How to Accessorize Formal Vintage Evening Wear

Accessories such as jewelry, purses, pins, hats, hairpins, and shoes positively accentuate the aesthetic appeal of formal vintage evening wear.  Whether the dress or the accessories are picked out first does not matter because there are so many different styles to choose.

• Consider the time-period that your evening wear reflects.  For example, if you are creating a 1920s flapper style formal outfit, accessorize the dress with a long necklace that is an iconic accessory style for the period. 


• Look at pictures in magazines, books, advertisements, and on the Internet to gain a perspective of the accessories used during the time of the vintage dress.  This includes the shoes that best reflect the dress.  Some dress lengths and cuts appear more or less dramatic with the proper footwear.  Closed toed shoes vs. open toed pumps are amongst the examples.


• Choose accessories like jewelry that match other jewelry and accessories in your collection.  Search for jewelry at antique markets, garage sales, auctions, and online to create a collection from popular eras of fashion. 


• Create an entire look by first shopping for accessories, then look for a dress that shows off the accessories in the best light.  When you find that perfect clutch handbag made in the Hollywood inspired 1930s, but you do not have anything to go with it, consider purchasing it anyway and building an outfit around the handbag. 


• Select an accessory that provides a useful function such as keeping you warm.  Wrap an extra broad sized scarf or shawl around your shoulders to accentuate your 70s style.  Choose a bolo to match a 50s dress, or a long wool coat to keep warm in the 20s flapper inspired evening wear.