Grandma seemed to have a way of making even a simple outfit look put together. She didn’t need a closet full of new clothes or the latest trends. A pretty scarf, a pearl necklace, a brooch, or a pair of gloves could make an ordinary outfit feel special.
A lot of those accessories also had a story behind them. Maybe they were gifts from a loved one, souvenirs from a trip, or pieces worn for years at weddings, holidays, and family gatherings. Dig through an old jewelry box, and you’re likely to find something that brings back a memory.
What makes these pieces so fun is that many of them still work with modern clothes. Some have come back into fashion, while others never really left. A vintage accessory can add a little personality to an outfit without making it look like you’re dressed in a costume from another decade.
These are some of the accessories Grandma loved that still look great today.
Pearl Strand Necklaces
Pearls have been part of women’s jewelry collections for generations. Many grandmothers had at least one strand tucked away in a jewelry box, ready for church, dinner parties, weddings, or other special occasions.
A strand of pearls can work with a simple sweater just as easily as it can with a dress. Wear one strand for a classic look, or layer different lengths for a more current look.
Vintage Brooches and Pins
Brooches were a common way to dress up an outfit without buying something new. Grandma might have pinned one to her coat, dress, scarf, or hat.
There are plenty of styles to find, from small floral designs to rhinestone clusters, birds, butterflies, and unusual shapes. A single brooch can give a plain jacket or cardigan a whole new look.
Related: Old-School Kitchen Wisdom From Grandma That Still Works Today
Eyeglass Chains
Eyeglass chains were a practical accessory long before they started showing up in fashion stores again. They kept reading glasses close by, which meant Grandma didn’t have to search through her purse every time she needed them.
Today’s versions come in pearl strands, metal links, beads, colorful acrylic pieces, and plenty of other styles. They’re useful, but they can also add something extra to an outfit.
Lace Gloves
Lace gloves were once a familiar sight at weddings, church services, parties, and other dressy occasions. They added a delicate finishing touch to dresses and formal outfits.
Gloves aren’t part of most people’s everyday wardrobes anymore, but lace styles still pop up in vintage-inspired outfits and special occasion fashion. A short pair can give a dress a distinctly old-fashioned look without going overboard.
Related: 17 Things Grandma Kept That Could Be Worth Serious Money Today
Silk Square Scarves
A silk square scarf could do a lot of work in Grandma’s wardrobe. She could tie it around her neck, wear it over her hair, or wrap it around the handle of a handbag.
Vintage scarves with floral prints, geometric patterns, and colorful designs are still easy to work into an outfit. A small scarf can also be a nice way to add color without changing the rest of what you’re wearing.
Cameo Jewelry
Cameo jewelry has a distinctive look. Many pieces feature a carved profile, often a woman’s face, set into a brooch, pendant, ring, or pair of earrings.
Cameos were popular with earlier generations and are still collected today. If you come across one in an old jewelry box or at an estate sale, it may be worth taking a closer look at the materials, maker, and condition.
Tortoiseshell Hair Combs
Tortoiseshell-style hair combs were once a popular way to hold an updo in place while adding a touch of decoration.
Their brown and amber coloring works with many hair colors, and the combs can look surprisingly modern with a simple hairstyle. New versions are usually made from other materials rather than real tortoiseshell, but they keep the same marbled appearance.
Embroidered Handkerchiefs
Grandma may have carried a small embroidered handkerchief in her purse or coat pocket. Some had initials stitched into the corner, while others featured flowers, lace, or decorative borders.
These little pieces can still be used today, but they also make sweet additions to a handbag, gift basket, or vintage-inspired outfit. Monogrammed versions can be especially fun to find in antique shops and family collections.
Beaded Evening Bags
Small beaded handbags were made for nights out, parties, weddings, and other dressy events. Many featured intricate patterns made from tiny beads that caught the light as you moved.
Vintage beaded bags can still be found in thrift stores and antique shops. Some are in surprisingly good condition, especially when they’ve been stored carefully.
Modern designers still make beaded evening bags, so this is one vintage style that never really disappeared.
Gold Locket Necklaces
A locket was often much more than something pretty to wear. Grandma might have kept a photo of a child, spouse, parent, or another loved one inside.
Gold lockets still make meaningful jewelry today. Some people wear vintage family pieces, while others look for old lockets at antique stores and fill them with their own photos.
Vintage Clip-On Earrings
Clip-on earrings gave women a way to wear statement jewelry without pierced ears. Older styles could be surprisingly bold, with rhinestones, colorful stones, oversized shapes, and elaborate details.
Some vintage clip-ons are heavy, but they can still be fun for a special occasion. They also make a good option for anyone who likes the look of statement earrings but doesn’t have pierced ears.
Cat-Eye Glasses
Cat-eye glasses became especially popular during the 1950s and quickly became associated with the fashion of the time. The frames usually sweep upward at the outer corners, giving them a distinctive shape.
Modern cat-eye frames come in everything from subtle designs to bold colors and oversized shapes. The basic silhouette still has that same retro look, but it’s a style that works with just about any wardrobe.
Velvet Headbands
Velvet headbands were a simple way to dress up an outfit without much effort. Grandma might have worn one with a dress, coat, or other dressy clothes.
The soft texture of velvet gives these headbands a more polished look than a basic fabric headband. They also work well during cooler months with sweaters, coats, and other seasonal clothes.
Pearl Drop Earrings
Pearl studs are probably the first pearl earrings that come to mind, but drop earrings offer a little more movement and detail.
A pair of pearl drops can work with a dress for a formal event or with a sweater and jeans for a more relaxed outfit. They’re a nice choice for anyone who likes classic jewelry but wants something a little more noticeable than a simple stud.
Coin Purses With Kiss-Lock Closures
Those tiny coin purses with metal frames and snap closures were once a regular part of many handbags. Some were made from fabric, while others were covered in embroidery, beads, or decorative patterns.
They’re useful for holding coins, small jewelry, or other tiny items, but their old-fashioned look is probably the biggest draw today. A vintage coin purse can be a fun addition to a handbag without taking up much space.
Straw Hats With Ribbon
A straw hat with a ribbon was a familiar summer accessory for generations. Grandma might have worn one while gardening, attending a picnic, spending the afternoon outdoors, or taking a trip to the beach.
Besides adding some sun protection, these hats can give a summer outfit an easy vintage feel. Wide-brimmed styles with simple ribbon bands still look right at home during warm-weather outings.
If you’re lucky enough to find an older one in good condition, it can also make a fun decorative piece for a bedroom, entryway, or garden space.
Related: If You Spot These Vintage Garden Pieces at a Garage Sale, Grab Them Fast
Quilted Leather Handbags
Quilted handbags have been around for decades, and they’re still easy to recognize. The stitched pattern gives a leather bag some texture while helping it keep its shape.
While Chanel made the quilted handbag famous as a luxury item, plenty of other vintage bags used similar patterns. Older quilted leather handbags can still look great with jeans, dresses, coats, and other everyday clothes.
Sometimes Grandma really did know best. Many of the accessories she wore years ago still have a place in a modern wardrobe, especially if you like pieces with a little history.
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