.
4. Watches. Pair a 1960s-style watch, like the Glashütte Senator Sixties chronograph, which features curved numbers that are a tribute to the swing era, with slacks and a button-up shirt when going out to dinner. For the more adventurous, you can add a pocket watch and vest to your wardrobe and wear them for a night out at a jazz club.

Adding some vintage clothing accessories to your fashion arsenal is a fantastic way to stand out from the crowd. Just be sure not to overdo it or you may end up looking like a bad Humphrey Bogart impersonator! Remember, adding one vintage clothing accessory to your outfit is enough to show that you are a man of impeccable taste and style.