7 Ways to Add More Vintage Style to Your Wardrobe

For years I struggled to find the right vintage style for me. Vintage style is something that everyone else can pull off but me, I thought. Is it because I'm not fancy enough? Am I a fashion failure?

And then, one day, I realized the answer: I was doing too much, too soon. It turns out the key to seamlessly incorporating vintage style into your wardrobe is adding little accents—a pearl necklace here, an A-line skirt there—instead of going over-the-top. Had I known this sooner, it would have saved me many times from looking like I was wearing a Halloween costume. In January.

Below are seven staples that you should consider buying if you want to add more vintage style to your wardrobe. Remember, pick only a few of these to play with, not all of them. And also: There are ways to modernize these items so you don't look like you're at a 1920s murder mystery party. Allow me to explain.

A-line skirts

For a fifties vibe. Keep it current by playing with the fabric and color, like Sarah Paulson's bright red pleather skirt.

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Gloves

Vintage style is a key component to Dita Von Teese's brand. If you're too intimidated by her overall look, consider picking up a pair of dress gloves. They may not work for every occasion, but they'll be a fancy touch on the nights where you want to dress...well, fancy.

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Pearls

A classic never dies—but it can be updated, like the way Angela Simmons layers her pearls here. Audrey Hepburn would approve.

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Puffy sleeves

Sarah Paulson makes a second appearance with her striped prairie blouse. Match with a simple skirt, like Paulson does, or a pair of dark jeans to keep it from feeling costumey.

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Pussy bows

Buy one of these, and you'll be ready for high tea with the queen. Rose Byrne's monochromatic pussy-bow pantsuit here is particularly inspired.

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Ruffle collars

I know what you're thinking: Shakespeare. But matching a ruffle with sleeker items—like a blazer and black skirt, à la Awkwafina—keeps things from looking too Hamlet.

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A good hat

Let's face it: You'll look extra even if you wear a hat like Kate Middleton's with sweatpants. So just embrace the opulence—and scoop up a statement hat for the days when you want to stand out.

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Originally Appeared on Glamour